Staff Senate Minutes 
of Regular Meeting  
November 9, 2011 – 1:15 p.m.
Martinsville Room
Senators Present:  Suzann Bennett, Angie Campbell, Tony Craig, Brad Green, Zoraida Irizarry, Rick James, Tina Jenkins, Mary Jo Montgomery, Michelle Morgan, Patty Shonk, Anita Thomas, Antoine Thomas                 
Senators Absent:  Maria Barrientos, Tami Duzan, Cay Kolling, Phil Lang
Guests:  Dr. William Weber and Peggy Brown, CEPS
Call to Order:  	The meeting was called to order by Pres. Thomas at 1:17 p.m. 
Approval of Minutes:  The minutes from the October meeting were read and approved.
Updates from Dr. Weber:  
Strategic planning- At the “Goals Conference” meeting last week, the committee developed 5 goals and action plans. The Committee continues its work and has scheduled three open sessions on the Nov. 14, 2011.  Information will be shared with the campus community.  A Vision Statement was drafted.  Some main points discussed were academic rigor, scholarships, symbolic landmark needed such as a panther, a landscape master plan, and financial concerns. Senator Jenkins thought the conference was very productive. 
Pension – 2nd Amendment to SB512 was filed 11/8/11.  In that bill, employee contributions will rise to more than 15.3% for the current plan and will rise again to 17% in 2 years; other options are available.  TRS analysis said the bill would end up costing State of Ill. more money.  If the bill passes, the outcome will likely be decided in court.  State of Ill. university presidents sent a joint letter to the legislature stating their opposition to the bill and noting the negative effect it would have on faculty/staff retention and hiring. 
   Old Business:  
	A.  Amendment to the Constitution – Results of election were announced.  The Amendment to the Constitution passed.  Constitution will be revised to show the amendment wording.
		
Sick Leave Bank – Linda Holloway will be at our Dec. meeting to speak about the Sick Leave Bank.   
Day Care Center- Senator Bennett updated the Senate on the status of ongoing meetings.  The committee recently met with area day cares and talked the about pros and cons of a campus daycare center.
Web Design- Senator Morgan is working on a new web site design and took suggestions for format.
New Business:  There are two (2) Staff Senate vacancies in A/P group.  President Thomas discussed ways to fill the vacancies.  An email will be sent to the A/P employee group to determine interest in the position.  Also, a letter will be sent via campus mail to non-negotiated trades employees for the same purpose.  They have one (1) vacancy in their employee group.
Absenteeism by senators briefly discussed.
Committee Reports: 
Election Committee-Report on election results for amendment to Constitution.
No other reports given.

Angie Campbell made the Motion to Adjourn.   Antoine Thomas 2nd the Motion.  Meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, 
Suzann Bennett, Secretary
Next meeting:  December 14, 2011 at 1:15 p.m. in the Martinsville Room