11/15/2005
Staff at Carleton Minutes
November 15, 2005 (Severance Meeting Room – 10:00 a.m.)
Present: Co-chairs Kris Peterson and Melissa Thomas, Kristen Askeland, April Baum, Vicki Burgess, Patt Germann, Robbie Groth, Cindy Grisim, Linda Irrthum, Christine Krejci, Becky Krogh, Tami Little, Nina Magelsen, Linda Mueller, Nance Nytes, Patty Olson, Noel Ponder, Faculty representative Melinda Russell, Sandy Saari, Carolyn Soule, Carol Spessard, Nancy Sweeny, Nancy Loesch
The meeting was called to order. Minutes of October 6 were reviewed and approved with changes.
Updates:
*Faculty representative Melinda Russell told the members that the topic of discussion at the faculty meeting recently was the course load reduction issue. Carleton’s peer institutions are at a course load of five classes. She mentioned the possible formation of an ad hoc committee to look further into this issue. Some of the things to be considered are class sizes and offerings and how the class loads of visiting professors would be handled. She also mentioned that discussion is underway for a planned off of classes to hold events surrounding the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
*Benefits –Becky Krogh addressed the fact of changes in the healthcare plan. The outline of the benefits changes was included with packets distributed in November. During information sessions, questions were raised which are now being investigated and when materials are finalized, will be put on the Human Resources website. For any questions, contact Human Resources.
New Business:
*Christine Krejci reported that the motor vehicle policy is being finalized. This impacts student vehicles on campus.
*Elections -Carol Spessard noted that Christine Krejci will be moving to Leighton. Southside will now be represented by Sandy Saari with April Baum serving as alternate.
*Salary and benefits – Linda Mueller said the vacation discussion is still ongoing. The committee checked with the union to learn they have the same vacation package as non-exempt. The goal for non-exempt will be to be able to accrue four weeks of vacation after 10 years instead of 12 years of service.
A lengthy discussion was held on the topic of reviews and salary increases. The Human Resources web page has a FAQ about reviews page at http://apps.carleton.edu/campus/human_resources/assets/PA_process_QA_from_SAC_and_Forum_Nov05.pdf.
*Special projects: Noel Ponder reminded members to turn in United Way packets. He asked if SAC members felt another community service project should be undertaken along with the Meals on Wheels in which Carleton participates during the year.
*Staff development. Christine Krejci will be checking on more lunch time opportunities for development.
*Website: The page for the first retreat is up along with biographies of speakers. Carolyn Soule encouraged members to submit information to her for posting.
*Committee participation: Guidelines for committee participation were submitted to HR who is working with Fred Rogers who will make recommendations
* President Oden sent out a memo on November 11th announcing a change to the Holiday Schedule for 2005. Staff will no longer have Friday, December 23rd off, but the College will be closed Monday, December 26 – Friday, December 30th. The revised Holiday Schedule will include two additional paid days off for those normally scheduled to work. Melissa and Kris will send a thank you letter to President Oden expressing SAC’s gratitude for this decision, as it greatly impacts our group. There was discussion that some departments will have to work, such as Admissions and Mailing Services.
Committee on Committees - update to SAC on 11/15/05
Members of this committee are: Margit Johnson, Kathy Tezla, Robbie Groth, and Linda Irrthum. (This committee was called together by Fred Rogers and Bonnie Jean Mork.)
We have been working since June to prepare a list of all existing committees which staff may serve and develop a strategy for a more clearly defined committee appointment process. Robbie and Linda have brought attention to SAC's FY05 proposal to change the Staff Guidelines to be more reader friendly and more inviting to staff to volunteer to serve on a committee. Right now the Guidelines proposal is on hold. Kathy and Margit will be updating The Forum group on both the Guidelines proposal and the following recommendations.
A quick outline of the recommendation that we see emerging (NOTE we have yet to finalize our recommendations and hope to do that soon either over winter break or in winter term):
1) Expand current Committees web page to include a standardized summary of each committee.
2) Improve the processes of:
a) solitication of committee members
b) selection of committee members
c) follow-up to those who volunteer - both to those who are chosen and to those who are not chosen. Also notifying supervisors of those chosen.
Linda pointed out the difference between committees and working groups so people can better understand their commitment when they volunteer.
*SAC Archival records are located in the library in a couple of file cabinets. A discussion was held regarding what should be in there, how to go about maintaining it and what should be added or deleted from there. Vicki Burgess will take a look at the file cabinet contents and report back about what’s in there currently. It was suggested that electronic information be used in place of so much paper for the future.
*Southside will be in charge of the spring luncheon, 2006.
Old business:
The Staff retreat set for Nov. 30 is on track. More than 180 responses have been received.
The deadline for signing up for the retreat is Nov. 16.
Job postings will now be sent by email to all on campus even if they are not posted on the website. All jobs are posted outside the business office but it is at the discretion of the division head if the posting is on the website.
Tami Little made mention of low attendance at the New Employee gathering which was held the day of the quarterly meeting. A stronger attendance from all employees would provide a welcoming reception to the new employees.
Next SAC meeting: Tuesday, January 17, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Sayles-Hill Lounge