Staff Senate Minute: March 10, 2004

GUESTS:  President Hencken, Vice President Cooley, Gary Hanebrink, and Allen Clayton

President Kathy Cartwright called the meeting to order at 1:15pm in the 1895 Room in the University Union.

President Hencken communicated that funds were released for the Fine Arts Building.  Due to contractors and commuter students, there will be more parking limitations which solutions are being researched.  Fall enrollment has increased and EIU is keeping academic quality and graduating in a timely manner as a priority.  The proposed FY05 budget is flat which actually results in a decrease due to inflation.  The NCA is one of the most important events for EIU for accreditation.  The President believes the university should develop longer-range strategic plans for a proactive approach rather than reactive to budget issues.

EIU wants consistency between all universities before implementing a process of recording employee work time for the ethics law.  The NFL Indianapolis Colts could bring EIU wider exposure in public relations and help the local economy if selected as their summer campsite. 

Tuition will be set after spring break.  Concerning Searches, 3-5 candidates will be brought to campus for Director of Admissions, Director of Minority Affairs, and Dean of Honors College while the Director of the Counseling Center is on hold.  Various groups are being contacted concerning the 4-1/2 day workweek during the summer that will help the university save energy costs.  

Vice President Cooley shared the Facilities Planning and Management Search Committee schedule.  They are beginning to advertise, applicants will be screened during the summer, interviews should be mid-September, and plan to make an offer in October.

Gary Hanebrink spoke on occupational safety.  CDB (Capital Development Board) funds and Deferred Maintenance funds are being used on the Hazardous Chemical Storage Building and ventilation projects (Life Science: two labs, chemical storage room and herbarium).  The Safety Committee has been discussing animal subjects, human subject and biosafety.  They have recommended the purchase of a JLG lift for safety that can also be used for maintenance projects.  WebCT training on various subjects is available besides the traditional classroom.  The EPA inspection found that all areas are in compliance.

We have a two-year term CUPB seat available for Fall 2004.  Senators and constituents can volunteer at the April meeting.

Senator Cartwright thanked Senator Spraker for implementing the website, and reported that Senator Tomer is our Facilities Planning and Management Search Committee representative.  Senator Spraker reported on the upcoming Staff Senate Elections that will be held April 21 from 7am-5pm in the University Union Bookstore Lounge.

Senator Cutright requested information concerning handicap parking at Booth Library.  Senator Due will research it and respond at the April meeting.  In addition, Senator Cutright will be working on Parking Appeals next week. 

Senator Bingham-Porter reported that the CUPB voted to keep the number of people on the committee the same.

Senator Due shared that the University Union Board discussed reducing the hours of Copy Express and Panther Pantry to help with the budget since certain times does not bring in enough to cover labor costs.  In addition, the committee is reviewing whom to honor for the Outstanding Senior Award.    

The next meeting is April 14, 2004, in the Schahrer Room in the Union.  Our meetings are always open and everyone is welcome to attend.  If anyone has any questions or issues that they would like us to ask at our next meeting, please let one of the Senators know.  The list of Senators and their email address are at http://www.eiu.edu/~stfsenat/members.htm

Respectfully submitted:
Janice Spraker                      

Please email any corrections to: Janice Spraker