TCU Staff Assembly

Annual Report 2004-2005

2004-2005 Staff Assembly Priorities and Actions:

• Continue to address issues of fair pay, benefits, wage compression, skill-based pay, opportunities for advancement and transfer within the University, and the relationship between performance appraisal and salary increases.

  • Through involvement with and feedback to the Compensation Task Force, recommendations were made to the Chancellor’s Cabinet resulting in a number of new directions – a long-term compensation philosophy, market-based compensation, resolution for compression, transparent salary structure and a commitment to a five-year plan.

  • Carol Campbell presented the budget planning process and, in the Spring, the University’s 2006 budget, including actions taken directly resulting from the Compensation Task Force recommendations.

  • Joint meeting of the Staff Assembly Executive Committee and the Faculty Senate Executive Committee to address the creation of a University Compensation Advisory Committee.

  • Recognized Human Resources for a successful creation of the Health Insurance Consortium (CARES) and the smooth transition to the new program.

  • Evaluated a proposal for a “vacation time buy out” benefit. The Policy Review Committee did not recommend we pursue this benefit as it would compete with the budget priorities addressed by the Compensation Task Force.

• Implement a Staff Assembly Orientation to better familiarize all members with the workings of the Assembly.

  • The Professional Development Committee presented the first Staff Assembly Orientation for all 2004-2005 Assembly members.

  • Encouraged all members to communicate with constituents and provided each representative with a list of the staff members in their divisions. 

• Play a significant role in the University’s new planning initiative - Vision in Action.

  • Many members participated in the September 11th Vision in Action Conference – TCU Promise Symposium

  • A joint meeting of Staff Assembly, Faculty Senate and Student Government was conducted to provide input on the University’s Master Plan.

• Make opportunities to better engage TCU students, faculty and staff.

  • The Assembly learned to dance the line dance to assist Fort Worth’s attempt to have the longest line dance in history.

  • The Assembly became better informed of TCU’s feral cat issues.

  • Student Development Services presented their approach to student programming via Transition Programs.

  • Students challenged representatives on issues of hurtful language by presenting their program More Than Words which is a major component in the freshmen experience. 

• Continue our tradition of community service and staff development.

  • The Assembly created a new standing committee – the College Resource Committee. Its charge: to coordinate efforts to educate TCU employees and their dependents concerning their benefits and the processes entailed in becoming and continuing to be college students. This committee successfully conducted two events for staff with potential students – one for seniors and community college students and the other for younger prospects. 

  • Members continued the long-standing tradition of Reading Frogs, KinderFrogs Easter Egg Hunt, and Race for the Cure.

• Other Accomplishments

  • Assisted with the implementation of Frog Ideas.

  • Amended the By-Laws specifying who is eligible to vote for officers and who is eligible to hold office. Added the Past Chair to the Executive Committee and an annual financial statement to the duties of the Chair.

  • The Professional Development Committee sponsored two Brown Bag Staff Development events– Jingle Bells, Jangled Nerves! Reducing the Stress of the Holidays and Crash Course of 7 Habits for Effective People.