Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, August 8, 2000

PRESENT:

Jay Calamia
Dave Huffman
Charles Marshall
Avia Morgan
Trish Moser
Robert Reed
Karen Shields
Arthur Stern
Germayne Turner

ABSENT:

Al Alcazar
Michelle Andrews
Debbie Diliberto
Bob Gross
Gail Howard
Maureen King
Paula Ruiz

PROXIES:

Elizabeth Kordahl for Gail Howard

I. Dave Huffman called the meeting to order at 2:07 p.m.

II. Approval and/or correction of the Minutes of the July 11, 2000 meeting

MOTION was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 11, 2000 meeting. MOTION passed.

III. Old Business

A. Mr. Huffman distributed copies of the letter sent to Dr. Danahar requesting funds for a staff salary survey. With the approval of members of the executive committee, copies were not sent to any others at this time.

B. This agenda item concerns a suggestion on publishing agendas and will be deferred to New Business, when methods of feedback will be discussed.

C. Institutional Objective #5 was the focus of much time and work last year. A final draft was presented at a recent UPT meeting. The objective is now pending written approval. Mr. Huffman is awaiting direction from Dr. Voigt on whether there is a need for any update.

IV. New Business

A. Committee Reports:

1. Fringe Benefits - Avia Morgan announced that the next meeting is scheduled for August 22nd.

2. Senate subcommittee - Elizabeth Kordahl reported for Gail Howard that no meeting was held this month. Karen Shields spoke on the upcoming orientation. She invited all staff to participate in the formal procession and address to be held in Holy Name of Jesus Church on Friday, August 25th, the Swamp Stomp on the 26th, and a Hawaiian luau on Sunday the 27th. Mr. Huffman urged Ms. Kordahl to ask Gail Howard to think of a name for this subcommittee to describe its goal of better relations with students.

3. Rec Sports - no report

4. Parking - no report

5. Jesuit/Catholic Identity - no report

6. UPT - no report

7. Board of Trustees - First meeting of the 2000-01 year will be held on September 15th.

B. Discussion on Goals of the 2000-01 Senate:

1. Constituency - Mr. Huffman had urged all members to think about whom this group represents. Most members agree that we do represent all staff and that staff members know their concerns are heard. Mr. Stern admitted that getting information to all staff members is easier in some divisions than in others. Mr. Calamia reminded everyone that all past benefits gained by this body have included all staff. He recounted that the Senate was formed by individuals who were in a position to be aware of administrative issues of importance to staff, that it was formed at a time when staff concerns were not being addressed, and that the administrative staff rallied as a group for the benefit of all staff.

Mr. Reed echoed his comments. Mr. Calamia stressed that the need is to solicit concerns from all staff in our divisions and to disseminate information. It is up to the elected senators to get the word out to all staff members in their division. Ms. Kordahl voiced a question about representing all staff and felt that maybe some Academic Affairs university staff members are not being heard.

Mr. Huffman concurred with Mr. Calamia’s view that it is up to the current elected senators to bring information to our constituents and that the strength of an administrative group is advantageous and necessary to properly represent the concerns of the staff. Germayne Turner recalled that about eight years ago, the "Staff Council" was a recognized body, but that it ceased to function and no longer exists.

She further stated that all our meetings and minutes are published and she feels that all staff members know they can talk to a senator or attend a meeting. Mr. Reed agreed that we must reach out to our staff and find out their interests.

Mr. Calamia further suggested that it be left up to the four senators in each division to decide how best to disseminate information. It was suggested that an e-mail be sent to all staff once a year with a link to our web page containing further information if they are interested.

2. Methods of feedback - These means were discussed in the previous item. Currently, administrative senate news is also printed in Loyola Today.

3. Other issues - Mr. Huffman confirmed with Mr. Stern that he (Stern) had agreed to be our liaison with the web master. Mr. Stern willingly accepted this assignment.

4. Possible guest speakers - In looking over the roster of proposed names, Mr. Reed noted that there are some new employees we need to invite, but there are also some that we do not need to hear every year, since the information comes to us through other committees and reports.

He also urged us to limit the length of speeches. Mr. Huffman would like to invite more students. Mr. Stern reiterated that some information is obtained from our own senators who are on various committees, so it is not necessary for some previous speakers to make reports. Also, the group reached a consensus that it would be better to schedule speakers only a few months in advance and to leave some monthly meetings open to discuss any new matters of importance. After discussion, it was decided to invite Julia McSherry for the September meeting to speak on the

Integrated Marketing Plan, and to ask Fr. Knoth to come in November, after the semester was well underway and more time-specific data would be available for him to relate to us and comment upon. Mr. Huffman added that it will be the normal practice to ask each guest or group to limit their presentation to 20 minutes.

V. Open Forum

Mr. Huffman thanked the group for its openness and participation. Mr. Calamia noted that every member present had contributed significantly to the discussions.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.