Staff Forum Meeting
UC Cardinal Room
May 14th, 2009
Members Present: Roseanna Belt; Leigh Ann Busby; Wiley Danner; Colby Deitz; Virginia
Fowler; Brenda Holcombe; Kim Jamison; Akum Jamir; Tom Johnson; Teresa Killian; Deborah
Lovern; Jed Tate; Donna Welch; Debbie West; Kathy Wong
Members Absent: Anne Aldrich; Lauren Bishop; Lisa Frady; Larry Hammer; Jeff Hughes;
Dianne Lynch; Joe McFalls; Carrie Shuler
Ex-Officio Members Present: Kathy Wong
Jed welcomed everyone to today’s meeting.
The agenda for today’s meeting was approved as submitted.
Minutes of the April meeting were approved. One change was made noting that Kim Jamison
was not absent.
The next meeting of the Executive Committee is scheduled for July 2, 2009 from 2:00 – 3:00
The next Staff Forum meeting is scheduled July 9th from 8:30 – 10:30
Office of Human Resources Report: Kathy reported on the following:
Budget – House has not released their version which will be a post April revenue version.
Tax revenue experienced a 40% decline in April. Expectations are that the House plan
will include between 12% - 20% decrease for UNC system.
Flex Furloughs – was concerned about reactions to 5% cut = 3% mo etc., but there has
not been too much negative communication thus far. Students are exempt from this cut
as are leaves, severance, etc. Hourly/Temp employees ARE subject and they are looking
at wages earned since July to annualize OR take 10 hours off. RIFed employees and
disability payments are subject to this furlough.
All 16 campuses are sending questions and concerns to GA and those are being
sent to OSBM for answers and interpretations. Seeking clarification about pay cuts and
paid time off. WCU’s approach will likely be to piggy back this furlough time with
another holiday. We want to take this time as early as possible for non-teaching
employees. Provost Office will need to consider how to apply this to Faculty. This
effects all state employees regardless of funding source and is only in effect for this fiscal
year. Our salaries will be restored July 1 back to where they were before the reduction.
Longevity is totally unaffected this year. This flex time is “use it or lose it” time off.
HR cannot approve hiring actions effective July 1 at this time.
Health Insurance – 8.9% Increase out of June paychecks for dependant coverage.
Chancellor’s Office Report: could not attend
Staff Assembly Report:
Jed reported on the following:
This month, the SA met via video conference. They hope to have an in-person meeting
this fall, but that is dependant on the budget situation at that time. He mentioned that
Ron Nelson talked to the group about the budget. There was discussion about what a
20% cut might mean knowing there were staff cuts at 8% level already.
Tom reported that someone from UNC-GA HR group talked - presented nothing
new. Discussed Governor’s Exec Order. It was pointed out that UNC-GA was not prenotified of this order. They were as blind-sighted as the rest of the state. SA-HR
committee presented for vote a position letter for Erskin which included (among other
topics) a request for pay increase for state employees. This position letter was not
approved by the SA. It was mentioned that the committee did not expect this requested
pay increase, but felt it was important to keep asking and to continually keep state
employees and their needs and worthiness in front of decision makers’ attention.
Staff Forum Committee Reports:
Human Resources – No Report
Res & Environment - No Report
Public Relations –
They are working on website updates.
Scholarship –
The scholarship committee received 2 applications this year. Due to the
economic conditions, the fund itself does not have the ability to provide
for these to scholarships. In order to allow for these to be awarded this
year, Donna Welch is switching her payroll deduction and writing a $173
check to cover the difference. Lisa wanted members who might also be
interested in changing their payroll deductions to contact her, or contact
Chris Mueller for information on how to do that. There was also mention
of funds donated in memory of Leila Tvedt’s brother which are currently
doing to the Loyalty fund be diverted to the scholarship fund for a time.
Once things stabilize, this would be switched back over.
Governance –
There is 1 seat still vacant after elections, and for the first time ever, there
were 2 run-off elections. The new members will be invited to join us next
month. In July, there will be elections.
Emerg. Asst Fund- Draft to date for Emergency Employee Assistance Fund was presented to
the Senate. Changes were made, and the document was voted upon as
changed. Approved. This will be presented to the Exec. Council May
25th.
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned at 9:40.
Respectfully submitted by:
Deborah Lovern
Secretary