Support Staff Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, November 19, 2003
1:15 p.m. ASB Conference Room 

Present: Jeanne Terres, Jackie Gertken., Terri Johnson, Jackie Miller, Bev Overman, Joan Ellering, Judy Eggert, Joyce Honer, Mary Niedenfuer.

Absent: Al Rassier, Jim McDougle, Tina Kortenbusch, Tonya Carlson, Joan Supan.

1. Approve Minutes

The October 15 minutes were approved.

2. Joint Benefit Committee Update

Judy Eggert reported that a sub-committee of the JBC was set up to look at PTO (paid time off). The sub-committee decided they will make a recommendation to the JBC to drop discussion on PTO, that, at this point, it is not a good idea for us because of how much we would lose. As a clarification, a member of the JBC brought the issue up, not the Administration. Bev O. asked that Judy bring up the issue of funeral leave in the loss of a parent--that three days is not enough. Bev suggests being able to use two sick-leave days in addition to the funeral leave currently in place. Judy suggested that the support staff committee make a recommendation to increase it. Jeanne will bring it up with Sue Palmer during their December meeting. She suggested checking with the Administrative Staff's policy to get more possible support.

3. Budget - no report

4. Professional Development

Terri reported that there have been no applications. Jeanne will ask Bev Radaich to post websites of professional development events on the SS website. There was a question of whether an employee should get wages while attending a workshop during work hours. It is very much an issue with Food Service. Joan Ellering was encouraged to urge FS co-workers to seek professional development opportunities.

5. Updated SS Employee List

Jeanne asked if the committee members if we wish to know who is new/who is leaving. The answer was yes, so Jeanne will keep the list updated.

6. December Meeting with Sue Palmer

Jeanne and Jackie will be meeting with Sue on December 17 and asked if there were any topics we wished to have them discuss (besides funeral leave).

7. SASI Speaker Event

Terri reported that there were 21 in attendance. There was an $88 charge for food and $2.60 for name tags. Terri summarized the surveys on the event that most said it was a very good topic and they would attend again.

Jeanne asked if the committee would like to see evaluations of events.

8. Benefits Sheet

Jeanne asked for input. Jackie M. suggested issuing it to new employees as part of a packet. Jeanne will see that it is sent to the support staff upon approval from Julie Straka. Sue and Nadine have already approved. Further discussion came up with more items to add to the list.

9. Spring Events

Jeanne asked for volunteers to work on specific events for spring semester.

"How to Write a Job Description"  (Mary)

Tour of Monastery  (Jeanne)

CSB Benefits  (Bev O.)

Ice Cream Social  (Joyce)

10. Future Events

Jeanne asked for ideas for other events. Jim McDougle was nominated to organize a Twins game outing. Jackie G. will talk to Jim Read to see about giving a presentation with Manju Parikh and Christina Tourino on their trip to Bosnia. Joan E. requested that some events be held early or other than over the lunch hour for benefit of FS employees.

11. Craft Sale

Things are underway. Duties and last minute details were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Niedenfuer