TOPIC

REPORT/DISCUSSION POINTS

ACTION(S)

Members Present

Kristy Roberts, Jim McCracken, Kathy Martin, Linda Applington, Pat Clyde, Craig Steenberg, Allen Schmoock, Jill Thomas-Jorgenson, Petra Riggs, Karan Morscheck, Chet Herbst, Andy Hanson, Amy Mayer, Bert Sahlberg, Debra Lybyer, Travis Osburn, Deborah Snyder, Diane Johnson, Ken Clark, Ryan Gill, David Taylor, Keith Johnson, John Bender, Kim Carey, Stephanie Wagner, Steve Bussolini, Stephanie Lathrop, Dick Shedd, and Donna Callahan

Read and approve minutes

Minutes from November 19, 2004 meeting were read and approved without any revisions.

Treasurer’s Report

Donna Callahan reported that $403.00 has been deposited into the PSO account through payroll deduction as of December 30^th.  The Winter Revels door prize donation cost $44.66 leaving us with a balance of $358.34.  

Special Meeting

The next PSO meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2005, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in SUB 143.  The Hiring Sub-Committee will discuss their recommendations. 

Ryan Gill will attach the report to the Meeting Agenda email so that PSO members will have time to review it prior to the meeting. 

PSO members need to begin thinking about who they would like to nominate for PSO Board positions in March.

President Council Updates

Ken Clark asked PSO members if they would like to receive weekly updates from the President Council meetings.

Ken Clark will ask Ryan Gill to distribute via email pertinent information from the President Council Meetings.

How’s My Driving Assessment Tool

Ken Clark encouraged PSO members to use this assessment tool for offering praise and encouragement to our colleagues.  This is not the tool to use for complaints.  Since this is a survey dealing with day-to-day occurrences, the Planning, Research, and Assessment Office is facilitating its use.

PSO members will be generous with their positive accolades.

Legislative Luncheon Update

Ken Clark gave a report on the Legislative Luncheon.  Ken and Dave Taylor met with senators and legislators.  They were introduced by Senator Joe Stegner and watched the Sentate convene.  Ken asked if Higher Education would see an increase in funding in the future.  He was told that 70% of the state budget goes to education already.  Only 5% of money is discretionary.  Highways are a priority.  The State is losing the additional 1 cent sales tax. 

Ken and Dave recommend that a more organized approach would be beneficial in the future.  For example, getting together with other PSO staff from around the state and drawing up some talking points. 

PSO members should meet with local senators and legislators throughout the year. 

Benevolence Committee

Do we want to have a Benevolence Committee?

Ken Clark will ask Lori Gaskill to assemble the Morale Committee and make a recommendation.

President Thomas

PSO members submitted the following questions in advance:

Workload – Why does administration seem to consider Faculty workload, but not PSO’s when PSO employees usually work more hours/week?

Response:  Administration is concerned about workloads for all employees, including PSO.  Faculty is more quantifiable. Administration needs to do more.  Information comes from the strategic plan. 

Number of students increasing – Why aren’t employees also increasing?

Response:  The number of employees has gone up.  The downside to this is that when student numbers went down, employee numbers did not.

What is employee headcount in relation to student headcount?

Response:  Research/study is needed. 

At what point would administration address workload issues?  Is there a magic number or timeline?

Response:  There is no simple answer.  Administration will look at the priorities listed in the Strategic Plan.

Is there a formula, such as, every 1,000 students equals x number of staff?

Response:  President Thomas is interested in reviewing the formula/rational used by others. 

What is the likelihood of continuation of Summer Flex Time and Holiday Closure initiatives?

Response:  The sense has been that the initiatives were welcomed and positively received by the majority of PSO members. BSU is considering discontinuing summer flex hours.  Some people did not get to enjoy the Holiday Closure due to the preparation of the opening of the Activity Center.  The University of Idaho had some problems related to the Holiday Closure initiative because some people did not have the option of taking vacation time.  There may have been some minimal cost savings associated with the closure.

Health Insurance – How much will LCSC employees have to pay if costs increase?

Response:  At this time, health insurance increases will be fully funded.  Salary increases cannot be considered an increase in wages if health insurance payout is greater than the salary increase.  Governor is recommending a 6.4% increase for higher education, which includes increasing insurance costs, workload adjustment, and school endowment.  A 1% salary increase is being suggested.  President Thomas is interested in PSO’s recommendation on how to distribute the 1% salary increase.

Does LCSC have any additional money that could be used for salary increases?

Response:  We will have to look at the budget.  Would you rather have a salary increase or use money toward strategic planning priorities?  Occupancy costs for Activity Center are not included in Governor’s recommendations.  President Thomas hopes that $300,000 will be found in the State’s budget to pay for occupancy costs.  The second phase of the Activity Center will be complete by October 13, 2005.  The Registrar’s Office is exploring options for scheduling.  We are a good value.  We make good use of our money.  We are careful.  We don’t overspend.

President Thomas’ Final Comments:  Thanks to all of you for doing a great job! 

Ken Clark will develop a survey for PSO members to complete on the holiday closure initiative.

Need to publicize summer flex hours.

Compensation Committee needs to make recommendation on how to distribute a possible 1% salary increase.

Meeting Adjourned

2:29 p.m.  Next meeting is scheduled for February 15, 2005, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in SUB 143.