Meeting Minutes - May 5, 2004
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
Senators present: Louisa Arriaga, Jana Atkins, Suzanne Bowen, Lovilla Cochran, Alisa Dollar, Kerri Ford,
Sandy Gellner, Eddie Ramirez, Diane Reid, Jake Syma, Dawn Moreno, Chance Dragich, Scott Rubino,
Bryan Carson, Jeff Foxhoven, Ken Gassiot, Brent Guinn, Scott Hall, Gene Bals, Sandy Ellis, Maria
Fernandez, Patrick Hancock, Judy Hunter, Carolyn Kennedy, Susan Kitten, Sheri Lewis, Pat McConnel, Bill
McDonald, David Naugher, Maurice Welch, Everne Williams, Nick Chavez, Rocky Gauna, Evelyn Lemer,
Guadalupe Luna, Maria Vasquez, Estella Barron, Robin Cooper, Gary Johnson, Carol Ann Stanley, Tim
Wolf
Senators absent: Judy Tiner, Evelyn Armstrong, Doug Crocket, Michael Hurlow, Terry Moore, Richard
Verrone, Jeff Burns, Gerald Cunningham
Guests: Donna McDonald, Leticia De Larrosa, Carla Cavender, Bill Davis, Libby Moreland, Erich Gruber,
Cathy Kay, Casey Harmon, Jon Whitmore
Minutes
Motion made to approve March minutes as written made by Maurice Welch, seconded by Patrick
Hancock – motion passed
Motion made to approve April minutes with correction to guest names made by Sheri Lewis, seconded
by Lovilla Cochran – motion passed
Treasurer's Report – Susan Kitten
Report will be submitted next month
New Senator Oath
Taken by Rocky Gauna, Grounds Maintenance, term ending 2006
Committees
Elections – Bill McDonald
Have received several nominations back, should have enough to fill vacancies and still have alternates in
several EEO categories
Communications and PR – Sheri Lewis
Next meeting will take place on May 19, 2004 at 10:00am in the Student Media Conference Center
Director of Personnel, Jim Brown
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/gv.toc.htm .
• Fluctuate due to weekends and holidays that fall on same day
• If a holiday falls on a weekend it cannot be taken
• The University can schedule holidays with the academic calendar
• Board of Regents approves the yearly schedule
• National holidays are observed first
• State holidays are moved around
• President usually observes ½ day at Thanksgiving and Good Friday
• Emergency powers are reserved by state agency
• University CANNOT observe more holidays than state employees
Texas Tech University President Dr. Jon Whitmore
FY2005 budget going to Board of Regents in mid May
A good budget because of the increase of tuition
Another 3% merit will be offered for a total of 6% merit which will be reflected on the October paycheck
for those receiving the increase
The majority of the tuition increase will go back to the students in the form of financial aid
New faculty will be hired with tuition increase monies
New staff in student services with tuition increase monies
New teaching equipment to be purchased with tuition increase monies
Some offices will be going to summer hours to help save utility costs
The budget is positive due to the increase in tuition not an increase in state money
Hopeful for additional funds out of the next legislature
Thank you for participating in the Staff Senate
Items out of the Senate going into effect are:
Better compensation – merit increases
Staff ombudsman position starting in FY05
Time off with pay incentive starting in the fall
Goal for FY05 is communication
Meet as much as possible with the staff
Open Town Meetings at least once per semester
University Newsletter maybe in an electronic format
Develop a Budget Advisory Council which the Staff Senate President will hold a position
President Whitmore presented Chance Dragich a certificate for Distinguished Service from the
President's Office
Announced there would be a reception after the meeting for all Staff Senators
Announcements
Officer elections will take place at the June meeting for the next Senate term. Offices to be elected
would be President – elect, Secretary and Treasurer
Kudos to 2004 Quality Service Awards recipients Jeff Burns, Grounds Maintenance and Robin Cooper,
Grounds Maintenance
Lauro Cavazos & Ophelia Powell-Malone Mentoring Program Mentor of the Year: Everne Williams
Adjourn
Motion made to adjourn by Gary Johnson, seconded by Maurice Welch – motion passed