STAFF EMPLOYEE’S COUNCIL
DATE: October 17, 2000
Melton Media Room, Journalism Building
REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Camilla Allen, Janis Bennett, Val Chappel, Lisa Farmer,
Kristy Forbes, Curtis Funk, Judy Hamilton, Jodie Helman, Kathy Hoffman, Helen Johnson, Lisa
Johnson, Nezzera Kemp, Michele Krick, Diane Krutz, Ginger Miller, Michelle Palton, Maxine
Steffens, Terry Torvinen, Peggy Troupe, Susan Warren, Diane Yohey
ADVISORS: Bob Martin (present) and Stephanie Flatt (excused w/proxy)
VISITORS: Rose du Plessis (Social Work Dept), Valerie Thomas (Chemistry), John Davis
(EHS)
REPRESENTATIVES ABSENT: Marianne Fuller (excused w/proxy), Liz Gadsden (excused
w/proxy), Brenda Quihuis, Lucy Rice, Lori Rountree, Kendall Stagg, Linda Spezia, Emelita
Weldon (excused)
I.
Minutes
Val Chappel asked that the last paragraph of the September Food Service minutes be revised to
reflect the following: The ground floor of the new Student Services building is designated as a
new eating area similar to the Wolfs Den to accommodate everyone.
Changes to the September 19, 2000 minutes were noted and approved with revisions.
II.
Guest Speaker
Carole Anderson, Employee Development Specialist with the Office of Continuous Quality
Improvement at UNR, spoke with us regarding her plans and asked for the councils input on new
employee orientation. Carole came to us from the University of Colorado where she created a
new employee orientation lasting most of the day that provided new employees with “survival”
skills for their first six months on campus. Carole believes the more informed and familiar an
employee is with the system and their work environment, the more likely they are to stay. She
solicited ideas from the council to help her achieve the highest quality of new employee
orientation possible. When brought up that several current employees were still uninformed on
employment matters and asked if they would be able to attend her orientations, Carole stated her
goal included current as well as new employees and encouraged attendance by all.
While in Colorado, Carole worked with several campus employee councils. Her role was to
organize retreats and to aid these councils with techniques to work together to focus on what to
accomplish and set action plans. It was agreed by the SEC Executive Board (and approved by VP
Ashok Dhingra) to begin next months meeting one hour early to allow Carole to come in and
assist this council to do the same. VP Dhingra’s office will be sending out letters to council
members’ supervisors approving the extra time to attend next months meeting.
Meggin McIntosh, Director of Excellence in Teaching Program and Karen Coe-Shirley,
Program Assistant for Excellence in Teaching Program, spoke to us regarding a Time
Management Workshop that Dr. McIntosh is offering on Friday, November 17th from 8:30-4:30.
Dr. McIntosh, along with her assistant, attended the workshop offered by Franklin Covey. The
workshop impressed Dr. McIntosh so much that she became certified to teach the workshop and
will now offer them on campus to staff and soon to administrators. The cost is $125 (an education
institution discount) and Dr. McIntosh encouraged the council to contact staff to solicit support
from departments to pay for the training. The cost of the training will cover lunch and workshop
materials. Upon being asked who were eligible at the discount price to attend the workshop, Dr.
McIntosh stated she had explained the varying types of employees and volunteers on campus and
indicated all were welcome to attend the seminar under the discount price.
III.
Chair’s Report
Chair Helman reported on her findings as to which committees were still considered active. The
Child Care Committee is active, however, the name will be changing to Working Family Task
Force with the contact person being Maggie Ressel. The University Security Committee will also
be changing their name, but have yet to decide or announce the new name. NCAA is not meeting
at this time as they are a committee that meets approximately every 2 years. The Faculty Staff
club is not currently meeting due to lack of staff and faculty interest. Chair Helman is continuing
to look into the Gender Relations and Status on Women committees
IV.
New Business
Committee Reports
Affirmative Action: Did not meet
Arboretum Board: Hettich Garden: Motion raised and approved to complete project.
Dedication to take place on 11/3/00 in front of Frandsen Humanities. Student Services
Center: Motion raised and approved to complete project. Kleiner Grove: Project on
hold to compare stone pavers vs. concrete. Linskie Garden: Project on hold. Motion to
pursue further design for project.
Classified Employee Recognition: Two awardees were selected for November. Bob
Martin was asked to give this committee a replacement for clerical assistance as Alice
from Personnel has left the university. The SEC committee was asked what they thought
about the Employee Recognition Committee somehow recognizing the names of
employees that did not make the final selections for Employee of the Month.
Classified Employee of the Year: Will not meet again until later in the year.
Classified Staff Development Fund:
This committee is entirely composed of new SEC representatives. Lisa Farmer
volunteered to chair the committee. Marianne Fuller and Kathy Hoffman supported the
suggestion. The committee briefly discussed what functions the CSDF serves. Lisa
Farmer had been in contact with Debi Dearman and Teena Tuttle. She conveyed the
purpose of the CSDF as told to her by the previous committee members.
Three applications were received via former Chair Pompei. After reviewing the
applications, the committee approved reimbursement for two of the applications. The
remaining application was denied because it could be covered under the Classified Fee
Waiver in the future.
Kathy Hoffman inquired as to whether or not the committee could post the application on
the SEC website. Lisa Farmer will provide a document form of the application to add to
the website before the next committee meeting.
The committee is unsure about how the funds were generated to start the program and
how they are replenished. Kathy Hoffman agreed to call Foundation to find out what
some of the committee’s options may be. All agreed that the focus of the remaining
semester for the committee should be to gain exposure throughout campus. Plans for
future advertisement were discussed and will be further expanded at the next committee
meeting scheduled for October 16.
Compensation:
Introduction of Committee members
Choosing of Chairperson – Ginger Miller
Overview of Committee provided by past chairperson, Joyce Duncan
Roundtable discussion of past/present/future goals and upcoming legislative session
Roundtable discussion of SNEA’s Legislative Program (Copy of program to be provided
to each member by chair.)
Pay Package – Retention bonus
COLA for 2001
COLA for 2002
Increase in pay plan steps
Special pay increase for certain job classes
Insurance
Longevity
Flexible account for parking, license fees, etc.
(Requested that chair find out if membership dues for professional organizations
would/could be included)
Setting of goal prioritiesSuggested that everyone think about what they feel should be the committee’s
goals and then come to the November meeting prepared to discuss goals and set
priorities. After goals are identified and agreed upon, they will be prioritized and
each committee member will pick a priority to research, prepare background
history, and present to the committee in December their suggestions and
recommendations as to how to proceed in preparation for the upcoming
legislative session.
Education Leave Stipend: To meet later in the week
Facilities Planning and Management:
Action Items: From the Board meeting on September 12, 2000
Sanford Center - Request of Office Space: The board reviewed a request from the
Sanford Center regarding need for additional office space. Jean Perry reported that
Facilities Management had looked at the old classrooms in the Nelson Building to
determine if one or more of these poorly-utilized, tiered classrooms might be renovated
into office space for the center. Costs have been estimated at $25 - $50,000 to renovate
the room into about eight small offices, including altering or removing the tiered flooring.
The board asked Buzz to have his staff take another look at the rooms. Perhaps a specific
renovation plan might be developed for the board to consider to make the room usable as
office space for the center. The board tabled further discussion of the request until the
next meeting of the Board when a preliminary plan might be available for review.
From the Board meeting October 10, 2000
The Board is proposing that the old classrooms be converted to office space (renovated)
for use by the Sanford Center, who say they still have seven people working out of their
home or the trunks of their cars. Facilities Management will have more information
regarding the rooms that are being requested for office space at the November Board
Meeting.
Action Items: From the Board Meeting September 12, 2000
History – Request to name Mack Social Science Room 242 for John and Marie Noble:
The board discussed the request from the History Department to name a classroom (MSS
242) in honor of John and Marie Noble, who have been significant financial donors to the
department. The board was unclear about the review and approval process regarding
such a request, or the policy regarding dedication of specific rooms to specific donor.
The board asked Patricia Richard to check with the development office and bring forward
any policies that might be pertinent to this issue at the next meeting of the board.
From the Board meeting October 10, 2000
Patricia Richard reported on information regarding requesting to name Mack Social
Science room 242 for John and Marie Noble. The room they want to name is a classroom
not assigned to the department. The Board wants the department to honor the donors in a
room that “belongs” to them (assigned to them) to prevent any confusion about who has
priority in the scheduling of classrooms in MSS.
Action Items: From the Board meeting October 10, 2000
Advisement Center – Request for Space: Bill Cathey from the Advising Center came
before the Board requesting space. Student Affairs and Student Services are establishing
and Advising Center to serve students who have not declared a major and to coordinate
undergraduate advising that is done by current groups in the colleges. Staffing for the
Advising Center is expected to be complete within the next few months. Space is
required for offices and a reception/computer area. The plan is to have an office for the
Director, and office for the full-time academic advisor, and an office to be shared by
faculty when they are assisting.
The Board suggested the basement of Clark (where admissions and records were) for a
temporary home for the Advisement Center. Student Services was mentioned as a home
for the advisement Center. Skip Records said he thought the Student Services Center
space is all accounted for. Dave Hansen, who is working with Bill Cathey on this project
was not present. After hearing Bill’s and Boards concerns about where the Advising
Center should be housed, it was tabled to discuss this more at the next meeting when
Dave Hansen was present.
College of Education – Statue on West Lawn - American Education Week: Board tabled
to discuss this issue at the next Board meeting. Need more information on what type of
statue, permanent or removable.
Action Items: From Board meeting of September 12, 2000
University Police Building and Military Science Trailer – Name Change: Gary Bishop
reported a request to rename these two buildings so that their name no longer reflects that
of the departments that previously occupied the building. The board approved
recommendations to rename the University Police Building to the Evan Street Building,
and to rename the Military Science Trailer, the Evans Street Annex.
Update from September 12, 2000 Board meeting
It was reported from members of the board that NYSP has moved into its assigned space
in the Evans Street Annex, and that Extension is putting together its plans to move into its
assigned space in the Evans Street Building in October. Buildings & Grounds is the
process of renovating the remainder of the Evans Street Building to accommodate dry
storage and offices for the Facilities Management Department.
Action Items: From Board meeting of October 10, 2000
Evans Street Annex – Additional Space for Buildings & Grounds: Buzz requested to the
Board for a request for additional space at the Evans Street Annex. Board approved that
Buzz from Facilities Management be given ½ of the Evans Street Annex (formerly the
Military Science Trailer).
Updates:
Cain Hall – Renovation and Occupancy Plan and Status – Carol Ort reported that the
third phase of renovation will be completed during Christmas break and early spring
semester for the Intensive English office and International Students and Scholars.
Capital Projects Status: Buzz Nelson provided the Board with copies of the monthly
Capital Project Status Report Project Cost.
Discussion Items:
Signage on Campus – More Needed, Getchell Library – Use after new library is
completed, and the master plan are on the next agenda.
Next meeting of the Facilities Management Planning and Management Board is
tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2000 from 2:30-4:30 pm.
Food Services:
Student Services Building Retail Food Area: Design is ready to go. They are waiting for
the area in the building to be ready – floor, walls and utilities. Spring 2001 may be
overly optimistic, but that would be the absolute earliest possibility!
New Hall Dining Commons will be scheduled once Phase II is complete. Phase II
involves completion of the second wing of the New Hall.
Blimpies would like to have soup available during the winter months. Not enough space,
but they are still considering various possibilities.
Always trying for the perfect burger set-up in the Wolfs Den, Burger King seems to be
working well. Wendy’s, McDonalds, In & Out Burger, and some others contacted are
not interested because of low volume. Chartwells could provide an in-house brand of
burgers, probably at a reduced price, but non-recognized brands of burgers do not appeal
to consumers as much.
Wolf Perk is doing okay. There is still slower traffic than they need, but it is early. Still
to complete: Sound system, track lighting and art for walls – hopefully, this week. They
are currently working on all three things. They have distributed coupons for specials:
Smoothies for $1.00 (regular price $2.79); coffee and two cookies for 50 cents. They are
planning a variety of specials to bring students, staff, faculty and others in, hoping they
will want to come back. They currently serve salads, wraps, teas, lattes, espresso,
croissants, muffins, bagels, sweet rolls, etc. and still hope to find the perfect balance for
their menu. GSA and ASUN have been very supportive, both financially and by
encouraging attendance.
Feedback is encouraged to either of the following:
Val Chappel 784-1815 valchap@unr.edu
Russ Meyer 784-1113 rfmeyer@admin.unr.edu
Gender Relations: Did not meet
Parking and Traffic Board: To meet later in the week.
Safety: The meeting began with the passing around of the Mission Statement for the
Safety Committee. Copies are available for anyone interested.
Each Department on campus is tasked with having a Contact Person in case of any
catastrophic event that occurs on campus. This person would be contacted and advised
any information to be passed along to all co-workers. Barbara Klipel, EHS 784-4524
should be notified of the applicable person in each department.
It is the opinion of the Safety Committee that New Classified Employees are not
receiving enough Safety Training. Two items that were discussed are:
-Obtaining copies of PAF forms showing new employees’ job titles and work
performed.
-Contact Continuous Quality Improvement regarding offering training classes.
It appears that everyone was pleased with the new stop sign on Evans. This sign was put
up on a temporary basis because of construction. Facilities Management is working with
the City of Reno to request that the sign stay.
The Promise Card – “Look, Reach, Thank” was given out to 7,500 people. It only
appears that 10% were returned. It was decided to approach Parking Services regarding
giving out card with new parking permits.
The accident report was discussed. This is the report that is generated when staff/students
fill out forms reporting accidents on campus. This report covered over 120 incidents.
SEC By-Laws: Did not meet. Waiting for approval of last year’s by-laws.
SEC Luncheon: The luncheon theme is 2001 A Space Odyssey. Every SEC member is
encouraged to assist in decorating the day of the event. The next meeting is at the Little
Wal on Friday, 11/17 at noon.
SEC Open House:
As the Public Relations Officer, Lisa Farmer was named Chair of the committee. A
suggestion of doing a “Meet and Greet” with President Crowley before his departure
from the President’s Office in December was brought up during the general SEC
meeting. The committee was concerned about the President’s limited availability during
the next couple of months and agreed that there was not enough time to put something
worthwhile together in the limited time left. The committee will ask the SEC for help on
the matter. The committee felt it was a good idea to find out what was already planned
for the President’s departure and possibly borrow some time from another function that
has already been planned.
The two committee member (Jewell Radcliffe and Lisa Farmer) who attended the Open
House discussed some of the pros and cons of the previous year’s event. The committee
brainstormed to come up with ways to avoid some of the items seen as confusing or
unclear at last year’s Open House. Members of the committee also came up with ideas or
plans to draw people in to attending this year’s Open House. Following are some of the
ideas:
Affirmative Action provide information and/or speak
UNR Police also speak or have booth
Combine the Benefits Fair with the Open House
Set up to have university ID cards made
Include off campus vendors (Port of Subs, Credit Union, etc.)
Provide “junk” (pens, post-its, etc.)
Door prizes/Drawing
Greeters at door, inform people of the “travel path”
Short exit survey
Contact last year’s speakers, what kind of questions were asked? How receptive were
people?
Advertise, advertise, advertise
Provide bags (or vendors provide bags) for information collected
Can we get sponsorship from on or off campus?
More food, smaller plates
Distribute flyers explaining “What’s In It For Me?”/”Why Should I Go To Open House?”
More personalized invitations
The number of people who attended the Open House last year was unavailable at the
time, Lisa Farmer will get the information from Vice President Dhingra before the next
committee meeting.
The committee has been assigned to ask around to find out what would make their
constituents attend Open House and report back at the next meeting.
Special Interests: Did not meet
Web Page:
Draft of September minutes on Web HTML and downloadable Word format. Committee
decided word format for archive meetings would be the best format.
About SEC page changed to reflect Tuesday meeting day change
SEC web “Maintained by” link changed to kathy_hoffman@vpaf.unr.edu.
Sec@unr.edu e-mail address changed to be sent to Chair Jodie Helman.
Committee’s page changed to reflect committee member’s names and phone numbers.
Please check your information for errors and notify Kathy Hoffman of changes.
Updated Employee of the Month for August and September.
E-mailed form to committee members to update Representative page. Please check your
information for errors and notify Kathy Hoffman of changes.
Photos to be taken before the October 17th SEC meeting.
Need to update Past Officers page. Page only has chair name back to 1983.
Working Family Task Force (Child Care):
Introductions
Kelly Bates is the new employee scheduling parent meetings, maintaining parent lists,
etc. She works Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Sherry Waugh announced that she is currently the Acting Chair of Human Development
and Family Studies.
Future meeting dates were scheduled for the 3rd Friday of each month, Noon-1:00 in the
Sandra Neese Conference room . (10/20, 11/17 and 12/15)
Old Business
11th St. Oven – Some parents were concerned about the 11th St. oven and a burning smell.
The oven has been looked at, and cleaned and the staff thinks the smell was from the
baking of the play dough and some of it dripping onto the heating coils.
Students (Who/What/Where?) – Some parents are concerned about the amount of
students at the centers. They don’t know who is who, when they are there, etc. Sherry
said that a staff member is taking photos and there will be an Illustrated Directory and
Display Board posted at each site. Also, if they are “paid” students. As student’s
schedules change, it is hard to have them at the same times. Sherry said they have a very
high enrollment this year.
Staffing Pattern (lead teachers & students)
Sherry mentioned that last semester, the staff was working 4-10 schedules. This didn’t
work out very good due to sick/annual leave and coverage. They have changed this
semester and are still working with schedules, staff vs. students.
Toddler Sleeping Mats
It was suggested by Kelly that at the main center they try using floor mats for naps
instead of cots. She was suggesting this for the age when a child goes from a crib to a
bed. Sometimes the transition is hard and the child falls off the cot, not going back to
sleep. The cots are only a couple inches high. The mat would be used all week and then
taken home by the parent to wash. The parents would purchase these mats. A parent said
she likes the cots, because they always have clean sheets on them each day. Kelly will do
some more research on this.
Parent Communication/Support
It was mentioned by a parent at the 11th Street Center that parents don’t know how their
children’s day went. At the Comstock Center they always received a daily report. Sherry
will see to some type of sheet or white board indicating what the children did during the
day and some type of parent/teacher communication on how well each individual child
did that day.
Halloween Festival
The Halloween Festival was discussed briefly. It will be on Oct. 30 at JTSU, with dinner.
Other Items:
Parents also wanted to remind everyone not to bring their children to daycare if they are
sick. The center will post the guidelines at each site to remind others.
One parent was wondering why at the Comstock site the children brush their teeth after
lunch and the other sites don’t. Sherry said that it is a requirement by Head Start and
since that site has Head Start children, they provide the toothbrushes.
It was also requested that at the Comstock site the snacks be put on plates or napkins, not
directly on the table. Sherry assumed this was already being done and will speak with the
lead teachers.
Election Committee: Did not meet
V.
Open Discussion
Shirley Boyd (Controllers Office) approached the Executive Board in regards to a Blanket Drive
on campus for the poor and homeless in the area this winter season and the possible participation
by the SEC. The Executive Board approved the matter and also discussed the possibility of a
contest between divisions to be tracked on the SEC website. Questions as to the tracking, delivery
and drop-off/holding area for the blankets were going to be addressed by Lisa Farmer who stated
she may be able to hold the blankets in the Printing Services building.
Dr. Shirley Chater, Senior Consultant, Academic Search Consultant Service contacted Chair
Helman and asked that she recruit five SEC representatives (including herself) to meet with her in
regards to the search for a new president for the university. Dr. Chater is looking for staff insight
on the future of the university, and views on the kind of leadership we are seeking. Chair Helman
asked, Ginger Miller, Cami Allen, Victor Atkocaitis, and Peggy Troupe to attend the meeting with
her.
Cami Allen brought up the idea of a SEC scholarship for students. Having two bake sales a year
to fund the project was suggested. Due to the number of visitors wishing to speak on specific
matters, a motion was made and seconded to table the matter for the next meeting.
The matter of the change in healthcare coverage for employees under Hometown Health Plan was
brought before the council by Rose du Plessis (Social Work) , and the possible detrimental effect
on employees was expressed. Rose stated she was able to obtain information stating that
Hometown Health Plan will be switching over to St. Mary’s Health Plan. Rose made reference to
contacting the Teamsters Union for support and as a way to obtain collective bargaining for
classified staff.
Bob Martin stated that while he had also heard the possibility of the Hometown Health Plan
changing, he had not received official word at that point. He did explain that periodically, the
State of Nevada initiates a health insurance positive enrollment for state employees. Positive
enrollment requires staff to re-enroll in their insurance plan of choice rather than it being assumed
that if you are happy with your plan, you will continue on that plan. Failure to enroll in a plan
may cause you to be placed into a plan that would cover you alone, not your dependents. At the
request of Rose du Plessis, Bob Martin stated he would look into the matter further and report
back any findings. Rose also encouraged council members to keep in contact with their
constituents as she, until recently, was not aware of the happenings or existence of the SEC. Rose
suggested e-flyers with announcements to constituents.
Ginger Miller stated she had also heard of the change to the Hometown Health Plan and
subsequently contacted Jan Marie Reid, Executive Director, Public Insurance Board. In a letter
Ginger brought from Ms. Reid, confirmed that Hometown Health will no longer be offered as an
HMO network and that St. Mary’s will be the replacement. The letter also went on to say that
several changes will take effect at the beginning of the year to our health plan.
Several questions regarding the details of the changes being made were asked. It was
recommended that each representative notify their constituents immediately to attend the meeting
benefits meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 24 th. It was also suggested that the
representative relay the information given to us about the changes being discussed.
Valerie Thomas approached the council and asked if something could be done to open up parking
spaces in the Silver 8 parking area. The area has been used a “dumping ground” for building
supplies and has limited the number of spaces available to park in for some time. Valerie was
referred to the Parking Committee (Judi Hamilton and Diane Yohey) for review.
Ginger Miller asked about the procedure of getting a handicapped parking permit for a silver
permit holder. Ginger was told by Parking Services that DMV issued handicapped parking
permits and asked where those having these permits were allowed and not allowed to park.
Michelle Palton, Parking Services, offered to speak with Ginger after the meeting.
VI.
Meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm
Prepared by:
Approved by:
___________________________
Cami Allen, Secretary
____________________________
Jodie Helman, Chair