Staff Senate Minutes 
of Regular Meeting  
January 11, 2012 – 1:15 p.m.
Martinsville Room
NO QUORUM AT MEETING
Senators Present:  Suzann Bennett, Angie Campbell, Tami Duzan, Christine Edwards, Zoraida Irizarry, Rick James, Tina Jenkins, Cay Kolling, Mary Jo Montgomery, Michelle Morgan, Antoine Thomas                 
Senators Absent:  Maria Barrientos, Tony Craig, Brad Green, Phil Lang, Eric Schultz, Patty Shonk
Guests:  Michelle Payne, Alumni Services, Dr. William Weber, V. P. Business Affairs, Pablo Rodriguez, DEN reporter  
Call to Order:  	The meeting was called to order by Pres. Campbell at 1:17 p.m. 
Approval of Minutes:   Two corrections to the minutes were noted.  
Presentation by Michelle Payne, Director of Annual Fund:  Michelle Payne reported on the current participation rate of constituencies on campus.  In 2010, Staff had a participation rate of 20%, in 2011 the rate increased to 35%.  Staff Senate had a 54% participation rate last year.  The Civil Service Council extended a challenge to the Staff Senate to compete for the highest participation rate.  President Campbell thought the challenge was a good idea and said Staff Senate members should lead by example so other staff members might be encouraged to donate to the fund. Payne said any amount can be donated from February 1st through March 15th, with the campaign officially ending on 6/30/12.    
Updates from Dr. Weber:  After receiving comments from Faculty/Staff Senate, Civil Service Council and three open sessions on campus, the Strategic Plan will be submitted to the BOT for review at their meeting on January 20, 2012, and will be asked to endorse or approve the plan at their March meeting.  
State of IL finally reimbursed EIU for all FY 11 monies on 12/6/11.   State has paid approximately $15 million to date for FY 12.  $56 million in Map Funds are owed.
Lack of funding for pensions is a cause for concern for employees as well as for bond ratings.  Some action might be taken in the spring legislative session.
In a joint effort between EIU and City of Charleston, new crosswalk signs were installed on 4th Street to ensure safety of pedestrians.  Additional upgrades will be considered.
Old Business:  
	A.  Sick Leave Bank – Pres. Campbell asked for volunteers to serve on the Committee.  New members will be Cay Kolling and Teresa Sims (non senate member).  Committee will consist of Angie Campbell, Suzann Bennett, Tami Duzan, Cay Kolling, and Teresa Sims.
	B. 981 Vacancy – President Campbell will contact the President of 981 about appointing a member to fill Anita Thomas’ position until the next election.
	C.  Non-Negotiated Trades Vacancy – President Campbell handed out a list of members to contact for possible representation from this group.     
New Business:  
	A.  Guests invited to Staff Senate - President Campbell encouraged senators to think about inviting guest speakers to our meetings for informational presentations about campus events or issues; such as legislative updates/actions, health concerns, or special athletic events.    
	B.  President’s Meeting – No meeting in January; will meet in February. 
	C.  Meet with BOT –Angie was invited to attend an informal hospitality meeting with the BOT to inform them of staff concerns.  She asked for feedback about concerns to take to the board members.  Senators expressed concerns about:  a) pension reform; b) not replacing employees upon retirement and the costs of that to EIU and; c) the impact to staff salaries of implementing a furlough policy.   
Questions for the President:  1) Summary of Noel-Levitz Survey?
				 2) Need to recruit more local students; is this being done?
Committee Reports:  
CUPB – Christine Edwards will be the new representative to the Council. 
Parking Appeals – All parking appeals read.
Other:  Zoraida Irizarry reported that the search committee for Human Resources Director is reviewing applications.  The committee will conduct campus interviews in March and the new Director will start in July.

Meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Suzann Bennett, Secretary
Next meeting:  February 8, 2012 at 1:15 p.m. in the Martinsville Room