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Date: June 12, 2014
Re: Staff Senate Meeting
Location: Salon Cassia MAIN 2.604
I. Call to order
Meeting started at: 9:05 am
II. Roll Call/Recognition of Quorum
Quorum as met for the meeting – 14 senators
Senators Present: Kayla Dorantes, Dina Guerra, Raquel Vasquez, Antonio Davila, Daniel Perry, Sergio
Chavez, Angelica Coronado, Michael Aldape, Veronica Cortez, Bill Harris, Jennifer McGehee-Valdez,
Yanet McClanahan, Jaime Villanueva, Leo Villarreal
Senators Absent: Mayra Rendon, Mari Stevens, Maria Manzano, Donna Ceglar, Janet Amador
Ex-Officio Member: Ernesto Tusa
III. President-Jaime Villanueva
a. Nominations and Elections- Jaime and Sergio worked on it so it could be forward to each
senator. Leo Villarreal has been moved to the correct section. Please notify Jaime if any
corrections will need to be done. The elections will need to be done before the Staff Senate
Retreat.
b. Schlitterbahn’s Retreat –July 11, 2014
c. Dr. Garcia Despedida – August 28 it will be held but location has not been mentioned. We need
all staff members to attend the event.
d. Message sent to everyone – Email was sent out to everyone to read. Jaime asked the issues and
concerns. As per Michael: his area some understood it as negative, to vague, nothing new,
anxiety level increase in his division. The message was approved by UT System and Legal
Counsel. Michael referred them to the website for further information. Contribute by asking
questions. Jaime comments we have the right to ask questions. Ana Perez asked is there a time
frame to apply or look for a job. As per Jaime, there is no process or anything disclosed to us.
Decisions will be made by Dr. Bailey and transition team. MSA principal and Maggie Vasquez on
time for the process. Dr. Arney commented on the Q and A website. Mid fall 2014, we will know
the process. Juan Andres Rodriguez commented on the process and questions staff may have.
UT Regents website and accompanied by the timeline as per Dr. Arney. Alex – media- process
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will it be to fill out forms/send resumes. A HR will be hired to process all the paperwork. Jaime
commented started building your resume and curriculum.
IV. Approval of minutes1st motion- Bill Harris
2nd motion- Yanet McClanahan
All in favor of the approval of the minutes.
V. Staff Comments
It is an application process. Juan Andres Rodriguez comments on the job preference and those who
qualify for the same job position. The process for faculty was commented by Jaime in the staff meeting.
Mary from Disability Services asked on not having the same position. The job description may change
with the new university. Angie commented we need to know the organizational chart so we have an
idea. Dr. Arney commented the organization chart/structure is under way. Same job – no probation
period. All the job history of the person will follow them. Related experience is job preference. Faculty
were offered a separation package. Job description is important and having university experience is a
plus. Ernesto comments that everyone has an understanding of what is expected. On the other hand,
having to express to one’s family about not having a job next year and going thru the process again.
Space X coming and the medical institution coming to Brownsville. It is a decision the person will make
for themselves as to what is the best decision. Debbie asked on the process on the staff that is
eliminated because of the department he/she is working in. Ernesto gives an example as the President’s
Office. Juan Andres Rodriguez comments on a time frame. Anna Perez commented on what Dr. Bailey
stated the day he came in to meet staff. Alex- media asked if there can be assistance on resume writing,
interview training, skill interview, and intent letter. Bring these resources to campus to help out staff.
Jaime suggested building a skills inventory to highlight your strengths. Change management-UTB and
UTPA and UT Systems Lisa Benson have been meeting for over a month now. How many staff members
for UTB- 365. How many staff members for UTPA – 1400. If there is any questions or concerns, please
forward it to your senators or go to the website. MSA principal – dates on the questions could be
recommended. If there is a specific question just ask Michael Aldape. Laura Hernandez had heard from
other staff members in grant programs were guaranteed their jobs for the new university. Jaime
explained everyone will apply for their positions including the grants. Michael commented what Dr.
Bailey said about participating in professional development trainings to help one grow in their new jobs.
VI. New Business-no new business
VII. Old Business/Committee Reports
a. Communications-Staff Senate website you can view the minutes. The South Texas Project will be
added to the staff senate link. There is a staff senate Facebook link. The voting link will be
added to the site.
b. UT Systems EAC- An alternate is needed. Ernesto will email them.
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c. Constitution and HOP-no objections and comments to the constitution as per Michael. Please
move forward with it. HOP as per Yanet, no review process by UT Systems due to the
consolidation. As per Michael, there were no changes, it was only grammatical errors. Will
there be a new constitution for the new university? Jaime asked Michael this question.
d. Nominations and Elections
e. Book Scholarship and Fundraising-Angie commented no one has applied for the book
scholarship. This will be for those that attended in the spring 2014 semester. They have to be
an academic course.
f. Salary Market Adjustment and Exceptional Merit- The committee met with Trini Yunes and
RoseMary Martinez. We are waiting on their response. We will move forward with the
exceptional merit.
g. Holiday Calendar
VIII. Staff Development and Advancement EB Reports-no reports.
IX. Liaison Report to the Staff Senate – Dr. Arney – Jaime invited Dr. Arney for the Staff Senate Retreat:
Staff Senate Retreat
Date: July 11, 2014
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Breakfast: Tacos Bagels & Danishes
Lunch: Cattleman’s Buffet
Afternoon: Sweet Break Menu
X. Adjournment: meeting ended at 10:39 am.
1st motion – Daniel Perry
2nd motion – Yanet McClanahan
All in favor of ending the meeting.