Support Staff Committee Meeting Minutes

CSB Support Staff Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
1:15 pm, ASB Conference Room

Present: Jeanne Terres, Jackie Gertken., Terri Johnson, Bev Overman, Joan Ellering, Judy Eggert, Joyce Honer, Bev Radaich, Al Rassier, Julie Christle, Tina Kortenbusch, Mary Niedenfuer.

Absent: Jim McDougle, Tonya Carlson, Joan Supan.

1. Approve Minutes

The November 19 minutes were not distributed so approval was tabled until the next meeting.

2. Joint Benefits Committee Update

Judy Eggert distributed three handouts: 1) comparisons of paid holidays, sick leave and vacation time for other Minnesota private colleges, 2) CSB/SJU funeral leave policy, and 3) list of our current paid holidays. Judy reported that she and Mary Lensmeier are planning to approach the administration to request an increase in the number of support staff holidays by two to bring CSB/SJU more in line with other Minnesota private colleges. They are asking the SS Committee for input. The two days would be New Year's Eve day and Easter Monday. Most of the other colleges give 11-13 holidays per year while CSB/SJU only gives 9. There was discussion on floating holidays but the committee agreed that it would be better to present two specific days to the JBC, which Judy will do on January 29.

There was also continued discussion about the need for additional funeral leave, using sick days rather than vacation. There is currently a four-hour funeral leave for the death of a close friend. Judy suggested offering the administration a compromise that if we dropped this 4 hours leave, would they give us the sick leave to use specifically for the death of a parent, spouse, or child. The discussion that followed resulted in dropping the whole issue, partly because they are reviewing the 4-hour policy anyway and may remove it since there is evidence of abuse.

 Jeanne asked if there were any questions regarding the email sent in December on benefits. There were none.

3. Professional Development Committee

Terri Johnson reported that the committee has received two applications, both asking for some expenses to be paid for leading service learning trips during spring break in March. Because the committee felt the proposals met the criteria laid out in the PD guidelines, they approved them both. The applications were then sent to Herb Trentz and Sue Palmer where the applications were denied because neither felt that service learning trips should be funded by professional development and that it might "open a can of worms." There was extensive discussion where several support staff committee members voiced their support of the proposals and helping fund service learning trips in general since the trips are paid for out-of-pocket. Everyone agreed that the proposals fit the college's Benedictine values and spirit of the guidelines. Jeanne suggested that we officially support approval of the applications but hereafter, consider changing the guidelines to exclude service learning trips if HR mandates it. Another suggestion was to cap the amount for SL.

 Judy asked if submitting a PD application to pay for books for classes on campus would be appropriate. Tina Kortenbusch, who works in the bookstore, suggested that if funding books is possible, it might be wise to set a cap on the amount since books are so expensive. 

The committee is considering expanding on #5 of the policy and on the expenditure portion of the form. The support staff committee approved.

4. Support Staff Webpage

Bev Radaich first gave an update on the presidential search and reported that it is going well. Each candidate invited to campus will have a reception where support staff members can attend and ask questions of the candidates. The search committee feels that support staff input is important. Al Rassier suggested that the search committee also invite the St. Joseph mayor and city council members to meet the candidates.

Bev also presented the updated support staff webpages and asked for input. The site now links to meeting minutes and will soon link to professional development info. Bev was asked to send an email memo to the support staff informing them of the site.

 5. Co-chair and Committee Terms

Jeanne passed around a sheet listing everyone's terms and asked everyone to think of nominees for the new co-chair positions up next fall. Becky Terwey will also need replacing on the Joint Benefits Committee. Jeanne will inform the support staff of the opening.

6. Craft Sale Update

Jackie Gertken gave an update and distributed a handout listing the results of an evaluation given to the vendors. Some vendors asked to have the next sale held on a Saturday, but the committee felt that it is for the college community and that a weekday works better. It was also suggested that the entire sale be held in the Alum Hall next year. $277 was donated to Caritas on behalf of the college and the committee.

7. Christmas Party Update

Jeanne asked if anyone from Food Service had any concerns about working during the party. There was discussion on how it was received by attendees and workers. Joyce Honer said she still would have liked to see Food Service workers enjoying the party instead of working at it.

8. Phone Meeting with Sue Palmer -- tabled.

9. Spring Events

Jeanne briefly reminded everyone of their commitments.

 10. Miscellaneous

Jeanne passed around a flyer for the Tina & Lena event at SJU and announced that it would cost $50 for a bus to SJU. Al will talk to Mike Juntunen about donating a bus.

Earlier in the meeting, Al announced that Jim McDougle has taken another job off campus. Jim will need to be replaced on the committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Niedenfuer