Minutes of the Meeting, March 5, 2003 Union 404 A&B
As I write this message of encouragement I feel an overwhelming sense of patriotism. America has been my home for over 30 years and I have been accepted as “one of your own” by everyone I have met during that time. I am proud of America, its people and all she stands for. Many of our staff members have been called to active military duty and are now engaged in activities directed by our Commander-in-Chief, President Bush. We must keep, not only our staff members, but also all Americans who are in our military, in our daily prayers. During their absence we are asked to cover their daily tasks until they return safely to us. We should do so without complaint, without hesitation and with a sense of love for what they are doing for us. As they are far away from home, putting themselves on the line for our homeland, we must do nothing less than give all we have to support them wherever they may be, support their families and jobs they left behind. Let us be thankful of these heroes, many of whom we do not know, who risk all they have so that we may keep what so many lack, FREEDOM. Pray unceasingly for a quick resolution and a safe return of all our heroes. God Bless America.
PRESENT: James Akey, Rachel Bost, Joey Brent, Joni Camp, Regina Jordan, Jason Dean, Mary Harrington, Shellie Harrison, Buddy Kahler, Shannon Lovejoy, Steven Maples, Jean Pinion, Renee Moore, Tony Seaman, Jeanette Wells, Hilarie Pryor, Melissa Hudson, Sam Johnson, Ron Kitchens, Barbara Leeton, Bettie Puckett, Karen Tuttle
EXCUSED: Joann Carothers, Judy Fos, Matthew Deming
UNEXCUSED: Brenda Brannan, Dennis Bullard, Dino Johnson, Cathy Laswell, Michelle Mize, Amelia Rodgers, Doug Stuart
2:35pm. Welcome made by President Tony Seaman followed by the introduction of the guest speaker, Special Assistant to the Chancellor, Andy Mullins. Dr. Mullins has been involved with the State Legislature for 23 years. He spoke of how the legislature appropriates funds to schools and universities and that this year was historic. Why? Because the legislature usually appropriates funds to all other entities and leaves the funding issues for education as one of the last items on the agenda. This year educational budgets were passed the first month of the legislative session. Dr. Mullins said the State Legislature has appropriated more funds for education for the upcoming year. Luckily, Ole Miss will not have to make cuts in programs or raise tuition next year.
Dr. Mullins explained to the Council how bond bills work and how they are very important to the University for the funding of building renovations. He spoke of the upcoming renovations to Bryant and Farley Halls as examples of how some bond monies are used.
Thank you, Dr. Mullins, for speaking at this Council meeting.
After Dr. Mullins addressed the Council, President Tony Seaman called for an approval of the February 2003 meeting minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Approved with no corrections.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:
Jason Dean, Ron Kitchens, Barbara Leeton, and Bettie Puckett. We, as Staff Council, would like to welcome all of you to the Council.
· President Seaman also wanted to recognize those members who have rolled off the Council, having completed their term. Special thanks for all your help while serving on the Council. The members leaving the Council are: Nina Cheshier, Earlene Foster, Sam Johnson, Conny Parham and Dave Sagaser.
· Jeanette Wells asked for volunteers to help with the Staff Council Blood Drive. The Blood Drive will be Thursday, May 15 from 8:00 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. at the Student Union. All students, faculty and staff are urged to stop by and donate.
· Staff Appreciation Day will be Friday, May 16 inside the Student Union. The festivities planned this year include bingo, karaoke and plant swap. Judy Fos will be in charge of bingo, Shirley Fisher will handle karaoke and Rachel Bost will work on the plant swap. Further discussion about Staff Appreciation Day will be in the near future.
· This semester’s Exam Breakfast has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 at Johnson Commons. More details of the Exam Breakfast will be discussed at April’s Council meeting.
· Staff Council Officer elections are needed. Tony Seaman asked for volunteers if anyone was interested in filling positions to have their names placed on a ballot for voting at the April meeting. Shannon Lovejoy will be leaving as Treasurer. Rachel Bost has shown interest in the treasurer position and has been nominated. Tony Seaman will be leaving as President. Judy Fos and Mary Harrington have been nominated as President-elect. Joni Camp, current President-elect; will be taking over as Council President. Steven Maples will run unopposed for the position of Council Secretary and will continue filling that position.
· President Tony Seaman asked for a moment of silence in loving memory of our dear friend, Rosa Vance.
CONCERN:
· None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
· Melissa Hudson volunteered to fill a vacancy on the Parking Committee.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Meeting adjourned. 3:45 pm.
/s/Tony Seaman, President
/s/Joni Camp, President-Elect
/s/Steven L. Maples, Secretary
Staff Council e-mail address: staffcouncil@olemiss.edu
Staff Council Homepage: http://www.olemiss.edu/orgs/staff_council