Support Staff Committee Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, September 17, 2003
1:15 p.m. ASB Conference Room

Present: Jeanne Terres, Terri Johnson, Al Rassier, Joan Supan, Tina Kortenbusch, Jackie Miller, Joyce Honer, Jim McDougal, Tonya Carlson, Bev Overman, Joan Ellering, Becky Terwey, Jackie Gertken.

New members

New committee members were introduced and welcomed: Jim McDougal, Alan Rassier, Joan Supan, and Joan Ellering.

New co-chair

The new co-chair, Jackie Gertken, was welcomed and thanked.

Secretary

Jeanne asked for a volunteer to take minutes this year. Mary Niedenfuer volunteered.

Minutes

Approval for the July 16th meeting were postponed until everyone could review them.

Budget

This is the first year the SSC is handling the professional development budget. Jeanne reported that there is $5000 in the budget to be used for support staff professional development for this fiscal year. She asked that we remind our people to take advantage of these funds.

There is currently $1500 in the Support Staff Committee budget.

Elections

Jeanne proposed that if a volunteer comes forward to fill an opening on the committee, can we accept them without going through a formal election process. If there are no volunteers, then we would hold an election. Discussion: There was a suggestion to publicize any openings in the areas affected, but Jackie M. thinks we still need the election process in case the volunteer is not the best person for the job. It was agreed to leave things as they are.

Events for Fall 2003

The SS committee will subsidize half of the events such as the event on Sept. 25, “Exploring vocation: what’s in it for me?” There was discussion about other events. Jim M. brought up sponsoring outside events, such as Twins games and casino trips, but there hasn't been a lot of interest in the past.

Professional Development Committee Report

Terri J. reported that she was approached to sponsor a workshop by CSB Theater alums that have formed a company called Aloud Consultants, who would like to do a workshop on honing speaking skills. The administration didn't think the support staff would be interested. It was suggested that if we co-sponsor with other groups and change the theme to "more effective communication," it might sell better. Jeanne will check with Tim Foley from the Administrative Staff and the St. John's Guild to see if they're interested.

Jackie Miller reported on the CSB Craft and Bake Sale for December. There was discussion on charging vendors and making a donation to an outside organization with the money. The SSC may have a refreshment booth and sponsor decorate-your-own cookies. Tina recommended giving a booth to the CSB Bakery. Tina and Bev will work together on providing entertainment in O'Connell's during the sale. Al Rassier volunteered to be Santa. It was decided to invite St. Joe community members and run the sale from 11 until 6 pm to accommodate shoppers.

There was discussion on whether to hold a separate Fall Coffee House or not offer one at all due to the craft sale. We will wait to see if the communication workshop pans out.

Joint Benefit Committee Report

Becky Terwey reported on the committee's working plan. Among the issues to be discussed are  paid time off (PTO). Becky suggested keeping an eye on the PTO as well as tuition remission discussions. There is information on join benefits in public folders.

Professional Development Addendum

Terri reported that there have been no professional development requests. She will be meeting with the sub-committee sometime next week.

Benefit Sheet

Tabled for next month.

Support Staff event at SJU

Jeanne and Jackie encouraged everyone to watch for something on the vocation project from Gina Wolfe or Gloria Hardy.

List of Support Staff

Jackie G. handed out the new organizational chart.

Future agenda items

Tonya C. brought up news that St. Ben's will be catering the Christmas Party this year and Food Service staff will be asked to work the event. The FS staff feels that they should not be asked to work at a party intended for them, although no one will be required to work. Jeanne and Jackie will bring it up with Nadine and Susan.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Niedenfuer