2008
January, February, March, April, May, June, July

July 16, 2008

July’s Staff Senate was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance: Vivianne Herrero, Robbie McCray, Sandy Hinish, Nina Madric, Gail McCray, Debbie Leech, Fern Bishop, Cathy Hagan, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Susan Peifer, Dave Hall, Jeannette Pulliam, Rob Wiltbank, and Marti VanVeen

Absent: Diana D’Amico, Lynne Boyd-Smith, and Diane Johnston

Prior to the start of the meeting, Dr. Winner addressed the Senate and gave a brief overview of the FY09 budget.

A motion was made by Jeannette, seconded by Karen to accept June’s meeting minutes as written. Treasury balance: $2280.07

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)……Debbie said the scholarship committee received three applications, and a selection would be made when the committee meets on July 18. Current plans are to award one scholarship per year so as to not deplete treasury funds. The Recognition Award deadline is July 25; nomination forms are on Staff Senate website. Plan to have award winners chosen in time to get pictures and story in newsletter for In-Service.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)…nothing to report
• Fundraising (Lynne)…In Lynne’s absence Karen said the Rita’s Water Ice fundraiser is scheduled for September 17 at Wilmington, and another New York City bus trip is planned for October 11.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)…Rob indicated there are a couple of new employees at Wilmington who will be mentored
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)…Vivianne reviewed the newsletter and outlined plans for the blank page; will be ready for distribution at In-Service. Cathy said she would email Dan Ehmann to get permission to have the Copy Room do the printing.
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)…nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS: nothing to discuss

NEW BUSINESS

• Regarding the Recognition Award presentation, Cathy spoke with Dr. Winner about presenting awards at In-Service. No decision at this time.

Being no further business, a motion was made by Karen, seconded by Gail to adjourn the meeting.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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June 25, 2008

June’s meeting was postponed from June 18 to June 25. The meeting was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance: Debbie Leech, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Sandy Hinish, Diane Johnston, Nina Madric, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Susan Peifer, Jeannette Pulliam, Marti Van Veen, and Rob Wiltbank

Absent: Robbie McCray, Diana D’Amico, Gail McCray, and Dave Hall

Cathy welcomed all Senators, and announced that Robbie McCray was in the hospital. A card was mailed.

Motion by Karen, seconded by Vivianne to accept May’s meeting minutes as written. Current treasury balance is $2280.07

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)……Debbie thanked Karen and Dave for their assistance in working on the Employee Recognition item, and thanked Vivianne for updating the website. Senators were asked to think about who could be nominated. Committee would like this award to be independent from Faculty Senate. Cathy plans to meet with Mr. Miller to discuss this project. A marketing push for the scholarship was initiated. One application was received, but expecting additional submissions. Will leave flyers with Human Resources so they can be distributed with paychecks.
• Concerns (Cathy)…Cathy met with John Fogelgren regarding the complaints about smoking. There are too few places smokers can go. A recycling program will be started at Stanton, but it is not known when this will occur. Recycling will not take place at Wilmington campus because the city is only doing residential, not commercial recycling. In response to a complaint about fleet cars being used to travel to Employee Recognition , Cathy reported that fleet vehicles were allowed because the buses were filled.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)…Karen had nothing new to report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)…Lynne said the committee moved the Rita’s Water Ice fundraiser to fall (Aug. 28)when there would be more people on campus. A Saturday bus trip to NYC is planned for October; ticket price will increase to $40.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)…Rob said there haven’t been any new personnel at Wilmington. Diane reported  that two new employees were  mentored at Stanton.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)…Vivianne and committee will work on newsletter which traditionally is distributed at In-Service
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)…nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS: no further items to discuss

NEW BUSINESS

• Cathy reported on campus updates: hours increased in preparation for CPA exam, new student orientation is August 20, fees have increased by 5%, public safety officers will train to become constables, looking for nominees for LDP(Leadership Development Program), CCIF campaign has been put on hold due to current state budget constraints, increase in tuition, approval of waiving residency requirement for those who move here to work at Aberdeen Proving Ground, 208 scholarships were awarded in New Castle County.
• Karen informed the group that as state employees, we can receive a 15% discount from Verizon for cellphones. Perhaps Staff Senate can set up a specific date when a Verizon rep could be at each campus. Cathy suggested we find out if Staff Senate can get any percentage of sales as a result.
• Debbie clarified that fundraisers are not solely for putting aside dollars for scholarships; funds are used in other ways to support programs for Plan B and C employees.

Being no further business, a motion was made by Rob to adjourn; seconded by Lynne.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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May 21, 2008

Meeting was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance: Lynne Boyd-Smith, Marti VanVeen, Sue Peifer, Jeannette Pulliam, Cathy Hagan, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Fern Bishop, Sandy Hinish, Debbie Leech, Vivianne Herrero, Robbie McCray, and Gail McCray Absent: Diana D’Amico, Diane Johnston, Dave Hall, Rob Wiltbank, and Nina Madric

Cathy welcomed Marti VanVeen to Staff Senate.

A motion was made by Debbie, seconded by Jeannette to accept April’s meeting minutes as written. Sandy read a thank you card from Gary James acknowledging the sympathy card Staff Senate sent on the recent death of his father.

Treasury balance reported: $2280.07

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)…received a scholarship application today; plan to have a marketing push during the summer for the fall semester; still want to pursue employee excellence award. Cathy said she asked members of Admin Council to convey information regarding the scholarship to their staff. It was suggested that employee excellence award could be a joint effort with faculty senate. Senators’ thoughts on the collaborative effort were tabled until next meeting.
• Concerns (Cathy)…received a second concern about smoking at Stanton; this time for the courtyard area. Cathy met with John Fogelgren. Admin Sevices plans to put up “no smoking “ signs at the entrance, but acknowledges that smoking is a difficult concern to handle. Another issue that needs addressed is why some employees used fleet vehicles to attend the Employee Recognition Event at Owens. Sue Peifer questioned the empty parking spots in Wilmington; Cathy asked her to put the concern on a feedback form.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)…To date, has not received response from HR on request for a workshop.
• Fundraising (Lynne)…Bus trip to NYC was excellent and well received; some suggested having another trip, but have on a weekend day. Profit from the trip was $399.00. Planning to have a Rita’s Water Ice fundraiser in July.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)…no report
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)…nothing to report
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)…nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS: nothing to discuss

NEW BUSINESS
Cathy’s report from Administrative Council:

• Mr. Miller said the college is looking at developing different class format (modules, hybrid classes); proposal has been presented to the Board.
• Public Safety officers trained in threat assessment.
• State expects an influx of people who will be working at Aberdeen military site. DTCC plans to waive the residency rule and therefore offer “in-state” tuition rates to these new residents.
• In-Service will be on August 18
• Most likely there will be a tuition increase for fall semester.

Recycling update: Delaware Solid Waste (DSW) will commit to a program at Stanton, but not at Wilmington. When the program will begin is currently not known. Because many colleges are already on the bandwagon to go “green”, DTCC has a lot of work to do to catch up. We all need to look at ways we can start even in small ways such as recycling office paper.

Being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Karen, seconded by Marti to adjourn.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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APRIL 16, 2008

Meeting was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance:  Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Sandy Hinish, Gail McCray, Susan Peifer, Jeannette Pulliam, and Rob Wiltbank
Absent:  Rob McCray, Diana D’Amico, Debbie Leech, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Diane Johnston, Marti VanVeen, and Nina Madric

Minutes from March’s meeting were distributed. A motion was made by Karen and seconded by Gail to accept the minutes as written.  Treasury balance reported was $1881.07, but this amount does not reflect any deposits made in Wilmington from monies collected for the New York bus trip. Lynne to send the receipts to Sandy so the account can be reconciled.   

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)…no committee activity
• Concerns (Cathy)…Received a concern from Stanton about people smoking at the entrance to the building. Cathy emailed John Fogelgren (Admin. Services Director) regarding the issue.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)…Email request sent to Dr. Jackie Jenkins (Human Resources Director) about the possibility of a morale booster workshop.
• Fundraising (Lynne)…For the New York bus trip, there are 15 paid tickets and 14 tickets pending payment.  Jeannette suggested that if you are unable to go on the bus trip you can make a donation. Lynne talked about  a Rita’s Water Ice fundraiser, but needs to find out how much money is needed to have them come to S/W campus. Sandy to inquire at Business Office how to get upfront funds from Staff Senate account.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)…It was decided to have a monthly list of new employees. Will start in May ’08.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)…no committee report
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)…nothing to report

OLD BUSINESS
Cathy corrected her statement from last month’s meeting that recycling had begun in Wilmington. Recycling program had not yet started at Wilmington Campus.

NEW BUSINESS
As announced at Admin Council, Cathy reminded senators that all administrators would be off campus on April 17 and 18 for the annual Administrative Retreat. With the preparation of the FY09 budget soon to begin, it was announced the budget would be cut by 8%. Also, there is a new vendor for the state supercards. PNC credit cards need to be turned in so new card can be issued.

Being no further business for discussion, a motion to adjourn was made by Lynne Boyd-Smith, seconded by Jeannette Pulliam.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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MARCH 29 , 2008

The March 2008 Staff Senate meeting was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance: Debbie Leech, Vivianne Herrero, Robbie McCray, Gail McCray, Diane Johnston, Diana D’Amico, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Rob Wiltbank, Jeannette Pulliam, Lynne Boyd-Smith, and Karen Bourne-Douglas, and Nina Madric.

Sandy Hinish and Marti VanVeen were absent.

A motion was made by Vivianne Herrero, seconded by Rob Wiltbank to accept February’s meeting minutes as written. An updated treasury balance was not reported in Sandy Hinish’s absence; it was noted that the last balance recorded was $1881.07. Cathy commented that if she receives a request by a Staff Senator, she would request an updated balance from the Business Office.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie Leech)…The Committee restated that the target for the first scholarship award is during the Fall ’08 semester. Work will begin shortly to market the program. One suggestion was to send a flyer out with paychecks via Human Resources. Debbie also discussed the challenges regarding the nomination of an employee for the Excellence in Service award. She informed the group that it had been problematic to obtain information to forward to the Senators, so that they could make a decision and vote on the best nominee. The Committee felt that a better solution would be to create a recognition program that would be through the Staff Senate. This would allow more flexibility in the criteria, and still provide recognition to our peers. Suggestions from the group included giving out the award during campus Inservice, and perhaps recognizing the individual or group with a plaque or gift certificate. Cathy advised the group that she will approach Mr. Miller about the feasibility of presenting the award during Inservice.
• Concerns (Cathy)...no concerns were received.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)...The Committee has not met, although there will be a meeting in the next few weeks. An email will be going out to members regarding the teleconference.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...Lynne reported that there were 6 paid for the trip so far. She also commented that June Roux was planning on purchasing 10 tickets for her students. She had other people who were waiting for pay day. It was discussed that alumni of DTCC could pay the $35 rate, but that their guest would pay the $40 rate if they were not DTCC student or staff.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...Rob reported that he received DTCC folders and pencils to give out. There is currently one CCP person in Wilmington, and one Public Safety person in Stanton to be mentored. Two more employees are coming on board, according to Robbie. Cathy was going to partner with Jackie Jenkins to get the names. Suggested schedule was on the first of the month, and forward that list of names to Rob. Diane was going to check with the HR office in Stanton.
• Communication & Outreach (Vivianne)...Vivianne reported that the pictures were all completed and on the website. Thanks to Dave Hall, for getting the Wilmington Staff Senator’s pictures. Vivianne has also updated all information sent from the Committees. Some initial comments are that it is very professionally done, and Cathy is receiving very positive feedback about the website. Vivianne has combined several links of information under the “Services” section, to include the feedback form, mentoring, and scholarship information. It was requested that Vivianne create an “Events” area, such as for the NY bus trip, bake sales, etc. Robbie recreated the feedback form to allow staff members to fill out online. This form will forward to Robbie, who will forward to Cathy to address the concern. Vivianne also told the group that the bulletin boards would be updated soon. It was also suggested that we post announcements about the new site.
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)...nothing to report.

OLD BUSINESS
Rob Wiltbank asked about the recycling program. Cathy asked him to hold that until New Business. No other topics presented under Old Business.

NEW BUSINESS
The recycling program for Stanton/Wilmington will be starting soon. John Fogelgren is working with DSWA to coordinate. Administrative Services will be handling the coordination of the program; it will not be the responsibility of the Staff Senate to collect bins, etc. Cathy will follow up with John Fogelgren about the Wilmington recycling program. Karen stated that the Staff Senate was interested in being involved initially due to the incentives (i.e. gift cards) that the City was offering for participation. Karen and Jeannette were already working on this program for the Wilmington campus.

Cathy attended the Administrative Council meeting, where Mr. Miller reiterated that budget cuts would be forthcoming. It is anticipated that 8% will need to be cut from the budget. Although there is a hiring freeze, Mr. Miller maintains that there will be no cuts in current positions. It is suggested that each department cut back expenses in travel, supplies, etc. to accommodate the reduction.

Cathy attended the New Employee Orientation on behalf of the Staff Senate. There were approximately 30 new employees from Stanton/Wilmington. She received good feedback and a few questions about the Staff Senate.

Cathy received correspondence from Patricia DePlasco from the HR Dept. in the OOP, who read the December meeting minutes online concerning sexual harassment information. To review, the comment was raised that it was not easy to find information online, and posters were not current. The posters have now been updated as a result of this discussion.

A fundraising idea was presented by Rob to sell Scrips, which is something Catholic schools use to raise money. The concept is to buy gift cards and re-sell them to receive 2-15% of the money collected. Some vendors include Acme, 1800Flowers.com, among others. More research will be done to see if this is something Staff Senate can pursue.

A question about the cookbooks was raised, and it was decided to ask the bookstores to again try to sell remaining cookbooks on our behalf. A reduction in cost was discussed. Lynne will follow up with Eric in Wilmington, and will discuss with the Committee what type of discount would be offered. Also need to check with Sandy to see how many books remain.

A motion for adjournment was made by Rob Wiltbank and seconded by Karen Bourne-Douglas. Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Debbie Leech for
Sandy Hinish
Secretary-Treasurer

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FEBRUARY 27, 2008

The February 2008 Staff Senate meeting was called to order by Cathy Hagan. In attendance: Debbie Leech, Vivianne Herrero, Robbie McCray, Gail McCray, Sandy Hinish, Diane Johnston, Diana D’Amico, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Rob Wiltbank, Jeannette Pulliam, Lynne Boyd-Smith, and Karen Bourne-Douglas. Nina Madric and Marti VanVeen still out on sick leave.

Vivianne Herrero, who designed and built a new website for Staff Senate, unveiled the site and gave a brief overview of how it was set up. A deadline of March 19 (next Staff Senate meeting) was set for committee chairs to get information to Vivianne for the website, and for photos of Senators to be taken.

A motion was made by Jeannette Pulliam, seconded by Karen Bourne-Douglas to accept January’s meeting minutes as written.  Treasury balance is $1881.07.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie Leech)…Committee is targeting the Fall ’08 semester to disburse the first scholarship award. Debbie asked for nominations for the Excellence in Service Award, and received the following: Registrar office staff, Rebecca Bailey-Bell, and Dan Stevens. Committee will investigate each one, and in a week email recommendation to Staff Senate for vote.
• Concerns (Cathy)…no concerns were received.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)…nothing to report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)…Bus trip to New York City is set for May 9; participants must sign up by May 2.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)…Rob had nothing to report for Wilmington; Diane indicated she planned to meet with Sandy to get onboard with the mentoring program and procedures to follow.
• Communication & Outreach (Vivianne)…unveiling of the Staff Senate website.
• By-Laws/Elections (Cathy)…nothing to report.

OLD BUSINESS
Nothing to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS
Cathy reported that during Admin Council, it was stressed that Public Safety is very committed to keeping the campus safe. The department has gone from security guards to Public Safety officers, and in the future they may become constables which would allow them to carry weapons.

The recycling program for Stanton-Wilmington is moving forward. Working with DSWA, the campus plans to have the program in operation within the next year.

Cathy suggested attention be given to the Staff Senate bulletin boards at each location by completely changing them, and thus bringing more attention to the contents of the boards.

A motion for adjournment was made by Rob Wiltbank and seconded by Dave Hall. Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary-Treasurer

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JANUARY 19, 2008

The January 2008 meeting was called to order by Robbie McCray at Stanton. Meeting was held via videoconference.

In attendance: Robbie McCray, Sandy Hinish, Debbie Leech, Gail McCray, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Diane Johnston, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Susan Peifer, Jeannette Pulliam, and Rob Wiltbank.

Absent: Diana D’Amico, Nina Madric, and Marti VanVeen

Robbie welcomed all the new senators, and expressed appreciation for their willingness to serve on Staff Senate.

Motion was made by Cathy Hagan, seconded by Jeannette Pulliam to accept the minutes after one correction was made. Treasury balance reported: $1881.07.

ELECTIONS
Since there were no other nominations, Cathy Hagan was elected Chair,Robbie McCray elected as Vice Chair, and Sandy Hinish as Secretary-Treasurer. Cathy will begin in February presiding over meetings.

COMMITTEES
All senators must serve on standing committees. Below is a list of the committees and their members. Some senators still need to commit to serving on committees.

• Executive…Cathy Hagan (Chair), Robbie McCray, Sandy Hinish
• By-Laws/Elections…Cathy Hagan (Chair), Sandy Hinish, Diana D’Amico, Nina Madric, Rob Wiltbank
• Concerns…Cathy Hagan, Robbie McCray, Sandy Hinish
• Mentoring…Diane Johnston (Stanton co-chair); Rob Wiltbank (Wilmington co-chair), Karen Bourne Douglas, Sue Peifer, Diana D’Amico
• Communications & Outreach…Vivianne Herrero (Chair), Debbie Leech, Dave Hall, Sandy Hinish
• Education Opportunity/Parity…Karen Bourne-Douglas (Chair), Vivianne Herrero, Lynne Boyd-Smith
• Fundraising...Lynne Boyd-Smith (Chair), Fern Bishop, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Jeannette Pulliam, Diane Johnston, Sue Peifer, Gail McCray
• Awards/Scholarship…Debbie Leech (Chair), Karen Bourne-Douglas, Dave Hall

NEW BUSINESS
Cathy Hagan set up a tentative date of May 9 for the bus trip to New York City. The trip was approved by Dr. Winner. Tickets for the one day trip will be $40.00, and that amount includes the driver’s tip. This should provide a profit of $680.00. Lynne Boyd-Smith will take responsibility for pulling together all the details of the trip.

Senators approved the attendance of Dr. Ray Lynch at next month’s meeting. Observing a Staff Senate meeting is a criteria for the Leadership Development Program of which Dr. Lynch is a member.

A motion was made by Diane Johnston, seconded by Gail McCray to adjourn the meeting.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary-Treasurer

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