LCSC Faculty Association
February 22, 2005
Minutes

       I.        Call to Order: The Acting Chair, Kathie Wilcox, called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm.

II.      Approval of Minutes of December 7, 2004: The minutes were amended as follows: under New Business, item A: change the spelling of “Gerry Raymey” to “Gerry Ramey.” Minutes approved as amended.

III.     President’s Report:

A.     President Thomas recently returned from the NEA convention in Washington, D.C. She met with legislators and discussed LCSC’s six Federal appropriations requests:

1.      Water Safety Center

2.      Skid Pad

3.      ID Virtual Incubator

4.      Services for American Indians

5.      Online EMT course development

6.      Developmental math center

B.     She feels she is making inroads in telling Legislators what we are doing with current funds, and what we will do with any additional funds.

C.     The Governor’s recommended budget includes a 6% increase, including 1% salary increase. President Thomas agrees with the faculty request that retirement savings go back into salaries. Last year, LCSC augmented the state’s provision of a 1% salary increase for a total of 2.5% (including promotions). President Thomas cannot promise the same for this year, but hopes the salary increase will be greater than 1%.

1.      No occupancy costs for bonded buildings are included in the Governor’s recommended budget. It is probable that only occupancy costs for facilities built with private funds will be considered.

a.      JFAC co-chairs have stated they support LCSC’s request for occupancy costs, as have Senator Stegner and Representatives Mitchell, Rusche, Ringle, and Trail.

b.       President Thomas addressed concerns regarding media reports that LCSC will cut staff or programs if occupancy costs are not funded. She stated, “We will find the money.” LCSC has managed to build up a reserve, which does allow some flexibility. She has not considered staff cuts, and will not cut programs in order to fund the Activities Center. Shutting down the Center is not an option. If it is shut down, chances for funding next year would be devastated. Shutting it will be a last resort.

2.      The Governor’s recommended budget includes a 27^th pay period. For people on annual salaries, bi-weekly paychecks will be salary ÷ 27. For people on hourly salaries, bi-weekly paychecks will continue to be based on hours worked.

3.      The Governor’s recommended budget includes an enrollment workload increase.

D.     LCSC has now paid off the Athletic Department’s deficit. An assistant, rather than director, may be hired in order to maintain a streamlined budget.

IV.    Treasury Report: Service Fund balance as of the end of January is $3,343.32. Not all expenses related to the Legislative lunch had been taken out as of that date. Balance of the Provost’s account is approximately $1,600.00.

V.     Benevolence Committee Report: Diana Ames thanked those who have been contributing toward the fund, which benefits faculty in extreme circumstances. She urged faculty to contribute, and stated that a donation of just one or two dollars per pay period would be appreciated. One-time donations are also welcome. The fund has benefited 5 faculty. Current balance in account is $975.

VI.   Old Business:

             A.  The annual Legislative trip and luncheon January 11-12, 2005, was very successful,
                   with as many legislators attending this year as last. LCSC representatives strategized
                   with colleagues from other institutions to create talking points, sending a cohesive
                    message to all legislators. 

VII.   New Business:  First readings of two proposals from the Administrative Procedures   Committee were presented.  Final vote to take place at Faculty Association Meeting    
  April 27^th.

A.  Change to Periodic Performance Review: “Copies of all annual evaluations since the last  review” to be submitted with all other materials.”

B.   Change of structure of Standing Tenure & Promotion Committee for academic faculty to include six tenured faculty members, rather than the current four tenured and two untenured faculty. Three of the faculty members must hold full professor rank.          

VIII.  Next meeting: Wednesday, April 27^th, 2005.

IX.  Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 5:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracy Flynn, Secretary