Classified Staff Council Minutes

Classified Staff Council Minutes

February 6, 2002

KC 105 1:00

Meeting called to order by Jim Becker at 1:00 PM.

1.  Introductions.

2.  Minutes: Motion made by Everlyn Sandoval to table the minutes from December 6, 2001, meeting due to no copies available to review at this time. Motion approved to table minutes until the next meeting.

3.  Power point presentation by Jim Becker: “Where are we going and what are we going to do when we get there?” This was presented at the Statewide liaison council meeting and Jim felt it was also pertinent to the “mission” of the Classified Staff Council. Jim’s presentation was the condensed version of the 5-hour presentation he experienced. Jim focused on “appreciative inquiry” – finding ways to get more of what works and what doesn’t work. At this point, the professional development committee has proven to be “what works” – it is the “best of the best”. He also spoke about the “4D Model” for getting to your goal – Discover, Dream, Design, and Deliver.

a.  Discover – know each other on a deeper level, identify your goals, and where you would like to be.

b.  Dream – Dream big – “amaze yourself” – set attainable goals but not necessarily easy goals – keep raising the bar.

c.  Design – change your “dream” into reality – develop a plan on how to achieve your dream.

d.  Deliver – set your plan in motion.

Jim suggested some “dreams” for the CSC might be to hire a lobbyist to represent the council in order to have more representation in the political forum – i.e. HB1165. Also being involved in more community-based activities like the food drives, coat drives, and the 5K run. Pete Gordon also added his summary of the presentation – he felt the presentation was very motivational. It challenged you to ask ‘What have you as an individual accomplished?’ and to look at three entities – yourself, work and CSC member. A question was raised on whether the original speaker might be able to present this to the CSC at a later time – maybe during Classified Appreciation Week. Jim stated he would look into this.

4.  Announcements: Tamy Callahan from Human Resources gave an update on Pay for Performance. She states the as of June 30, 2002, there will no longer be anniversary increases awarded and that Pay for Performance will be reflected on our July 31, 2002, pay period based on our reviews this month. She received a memo from Troy Eid that discussed the “cost neutrality” concept – which indicates that the “pot of money” that was originally assigned to classified employees anniversary increases of 5% may now be spread over a larger population to include faculty and administrators as well. This concept was presented to Dr. Kaplan on February 6, 2002, and a decision was not made by the time of the CSC meeting. Historically classified staff received a salary survey and anniversary increases whereas faculty and administrators only received 3%. Dr. Kaplan has to pay something under the “cost neutrality” law but at this time whether the money will be reserved for classified staff exclusively or not has not been determined. Tamy Calahan stated that any classified staff employee can email her at mailto: with their comments and she will forward the condensed the remarks without any names attached to Dr. Kaplan.

5.  Standing Committee Reports:

a.  Staff Advisors and Classified Staff Mentoring – Mark had nothing to report but Charlotte Baker did state that she has been aware of classified staff using this service. Tamy Callahan suggested using the Human Resources ergonomic assessment program to help promote the mentoring program. She thought that someone from the mentoring program could volunteer to help assess an employee’s workstation and in turn inform the employee of the service.

b.  Constitution, Bylaws, and Elections - Pete Gordon reported that March will begin the organization process and April/May will be ready for elections.

c.  Professional Development – Everlyn Sandoval reported that Health Sampler was just completed. “Self Esteem in the Workplace” is the next project with the MSCD Counseling Center. In March, they will be working with the Counseling Center again for “Assertiveness in the Workplace”. In April they are looking at having a workshop in the St. Frances Center for “workplace fun for motivation” and June the focus will be the end of year picnic.

d.  Scholarships – Charlotte Baker reported that 3 scholarships were awarded – one $500.00 and two $250.00 – she did not have the names at meeting time.

e.  Social Events – Jim Becker announced that the end of year picnic would be late April or early May.

f.  Ways and Means – Jim reported that the target date for the 5K run might be during Fall Fest.

6.  Pete reported that Troy Eid stated that 500-600 positions per year are going from classified to exempt and that he (Troy) does not see this slowing down. As an exempt employee there is no PERA benefit and employment is and at-will contract. Classified employees have PERA benefit and more job security.

7.  Jim Becker asked for those council members present their opinion regarding HB1165. Mark stated that in a CFPE mailing that there was no classified position on the advisory board. He quoted ‘Jo Romero said lobbyist would push for friendly amendment” to add a classified member on the board. He was also concerned that only eight members were on the board, which would not allow for a “tiebreaker” if needed. If a classified member was on the committee then that individual could be a “tiebreaker”. After listening to the council members present Jim stated that he would send an email to the Met and Dr. Kaplan simultaneously to inform Dr. Kaplan of the CSC’s position with HB1165 – we are for emancipation but need representation on the board.

8.  Meetings will now be on the first Wednesday of each month in King Center 105 from 1:00 –2:00.

Meeting adjourned at 1:04 PM