THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSE AT CHATTANOGA
Exempt Staff Council Meeting
Lupton Library, Room 208
Members Attending: Debra Anderson, Debbie Bell, Allison Cardwell, Carter Cardwell, Tom Ellis, Bill Johnson, Ellen Neufeldt, Tonya Pace, Lindsay Pardue, Mike Royster, Charles Scott, and Gwen Williams.
Others in attendance: Dan Webb, 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 October 29, 2002 meeting.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Bill Stacy, Chancellor
The Chancellor asked ESC members for their input in several items that he is reviewing.
§ Every program, academic and support service, must be benchmarked. Without this, UTC cannot effectively measure its progress in five or ten years.
§ Improving access to programs for students, through the coordination of services, in addition to supplying programs and services for the non-traditional student.
§ Demonstrating the impact of the university to students through the recruiting and retaining of a diverse student, staff, and faculty body in addition to stressing the value of a college education to the public. Dr. Stacy stated that a college education contributes to better health, better credit decisions, and reduction in crime. College graduates also earn over $1 million more in a lifetime than high school graduates.
Members were informed of the SACS follow-up visit to review 30 critical areas of concern. One or two areas of concern remain and those are in administrative support programs. Dr. Stacy will travel to Texas in December to learn if UTC will be removed from SACS warning list.
Dr. Stacy has been appointed to the advisory council for the lottery. The council will gather data to present to committees and sponsors of the bill regarding lottery practices across the nation.
Dr. Stacy stated that although a 2% raise will be enacted in January, only one-half percent is being funded by the legislature. Benefits have risen from 28% to 32% mostly due to the increase in insurance premiums. Mr. Webb added that CUPA (College and University Professionals Association) data, comparing salaries to universities of the same size, is being gathered to prepare a compensation plan for staff during the budget hearings. The Chancellor welcomed the representation of the Exempt Staff Council by Ms. Anderson, Chair, at the budget hearings. He noted the representation of the Employee Relations Committee, Student Government Association, and Faculty Council during the hearings.
Dr. Stacy said that he is very encouraged by Dr. Shumaker’s support of UTC. Several months ago THEC had recommended enrollment caps, no state funds for athletics, no remedial classes, and no Doctoral programs except at Knoxville and Memphis. Dr. Shumaker has successfully addressed enrollment caps and the need for developmental classes.
UTC has received its first Doctoral program in Physical Therapy and through the creation of the Sim Center, a Doctorate in Computational Engineering is forthcoming. Programs for doctorates in nurse anesthesia and nurse practitioner are also being considered.
Dr. Stacy told members that they are an active part of an “engaged metropolitan university” and noted their involvement in programs or services that directly affect the community.
Ms. Anderson inquired if a Lupton grant could be given for staff development. The Chancellor urged the ESC to create a proposal, stating that the Luptons want money to be used in a way that will transform the University.
New Business
§ Change in Carry-Forward Date for Annual Leave
Mr. Webb announced that the date for the maximum annual leave balance has been changed from December 31, 2002, to June 30, 2003, to provide employees with sufficient time to schedule the use of accumulated hours. On June 30, 2003, any annual hours in excess of the maximum allowable carry forward amount will be transferred to sick leave. It is possible that this change in dates may become permanent and members are asked to give feedback to Mr. Webb.
§ Jury Duty
Mr. Webb discussed a proposal in the policy regarding jury duty. Employees who serve jury duty and are scheduled to work on Saturdays, would be compensated for Saturday’s work at time and a half. At present, employees are compensated at straight time. Members are asked to send comments to Mr. Webb.
§ Mentoring Program
A list of exempt staff hired since January 1 was distributed. Ms. Anderson would like ESC members to consider a mentoring program for new Exempt Staff employees.
§ Lupton Proposal for Staff Development
Ms. Anderson asked members if they were interested in obtaining a motivational speaker or having a retreat. Funds for staff development could be obtained through a Lupton grant. Members will contact other exempt staff for input.
Old Business
§ Task Force Reports
Mr. Webb distributed copies of preliminary reports from the Task Forces (Compensation/Bonus Incentive Plans, Position Classification/Compensation Structure, Faculty/Staff Retention, Performance Evaluation Methodologies) created by Ms. Sylvia Davis, UT Vice President for Budget & Finance. Members are asked to review the reports and forward questions or comments to Mr. Webb.
§ Credentials Verification Checklist
This form would by used by departments or chairs of selection committees to ensure that academic credentials and previous employment are verified.
§ Probationary Period Review
This form is similar to UT and will continue to be sent to departments from Personnel Services.
§ Advanced Connections
Staff that participated in “Advanced Connections” customer service training program this spring will meet November 21st for lunch and group discussion.
Next Meeting
The ESC will not meet in December although members are invited to Ms. Anderson’s office (101 Frist) for Christmas “goodies” on December 17.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melanie Sadler
Administrative Secretary
Personnel Services