Santa Fe Community College Staff Senate Minutes

Santa Fe Community College – Staff Senate Minutes Date: 9/5/2007 Location: Courtyard Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 Agenda Items: Meet new officers and the future of Staff Senate

Co-Chairs: Susan Dugan Adjunct Faculty Office Sylvia Medina Library Recorder: Shawn Haynes Business Affairs Attendees: Janet Berry Service-Learning Barbara Woltag MPR Marcela Pincheira Cashier Emily Smith HR Karla Quintana HR Teresa Roybal VPASA Deborah Carr CE Barbara Arguedas ABE Kate Garduno Library Maria Dilda Nursing Debbie Collins SBDC

. We welcome and are very excited and pleased about our new officers for Staff Senate Co-chair Sylvia Medina and Secretary, Shawn Haynes. Susan Dugan will continue on as a Co-chair until January to help with the transition. Thank you Susan, Janelle Johnson, Janet Berry, as well as Emily Smith for their assistance.

. 23 people responded to the self-evaluation survey. The overall feedback was very positive. Staff Senate’s role will continue as a means to interact with staff in a professional way and to pursue issues in a constructive and professional manner. We encourage all staff to submit any issues they might have in this safe environment. Our wish is for Staff Senate to increase in numbers as well as to improve to the quality of our work environment. We will promote and publicize this opportunity with flyers and via e-mails.

. Increased confidence in Staff Senate from staff will increase confidence from the administration. If managers promote attending meetings, possibly more staff will attend. We can also continue to encourage it at new employee orientation.

. Staff Senate was given a list of upcoming policies for review. Staff Senate will send out an all user’s email inviting Staff to pick a policy of their interest to review along with the due dates and provide feedback. It was felt that this not only will encourage more participation but also will give ample time for feedback and suggestions. . Regarding the status of the smoking policy: a campus announcement making the door entrances and the courtyard smoke-free, along with proper signage should be in place by the end of September which will allow for smoking areas to then be designated around campus per the current smoking policy.

. Reminders about the quality teas and breakfast and also that the new Leadership Academy will be starting 9/27 and participation in both venues was highly encouraged. Several graduates of the Academy had positive comments regarding the staff dev. program.

. The issue of merit pay was once again discussed. While merit pay is not feasible at SFCC, it was suggested that there be recognition of those who have recently obtained a certificate or degree. Staff Senate will continue discussing this issue and bring forward a suggestion in the near future.

. The climate survey was discussed. Staff Senate members were invited to offer questions and several volunteered and will review and present comments at the next meeting to send on to Jackie Virgint.

. JACK training is going on next week. Staff Senate will have an outlet for information and a member has volunteered to work with OIT in the future.

Next meeting: Wednesday, September 19, 2007