OPERATING STAFF COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES 5/10/07

9 AM – Holmes Student Center, Room 406

Present: Elizabeth Buck, Judy Burgess, Gay Campbell, Sara Clayton, Marcia Dick, Linda Jennings,

Glenda Jones, Theresa Kinniry, Nancy Schuneman, Brenda Smith

Absent: Alan Smith, LaRonda Thuestad

Guests: Tim Griffin, Jodi Tyrrell

I. Call to Order

President Sara Clayton called the regular meeting of the Operating Staff Council to order at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2007.

II. Approval of Agenda

A motion was made to accept the agenda. The motion was seconded and passed.

III. Approval of Minutes of the April 12, 2007, Meeting

A motion was made to accept the minutes. The motion was seconded and passed.

IV. Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer’s report was presented for discussion. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded and passed.

V. Announcements/Correspondence

A. Clayton passed around several things including:

- ISU Newsletter

- Secretarial Advisory Council Employee Parking Proposal

- A list of winners from the drawing at the Benefits Fair

- A flyer announcing Dorothy Razniewski’s retirement party

- A reminder of the Benefits Choice Fair

- Benefits Choice period announcement

- A flyer about workplace violence prevention

B. Glenda Jones announced that Jo Dunlap is the new director of the Women’s Resource Center. She said an assistant director will be hired by June 1.

VI. Committee Reports

A. Personnel/Staff Developments/Benefits –

Judy Burgess reported that the committee discussed the problem of cars double parking on Garden Road, and also the issue of students walking along Newman Drive. She said the committee will contact the NIU administration to voice the Council’s concern. Andy Small suggested the committee first contact the alderman representing that area.

B. Elections and Appointments –

Jay Monteiro reported that ballots have been sent out to all Operating Staff. He said there are 5 positions on the Council and 8 candidates. The committee vacancy list was also sent out.

C. Special Events –

Jones reported that she has received 450 responses so far for the StaffFest Luncheon. Plans are continuing on the event.

D. Public Relations – No Report

E. Visiting Committees/Guests –

Gay Campbell gave a report about the NIU Parking Appeals Committee

Campbell said the committee handles several thousand appeals every year. She said the committee meets once a month for about 2 hours to review both written appeals and to hear oral arguments from those who wish to appeal a ticket. Any individual who receives a ticket on campus has the right to appeal; however, if they choose to appeal, they automatically forfeit the right to pay the fine at the reduced rate if applicable. All tickets must be paid or appealed within 10 days.

The committee reviews the appeals and makes a decision. The appellant will be notified in writing within the week. Campbell said the committee also reviews requests for exceptions to parking policies based on unique and individual circumstances.

F. EAC –

Clayton attended the meeting at the UIC extension office in Matteson, IL. Items discussed include:

- A review of discharge procedures

- A review of SPS/AP positions vs. CS positions

- New class specs for the secretarial series

The next meeting will be at ISU in July.

G. UAC – No Report.

H. University Council –

Marcia Dick reported on the meeting:

- Paul Stoddard was re-appointed as the President of the Faculty Senate and Executive Secretary for the University Council.

- President Peters spoke briefly about the lobby day in Springfield. The provost and other administrators met with legislators the next day. Peters urged employees to continue to contact our state representatives.

- Campus security issues were discussed. State officials are creating a task force to review current practices and procedures.

- The Strategic Task Force had their year-end meeting on May 4. The new fundraising campaign has been kicked off and it is called “True North.”

- The Religious Observance Policy was discussed. Students who wish to observe a religious holiday can make arrangements with professors to make up any work/exams missed in class.

- Intellectual property issues, including copyrights, were all discussed.

- Bobbi Cesarek was re-elected as the SPS chair. Outgoing and incoming council members were also recognized.

VII. Old Business – None.

VIII. New Business -

Benefits Fair Suggestions

Attendees of the Benefits Fair were asked to share their thoughts/suggestions about the fair. Some suggestions were:

- Information on how increments are decided.

- Having a representative from Comp Dent at the fair so questions can be answered about dental coverage.

- There was some concern about homeless people loitering/living in various buildings on campus. After some discussion, the Council decided that there is not much that can be done as long as the individuals are not causing a disturbance, or represent a threat to others.

IX. Miscellaneous Items

Meeting dates for next year were announced. All meetings will begin at 9 a.m. All meetings will be in HSC Room 406 unless otherwise indicated.

July 12 * January 10, 2008 – Meet at HRS

* August 9 – Meet in HSC 306 February 14, 2008

September 13 March 13, 2008

October 11 * April 10, 2008 – Meet at HRS

November 8 May 8, 2008

December 13 June 12, 2008

X. Adjournment – A motion was made at 11 a.m. to adjourn.

Respectfully Submitted,

Theresa Kinniry

OSC Secretary