June Meeting Minutes
June 12, 2013
10:00 – 12:00 GBB L13
Welcome & call to order: President Darlene Samson called the meeting to order at 10:00
a.m.
I.
Roll call: Carol Bates
Attendees: Senators: Andi Armstrong, Carol Bates, Jay Bruns, Lisa Coon, David Crowley,
Matthew Filer, Molly Fishburn-Mathew, Geri Fox, Chuck Harris, Natalie Hiller-Claridge, Lisa
Marie Hyslop, Maggie Linder, Michael Maas, Becky Maier, Maria Mangold, Denise May, Roger
McDonald , Jaylene Naylor, Sandi Nelson, Kathy Reeves, Maryann Robison, Darlene Samson,
Sharon Schneider, Hannah Singleton, Sara Smith, Jimmy Stevens, Brandie Terpe, Maureen
Ward, Angela Weisenberger, Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma, Administrative Associate, Judy
Wellert
Excused: Kristine Csorosz, Gloria Phillip, Kelly Wasson
Absent: Phillip Flukas, Gary Hagler, Kathie Tattory,
II.
Approval of May Minutes: President Samson presented the minutes of May 8,
2013. No discussion. Motioned to approve; seconded; motion carried.
III.
Financial Report: Financial Officer Coon reported that the General Fund still has
$306.50. If necessary, money can be moved to CVC to zero out this account by the
end of this fiscal year so no money will be lost. She also reported that scholarship
money is still being put into the old account. Human Resource is working with the
foundation to switch it over. Motioned to approve the June Financial Report;
seconded; motion carried.
IV.
Old Business:
Bylaws: An updated copy of the Bylaws was sent to all senators prior to the
meeting. Senator Schneider referenced the need to change the capital “T” to lower
case in all references to the University of Montana within the document. Motioned
to approve with the changes; seconded; motion carried. Samson will update the
document to reflect the changes.
Diploma Dash: Senator Ward explained the preliminary expense and income
summary (provided for senators prior to the meeting) for the upcoming race in
September. Discussion ensued regarding how the race proceeds (dependent on
number of entries) should be delegated. The May SS Newsletter states that
proceeds will go to the scholarship fund to support incoming students for the Class
of 2019. Senators voted to split the proceeds 80/20 with 80% going to the
University General Scholarship Fund and 20% going to the SS Scholarship Fund.
Committee Participation: President Samson strongly encouraged all senators to
participate in committee work as their presence and voice contributes strongly to
campus awareness and support of all staff efforts.
V.
New Business:
Staff Senate Executive Officer Elections: Prior to the June meeting, a list of
senators interested in running for office was emailed to everyone. Individuals
running introduced themselves, shared some professional background and told
why they were interested in or what their goals were for the position.
All senators voted and turned their ballots in to Elections Officer May and
Administrative Associate Wellert. New officers for the 2013-14 year were
announced by Samson:
 President – Hannah Singleton, Human Resource Services
 Vice President – Natalie Hiller-Claridge, Campus Recreation
 Secretary – Maggie Linder, Griz Card Center
 Finance Officer – Maureen Ward, Fraternity & Sorority Life
 Public Relations Officers – Andi Armstrong, School of Business
Administration & Geri Fox, School of Law
 Fundraising Officer – Maria Mangold
VI.
SS Committee Reports
CVC – Senator Armstrong passed around a list of options to be voted on for
the July “movie night”. She also announced the June 21st “Lawn Chair
Luncheon”, a family swim in August and other possible activities for
autumn.
Fundraising – In addition to making plans for the September 14th Diploma
Dash, Senator Mangold said the committee is discussing whether to hold
one or two major fundraising activities or several small ones. Each one
requires a lot of time and work.
MUSSA – The MUSSA group talked with the BOR about the role MUSSA can
and should play. The BOR asked that MUSSA be a sounding board
regarding how BOR decisions affect the work of Staff employees and that
MUSSA share best practices across the university system. In the MUSSA
meeting following the BOR breakfast, it was determined that MUSSA should
look at what barriers get in our students way. MUSSA will also be asking
the BOR to consider a third party salary survey for the University system
and will ask for a MUSSA representative to sit on the BOR’s Staff and
Compensation Committee.
VII.
University Committee Reports
The VP for Finance & Research, Mike Reid, put together five working groups
consisting of campus community members to “consider fundamental
changes in how the university operates and how we prioritize our resources
beyond fiscal year 14”. The groups are: 1) Enrollment Management, 2)
Revenue Enhancement, 3) Resource Allocation, 4) Cost Savings, and 5)
Academic Programing. Several senators are participating in these groups
but Samson encouraged everyone to be aware of meetings and get involved
as individual time and schedules allow.
VIII. Guest Speakers
Jace Laakso & Gordy Pace from IT joined the senate meeting at 11:45 to
share information about the upcoming TEDx (Technological Entertainment
Design) Talks September19th. Jace is the Coordinator of the TEDx
Umontana event. A committee of 11 (faculty, staff & community members)
has been evaluating 111 applications for the 10-11 available presentation
slots. They are looking for diverse presentations. Approximately 100 people
will be able to attend the event in person but it will be streamed live and the
first hour will be heard on Montana Live.
Jace announced the Tech Fair coming up September 18th in the UC.
IX.
President Samson extended her thanks to all the senators for their service
during this past year and presented each with a certificate of achievement in
appreciation. New officers begin their duties July 1, 2013.
Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
Next meeting: Staff Senate Retreat, July 10, 2013 10:00 – 1:00; location TBA