Goals:

• Encourage all staff members to participate in staff council, voice their opinions, and contribute meaningful solutions.
  
  
• Key is to focus on solutions rather than just voicing complaints about a problem. By making suggestions we can discuss the issues and go forward in our executive meetings to the Chancellor with sound recommendations.

Announcements:

• An announcement was made by Jeanette Wells: Jeannine Walters, Procurement Services, has an 18-year-old daughter, Jenny, who suffered a stroke 3 weeks ago. She is at Methodist Central in Memphis. They are in need of funds to help pay for medical costs. Her uncle, Joe Maples, also works here on campus. Jeanette has opened an account in the Bursar office for those of you who would like to make a donation. The account number is 000304063 if you wish to make contributions.
  
  
• Staff textbook scholarship: It has been approved by the Chancellor to offer staff members a scholarship for textbooks. The application is on the Staff Council Web site. The scholarship is limited to $100.00 per person for those of you who are full time employees. To qualify, staff members must earn $25,000 or less.
  Procedure is as follows:
  • Print application off the web site; complete and submit the application to Janea McDonald at Human Resources.
  • If approved, you will pick up your voucher at Human Resources
  • Take voucher to the bookstore and purchase the necessary book(s)
  August 6, 2001 is the deadline to turn in applications to receive the scholarship for fall 2001 semester.
  The Staff Council sends its thanks and appreciation to Chancellor Khayat for his support and funding of the scholarship program. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this offer in their efforts to achieve their goals.
  
  
• The new Staff Council computer has been ordered, but has not been received at this time.
  
  
• Guest Speakers: Jay Eads and Gray Tollison will be Staff Council guest speakers September 5, 2001 at 2:30 p.m. in 404 A/B Union. Everyone is welcome to attend to ask questions.
  
  
• You can now get home Internet services through IT. Contact IT for more information.

Concerns:

• Public availability of Social Security Numbers and ID Numbers: There was a concern that SSNs were not as secure at the Health Center as they could have been during the health screening this summer. If you prefer to keep your SS# confidential, Student Health will work with you on this issue.
  
  
• Health screening: There is still room for those of you who would like to get a screening and did not get a chance to do so. The fee is $25.00.
  
  
• Parking: Parking is still a challenge. The idea of vertical parking on University Avenue did not work out because the street is not wide enough. The proposal for a walking campus is still progressing. A new parking lot is currently under construction between the Coliseum and the Turner Center.
  
  
• As everyone has noticed, the stop sign in front of the Turner Center has been temporarily replaced with a blinking yellow light. It is anticipated that a stop light will be back in place by the start of school. In the interim, drivers are asked to be alert and watchful for pedestrians. There are also concerns about the intersection in front of George Hall and Student Health Services. The safety of that intersection and how to handle the traffic at that location continue to be a pressing issue.
  
  
• Five- (5) year pin: There were a couple of questions concerning the 5-year service pin presented to staff members in the 5-year category. Some people felt the pin should better define their year group. The possibility of getting a more defined 5-year pin is being explored. It was pointed out that personalized pins are more expensive, but options are being looked into. Most agreed that the pin awarded for the ten-year award should be special.
  
  
• Retirement parties: The concept of annual retirement receptions was discussed. There appeared to be a lot of rumors, but there was very little information on the program. Some staff council members felt that those who have worked for 30 years should have the option of having an individual party in their department if they elected to do so. The concern is that those who retire in December may not be able to attend their retirement party in May. It was suggested that the retirement receptions be conducted at least twice a year, possibly to include the annual staff council awards celebration as well. The concern about this issue will be discussed further at a later time.

Committee Reports:

• Some volunteers are still needed for the University Standing Committees. If contacted, please consider serving the University Community.
  
  
• Treasurer's report: Nothing has been spent since July 1, 2001. Motion to approve the treasurer's report was approved unanimously.