TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Texas A&M University

College of Education & Human Development

September 2007 Minutes

Staff Advisory Council

September 13, 2007
8:30 a.m.
804 Harrington Tower

Linda Key called the meeting to order at approximately 8:30 a.m.

In attendance: Amy Klinkovsky, Linda Key, Kristy Anderson, Susan Sassano, Kathy May, Cyndi Schoen, Jill Mangum, Tanya Nading, Amanda Mather, Lisa Yezak, Susan Morris and Diane Oswald.

Not in attendance: all members were present.

  • Kristy moved to approve the retreat minutes from August 14, 2007, Susan Sassano seconded with the motion passing unanimously.
  • Amanda moved to approve the regular meeting minutes from August 17, 2007, Susan Morris seconded with the motion passing unanimously.
  • Linda Key distributed an updated list of SAC members noting that there was a vacancy in the dean's office.
  • Chairs of committees were confirmed.
  • Kristy was welcomed as the new at-large representative and Cyndi Schoen was recognized as an at-large representative.

Reports:

Treasurer's Report
Susan Sassano reported a year-end balance of $2,524.47 and noted that the new year brought a new budget for SAC of $7,000 (matching the amount that was provided last year).

TAPPS
Susan Morris and Susan Sassano discussed how information was disseminated by TAPPS. It appears that information is consistently provided to TAPPS members so it was decided that SAC will pay Susan Sassano's TAPPS membership and she will be responsible for distributing information about TAPPS activities to SAC members. There is a TAPPS conference on October 9. SAC members were encouraged to make staff in their departments/units aware of this development opportunity.

Bookkeepers Report
Jill noted that there was nothing to report as a meeting was scheduled for 9/20/07.

Dean's Council
Linda Key made the following report:

  • The ELMO philosophy was introduced as a means to facilitate meetings (it stands for "Enough, let's move on").
  • Amy presented the results of the staff job satisfaction survey (overall and departmental) and noted the small sample size.  These results may be used as talking tools to open dialogue between staff and supervisors.
  • Linda Key reported the names of SAC's new officers and noted the accomplishments of staff through the past year's SAC activities.
  • Due to a later dismissal date in public schools, the college will adjust the start date for graduate school to accommodate working teachers who attend summer school. June 9th was the date mentioned.
  • It was mentioned that a new program called Power Services is in need of faculty volunteers to assist students with good writing practices. Dr. Pat Goodson is coordinating Power Services.
  • The Dean's Council decided to discontinue ERE and direct funds for use by students wanting to attend national conferences.
  • Dr. Mike Benz is stepping down as department head in May 2008. Linda Skrla is heading the search committee.
  • There was a review of a draft of the tenure and promotion guidelines led by Christine Stanley.
  • A flexible work schedule is available to staff requiring an alternate work schedule. Staff are advised to visit with Kelli Shomaker to determine what steps must be taken to confirm implementation of the flexible work schedule.

Communication Committee
Amy Klinkovsky noted that she needs information on events to be sent to her so that she may include it on the Web site. She will recruit helpers that have Web access. She offered help with promotional materials and flyers for the other committees.

Service Committee
Kathy May noted that a variety of monthly service activities have been slated for the coming year and noted that the Penny War for the American Cancer Society and care package for soldiers were among the first activities.

Networking Committee
Diane reported that the networking committee was planning one event per month and requested funds for fall and spring activities. $100 each for the fall and spring semesters was approved to be paid out of the SAC budget for networking activities. The first event will be an ice cream social.

Recognition Committee
Cyndi Schoen mentioned that there will be a Staff Spotlight implemented to highlight the contributions of staff. One staff honoree will be selected each month and at the end of the year, all honorees will have lunch with the dean. Monthly honorees will be recognized with a certificate, gift and postings on the SAC Web page and Harrington Tower kiosk. 

Staff Conference Committee
Jill Mangum said that the committee has just started to plan the conference and the date has been set for March 6, 2008.

Welcome Committee
Kristy reported that October 23 was the scheduled date for the new staff welcome lunch with the dean. There was discussion about changing the departmental staff lunches with the Dean to a breakfast and there were no objections.

Department Reports:

CDLR
Lisa Yezak said she had nothing to report.

Dean's Office
Diane Oswald mentioned the College Awards Ceremony (Sept. 28) and Amy Klinkovsky noted that October 27 was Open House. It was noted that Dr. Linda Skrla was involved in the Bryan H.S. Enrichment program and staff were encouraged to volunteer their time/talents in teaching an elective course as they were able.

EAHR
Susan Sassano reported that the department is beginning a search for a clinical assistant professor and for a director for the Principals' Center and TCALL.

EPSY
Kathy May noted that Mike Benz is stepping down as head of the department (as previously mentioned) and that $6,300 was raised for a named scholarship in honor of Carol Wagner.

HLKN
Tanya Nading reported that there is a new committee for the department head search and that Dr. Mary Shaw-Ridley is the new director for the Center for Health Disparities.

TCALL
Susan Morris reported that they are looking for a director, they have hired two new GAs (Genny Reid and Juanita Garcia) and the following honors were given:

  • Barbara Bush Fellows:
  • Megan Terry
  • Petra Robinson
  • Rebekah Haynes

 

  • TCALL Fellows:
  • Renata Russo
  • Rose Santos


TLAC
There wasn't anything to report (Amanda had to leave prior to the conclusion of the meeting).

At-Large
There was nothing to report.

Old Business

  • The staff survey results were discussed (see above).
  • A flexible work week is available to staff (see above).

New Business

  • By-Laws Committee: Diane Oswald said that the committee hadn't met.
  • State Employee Charitable Campaign (SECC) has begun. At the time of this meeting, EPSY was ahead in the Penny War with a total of $170 being raised by all departments. The Football Pick Em at $5 for Big 12 play and the Poker Showdown are planned to help raise money for the SECC.

Announcements

  • The next meeting will begin at 8:30am on October 10th at TCALL in Room 101.

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