THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSE AT CHATTANOGA
Exempt Staff Council Meeting
Lupton Library, Room 208
Members Attending: Debra Anderson, Debbie Bell, Allison Cardwell, Jean Dake, Ellen Neufeldt, Tonya Pace, Lindsay Pardue, Charles Scott, and Cynthia Wood.
Others in attendance: Nancy Owens, Associate Director, Personnel Services; Melanie Sadler, Administrative Secretary, Personnel Services.
Call to Order: Ms. Anderson called the meeting to order.
Minutes: Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the November 18, 2002 meeting.
New Business:
§ Employee Relations Committee Retreat
Ms. Anderson reported on the Employee Relations Committee Retreat that several ESC members attended. Among the issues mentioned by ERC members were salaries, compensation, and more respect for non-exempt staff. Ms. Cronin attended the bi-annual Employee Relations Board meeting in Knoxville and expressed her disappointment with an upper level administrator at the meeting who stated that people are replaceable.
The ESC will follow up these issues with the ERC at another meeting, possibly breakfast and ½ day session, before the next ESC meeting. Ms. Anderson will ask the Chancellor’s Office if they can provide funding for the breakfast.
§ Distinguished Service Rating
Ms. Anderson stated that she is part of a committee to view rewarding staff and faculty who receive a distinguished service rating. The current proposal is to provide a one-time payment of $1,000. Approximately 75 faculty and 30 staff members received a distinguished service rating last year.
In order to be recognized for Distinguished Service, a supervisor submits an employee’s name with supporting documentation through the chain of command up to the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor then presents a list to the Chancellor for his consideration, according to Ms. Owens. A Distinguished Service recommendation does not have to accompany a SPDR (Staff Performance and Development Review). Ms. Anderson added faculty have specific criteria to meet in order to receive distinguished service.
The SPDR committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and an ERC representative, worked for almost two years to develop the form and informational sessions were presented in every division. The original intent was to have departments use the employee’s anniversary date for completion of SPDR. Some departments use a date selected by the Vice Chancellor of the division.
Old Business:
§ “Advanced Connections”
A follow-up meeting of customer service training was held in November. The split sessions were moderated by Monty Wilson and Gail Meyer. Although lack of funding was discussed, the sessions focused on etiquette and courtesy to staff, faculty, and students. Members of the Task Force (Gail Meyer, Julia Cronin, Ellen Neufeldt, Dan Webb) will view things that can be accomplished in the short term and also view a model being used at Appalachian State to change the culture of the university in providing customer service.
§ Staff Development
Ms. Anderson will again email members to gauge interest in a staff development program, perhaps funded by a Lupton grant.
§ Publicity Committee
The Committee has discussed holding an event at the Faculty Club for exempt staff, in order to inform them of the creation of the Exempt Council. Ms. Sadler will provide an updated list of exempt staff in order that members may contact employees they represent.
§ Next Meeting will be Tuesday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. in Lupton Library, Room 208. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melanie Sadler
Administrative Secretary
Personnel Services