Staff Senate
Executive Committee Meeting
Minutes
March 21, 2002
I.
Call to Order - Linda Beall called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. In
attendance were: Linda Abresch, Linda Beall, Mike Burton, Michael Elliott, Nancy
Isaacs, Judy Lowe, Mary Luke, Donald Pryor, Alan Selser, Melanie Stefursky, Donna
Test and Vaughn White. Absent were: Marvin Ames, Maggie Cohea, Dave Gutoskey,
Ross Leisten, Marylane McGlinchey, Kevin Mann, Tammy Trivits and EstellaYoung.
Guests in attendance: James Brittingham and Allen Davis.
II.
Minutes – Melanie Stefursky
Motion by Linda Abresch, seconded by Mike Elliott, that the Minutes of the
March 1 meeting be approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
Chair’s Report – Linda Beall
Linda reported that Dr. Dudley-Eshbach will address the April 2 University
Forum at 3:30 p.m. One topic will be Discipline Policy. Linda urged all senators to
attend the Forum meeting. Since the Chair will be out of town on April 2, Allen Selser,
Vice Chair, will give the report of the Staff Senate at this meeting.
III.
IV.
Policy on Shared Governance - Alan Selser
A.
With regard to shared governance, Selser stated that we should :
1.
Get standard procedures for constituency input for any future policy
changes.
2.
Offer suggestions/modifications to policy and seek official responses (this
is where we can make the biggest gain in reaffirming our commitment to
the staff).
3.
Begin drafting proposals of other policy ideas that our constituents are
concerned about (reinforcement of #2).
B.
Academic Long Range Planning Committee – Committee has been
restructured. Staff Senate will form an ad hoc committee to be part of the
planning process strategic plan of the University.
V.
Progressive Discipline Policy
Ad Hoc Committee will be formed to study the former and present policy
progressive discipline policy, as well as review the policy of Board of Regents.
Committee members are: Linda Abresch, Mary Luke, Judy Lowe and
Donald Pryor. Linda Abresch will serve as chair.
Linda Abresch will solicit ideas/ suggestions from senators as well as other
campus staff . Committee will meet and review the new policy. A special
meeting of the Staff Senate is set for Thursday, April 4 at 2 p.m.
Human Resources Manager Position – Donna Keener has requested a senator
to be part of the search committee for this reorganized HR position.
Donald Pryor and Nancy Isaacs volunteered. Pryor was elected by ballot.
Motion by Mike Burton, seconded by Alan Selser, that Nancy Isaacs will
serve on the search committee should Donald Pryor be unable to serve. Motion
carried unanimously.
Computers – Donna Test
Computers are being recycled at Towson. SU is honoring requests from local
non profit organizations. Computers are going directly to the individual schools – not
through the school board(s). Donna will follow up with John Yarborough and Bill
Pennewell. Pennewell will be invited to attend next meeting of the Staff Senate.
VI.
Theatre Policy – Mike Burton
Mike Burton will create a letter addressing concerns related to change in theatre
ticket policy. Burton will bring draft to next meeting.
VII.
VIII. Staff Picnic – Melanie Stefursky
Picnic Committee held third meeting.

Revised menu was presented by Kelli Delgado of University Dining.
$400 tent charge will be waived if volunteers help set up/dismantle tent.

Ellen Zinner will solicit volunteers.

Night shift staff, who are unable to attend picnic, will be treated to picnic
foods during their evening shift at 10 p.m. in the Caroline Room.

Mike Burton has agreed to assume responsibility for obtaining prizes for
give-aways and game prizes.

Ellen Zinner will arrange for a presidential announcement of the picnic.

Melanie Stefursky will price out balloons and work with Tracy Hajjir on
door prizes.

Marvin Ames and Becky Rosing will arrange for games.

Mike Elliott will set up LasVegas equipment.
Next meeting set for April 15.
IX.
Dr. Anthony Jemison
Dr. Jemison serves as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Initiatives
and Affirmative Action. Dr. Jemison shared his vision of understanding and respect for
all members of the Salisbury University community. Jemison is currently holding
seminars for students and staff, advising students on the new multiethnic student
newspaper, Evoke and working with Multiethnic Concerns Committee, which serves in
ad advisory capacity. Jemison plans to hold a town meeting for campus community and
asked for ideas on what issues should be addressed. Jemison will be invited back to
conduct a special session for Staff Senate.
X.
Unfinished Business
A.
BOR Awards – President will recognize all nominees for the Board of
Regents Award at a time to be announced.
B.
Jury of Peers – Donald Pryor will take suggestions/ideas for the
establishment of a “jury of peers.” Senators are to provide input.
XI.
Committee Reports –
A.
CUSS reports – Donna Test (See attached)
B.
Compensation and Benefits – Donna Test
Recognition of BOR nominees to be recognized by President
C.
D.
E.
Staff Development and Training – No report
Membership and Elections – No report
Communications and Public Relations – Mike Burton
Committee met and materials distributed. Committee will work on
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 a.m.
Attachment: CUSS Report
CUSS MEETING
MARCH 19, 2002
COPPIN STATE COLLEGE
Report from the USM HR
COLA – Off the table
Merit – Still on the table; May be in the form of a Bonus with a delay of 10
months
SHELRB
Neutrality Provision - Discussion continuing on Institutions taking a neutral
position
Attorney General’s office has person assigned to the Board. John Anderson
is preparing a draft that will be shared with CUSS. There are questions as to
the role of CUSS and staff senates. SHELRB can say what CUSS can’t do,
but not what CUSS can do. CUSS has legal codification, but the staff senates
do not, CUSS is an advising group not a bargaining agent.
Health Benefits
AFSCME and State Employees are negotiating. There is a possible increase
in the Prescription Co-pay. The average of the breakdown on the state and
the employees’ share of the costs of health benefits is State 80%, employee
20%. Increases in cost are attributed to vendors raising their prices.
Union Negotiations – It is not known if the results of AFSCME and State
Employees will effect the Institutions as to benefits for this year.
Discussion on PMP, PRD & PDP - CUSS is going to revisit the issue. Purpose
of the Program; Procedures for accountability; Discussion on 360-degree
model.
Chairs Report
SHELRB Meeting – De-certification language of current regulations. Staff will
be given an opportunity to review the language.
Regulations on shared governance is being adopted.
Committee Reports
Benefits – EAP Recommendation – Why is it necessary?
1. Mandated by Policy
2. Employee Health & Welfare
3. Efficiency and morale of the work force.
Benefits – EAP Program
1. Obtain status of each school
2. Models – UMCP & UMB
3. Language of what an EPA should look like
Legislative Affairs
HB1283 – Employee information available to the Unions
Current – home address, phone numbers and E-mail banned
Need to define “certain information” in language
Plaques will be given to the Chancellor and Donald Tynes at the next CUSS meeting
to be held at Hidden Waters.
The position of Director of Human Resources for the System will be posted in July.
Jim Sandstrom is the Acting Director.
Discussion on Newsletter – It was determined that it will go to print
BOR raised the parking fees at UMCP, UMB, UMBC, Towson the highest is UMB
@$1,000 per year.
Donna Test
CUSS Non-exempt Representative