Dickinson State University
Staff Senate Minutes

September 21, 2005, 2:30 p.m.-Klinefelter Conference Room 107

Members present:  Kathy Bercier, Rita Ennen, James Haaland, Dustin Heick, Sandy Klein, Roberta Kudrna, Kathy Lang, Karen Madler, Amy Markwardt, Kathy Obritsch, Twila Petersen, Cecilia Taylor, Sr. Faith Wanner

Members absent:  Laurie Beach, Stacey Buckman, Michael Calhoun, Loretta Heidt, Heather Meek, Kim Thiel

Twila Petersen, Vice President, called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.

Kathy Lang made a motion to adopt the agenda as is; Kathy Bercier seconded the motion; motion carried.

Karen Madler made a motion to approve the minutes as written.  Sr. Faith Wanner seconded the motion; motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Standing Committees:

Continuing Education Committee: 
Twila Petersen reported that a survey was sent out by Joanne Fields to all Staff to get an idea of what types of training sessions staff would be interested in. 

Social Committee:
Roberta Kudrna reported that the committee may do something in December around Christmas.

Hiring Process of Staff Committee:
There is nothing new to report by this committee.

Emergency Procedures Committee:
Roberta Kudrna reported that there is a campus emergency procedures committee composed of Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Business Affairs, Vice President of Student Development, 3 Student representatives, 3 Staff representatives, 3 Faculty representatives, Director of Athletics, Director of University Relations, and Building/Grounds Supervisor.  There is a draft document the campus emergency procedures committee will be working on that Roberta Kudrna handed out to the Senators.  Any suggestions for the draft are to be brought to Roberta or the other Staff Senate representatives.  The committee will meet on 9/28/2005.  There was discussion in Staff Senate about the scope of the procedures. 

Staff Salary Issues Committee:
Kathy Bercier reported that the committee is working to gather more data regarding comparison to other NDUS schools.

Bulletin Board Committee:
There is nothing new to report by this committee.

Job Discipline and Dismissal:
There is nothing new to report by this committee. 

BUSINESS

Old Business:

(1)    Sexual Harassment Policy/Procedures:  No report.

(2)    Staff Recognition Awards Procedure:  Roberta Kudrna provided a handout of the draft proposal of requesting an increase in the award from $1000 to $1500, as well as changing the time period a nominee must have been employed in their current position before being nominated.  There was discussion of the draft proposal and some changes were made.  Loretta Heidt and Twila Petersen will take the final proposal to President Vickers for consideration.

(3)    Staff Training Survey:  Twila Petersen reported that a survey was sent out by Joanne Fields to all Staff to get an idea of what types of training sessions staff would be interested in.

(4)    Meeting Date and Time:  The Senators agreed to hold the monthly Senate meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m.

New Business:

(1)    Senate Retreat:  Twila Petersen reported that the Senate Retreat was held in August.  Representatives from each of the campus senates, Student Senate, Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate met with Dr. Vickers, Dr. McClellan and Mr. Haynes.  Loretta Heidt and Twila Petersen were the Staff senators who attended the retreat.  A variety of topics were discussed at the retreat including the new Academic Success Center, background check on Faculty and Staff, trying to start a pilot of an online newspaper, alcohol education, bulletin boards, and liability issues when transporting International students.

(2)    Campus Senate:  Faculty, Staff, and Student Senators meet once per month with Dr. Vickers and Cabinet.  Some items discussed at the recent Campus senate meeting were the traveling trophy to promote good will with University of Mary, Faculty member tenure issue, number of International Students is up from 116 to 157, retention rate is down – national average is 67%, DSU’s average is 62.5%.

(3)    Other:  Jim Haaland suggested that Staff Senate do something for the Homecoming 2005 Parade.  There was discussion about whether to prepare a float or simply have a vehicle with some magnetic Staff Senate signs.  It was suggested that each Staff senator bring some candy to give out at the parade.  A committee consisting of Jim Haaland, Kathy Bercier, and Twila Petersen was formed to make the preparations for the parade.  They will meet Wednesday, 9/28/2005 at 3:00 p.m.  All Staff Senators are welcome to help with the preparations.  Sandy Klein will get the parade entry form for the committee to complete.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. in Klinefelter Conference Room 108. 

Sandy Klein made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jim Haaland seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. by Vice President Twila Petersen.

Respectfully Submitted,

  

Cecilia Taylor

Staff Senate Secretary