2009
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

October 21, 2009

In attendance: Rob McCray (presiding), Diana D’Amico, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Dave Hall, Vivianne Herrero, Debbie Leech, Nina Madric, Gail McCray, Sean Miles

Absent: Fern Bishop, Cathy Hagan, Gary Heller, Sandy Hinish, Diane Johnston, Fran Puglisi, Jeannette Pulliam, Marti Van Veen, and Rob Wiltbank

The minutes from September’s meeting were read and approved (Lynne accepted the minutes, Dave seconded) with no corrections or additions. Treasury balance of $2,133.63 was reflected in September meeting report.

Rob McCray welcomed and introduced one of the new members of the Staff Senate, Sean Miles.  Staff Senators also introduced themselves.

In absence of the secretary/treasurer, an updated report was not given.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...The committee has no new action, but will be looking at another scholarship cycle in the Spring.  Debbie asked for volunteers to join the committee due to the vacancy left by Karen Bourne-Douglas.  It was suggested that Sean join the committee to fill the vacancy, and Sean accepted the responsibility for the duration of the term.
• Concerns (Robbie)...Robbie stated that he had not received any new concerns, and that he was not aware of the other committee members receiving any concerns.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Jeannette Pulliam)...No report given.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...New ideas for fundraising that are being explored include a bake sale and the sale of entertainment books. Lynne stated that all reimbursements were made for the cancelled NYC bus trip. Lynne addressed the question from Vivianne regarding the notification process, and acknowledged that another process would need to be set up for future trips. There was a disconnect between individuals who contacted Lynne for information and a form, and those that registered and paid at the Business Office. Although monies are overseen at the Business Office, Lynne also needs to be aware of the registered students (i.e. name, contact information, etc.) which were not occurring at the Stanton campus.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...No report given.  There was a discussion among Senators relating to a person employed in the library during the evening.  The employee will be able to receive mentoring if they so desire.  Logistics will be worked out.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...There was nothing new to report.  Vivianne raised a question regarding the bus trip, and the process for notification of the cancellation.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...There was nothing new to report.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL REPORT (Rob McCray)
• A chart for compensation for faculty and administrators involved in the  study abroad program was distributed at the Administrative Council
• Enrollments were discussed (head counts; seats taken, overall, etc.)
• Current fiscal status was discussed – fiscally the College is sound; however, State revenues have declined approximately $48M, and this translates to possibly 5-10% in reduced funds to the College
• Admissions statistics were discussed – Robbie reviewed the major differences between the SEED scholarship and the PELL grant/financial aid and the impact on admission recruitment.  SEED has no financial burden stipulation, whereas PELL/financial aid is related to financial need.  Also, SEED provides for tuition only, and PELL/financial aid covers all expenses (tuition, books, fees, etc.).  It was agreed that the current economy will likely impact future enrollments and applications for both SEED and PELL monies.

OLD BUSINESS
None noted

NEW BUSINESS
Dave asked about the updated Staff Senate Recognition Award winners, to be posted in the Staff Senate bulletin boards.  Debbie responded that Stanton was posted, and that a posting was sent to Wilmington.  Debbie will follow up with Cathy.

Robbie welcomed two guests to the meeting, Robin Burke and Mary Lomax.  They were there to observe the Staff Senate meeting, and to present a fundraising idea that had been discussed with Mr. Miller.  Robin proposed a “Delaware Tech Day & Community Flea Market” to the Staff Senate, and related the idea as similar to the Farmer’s Market or a flea market concept.  Using space at Delaware Tech, table rentals could generate funds, and other areas (i.e. marketing, CCP, outside vendors) could also benefit from participating.  Robin distributed information relating to the pros and cons of the proposal, and the Staff Senators discussed a variety of options and logistical issues.  Lynne volunteered to work with her committee to determine the feasibility of the proposal.  Lynne will discuss with Robin any follow up questions that may arise.  It was determined that the best time to pilot this fundraiser may be at Wilmington during Spring break (Saturday event). 

Being no further business to discuss, Gail motioned to adjourn, and Dave seconded.  The meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Leech
Staff Senator

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September 16, 2009

In attendance: Fern Bishop, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Diana D’Amico, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Gary Heller, Sandy Hinish, Diane Johnston, Debbie Leech, Nina Madric, Gail McCray, Rob McCray (presiding), Jeannette Pulliam, and Marti VanVeen

Absent: Vivianne Herrero and Rob Wiltbank

Guests: Joe Ruff, Building Maintenance Mechanic, Administrative Services, Wilmington location
John Fogelgren, Director of Administrative Services, Stanton-Wilmington Campus

Prior to the start of the regular business meeting, the Staff Senate Recognition Awards were presented to this year’s recipients….current Staff Senator Diane Johnston, Financial Secretary in the Dean of Instruction’s Office at Stanton, and Joe Ruff, Building Maintenance Mechanic in Administrative Services at Wilmington. The nominators’ recommendations were read, and each recipient was presented with a round etched glass award and a certificate of this recognition. Joe and Diane were also presented with ten dollar gift certificates for use in the Culinary Arts dining room.

The minutes from June’s meeting were approved as written. Treasury balance reported….$2133.63

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...A single scholarship was awarded for the Fall 2009 semester to a second time applicant who was the only applicant. The committee plans to have another scholarship for a future semester.
• Concerns (Robbie)...Two concerns were received. One was a request for a change machine at Stanton. This request was turned over to the Dean of Student Services who thought it was a great idea and would pursue it….this in addition to the existing change machine in the cafeteria. The second request had to do with switching from paper to styrofoam cups in the cafeteria, and the recycling concern it exhibited. It was suggested to the writer to speak directly with the cafeteria manager.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (vacant)...Due to the recent departure of Karen Bourne-Douglas, Jeannette Pulliam volunteered to take over as chair of this committee.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...There have only been 2 tickets sold for the NYC trip, but there have been many inquiries. She said it is well advertised at Wilmington. She brought flyers for posting and distribution at Stanton.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...With the hiring freeze, the committee has not been very active. Lynne Boyd-Smith indicated there was a regular part time new hire at the Wilmington Library who is in need of mentoring.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...Due to Vivianne Herrero’s absence there was no report.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...Proposal to amend Section 3.7 of Article I and Section 4.1 of Article IV concerning Voting Member Vacancies and Election Process respectively (see attachment). Senators voted unanimously for the changes.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL REPORT (Rob McCray)
Dr. George asked Robbie to convey his appreciation to the Senators for all Staff Senate’s efforts on behalf of the Staff Organization.

OLD BUSINESS
Sandy Hinish asked for clarification on the cancellation of July’s meeting ….whether it was a one time cancellation for this year or to be a yearly occurrence. The cancellation was for this year only.

NEW BUSINESS
Senators voted to elect Sean Miles to fill the seat vacated by Karen Bourne-Douglas, and Frances Puglisi to the vacant Plan C seat for Wilmington.

Robin Burke, Wilmington Campus, plans to attend October’s meeting to convey a suggestion to Staff Senate for having a flea market. Numerous pros and cons were discussed.

According to the By-Laws, Staff Senate must hold one open meeting per year. It was decided to make October’s meeting open to the entire Staff Organization. Sandy HInish will post an announcement on MyDTCC.

Meeting adjourned at 3:15 pm

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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August, 2009

No meeting was held.

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July, 2009

No meeting was held.

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June 17, 2009

In attendance: Rob McCray (presiding), Fern Bishop, Diane Johnston, Gail McCray, Marti VanVeen, Karen Bourne-Douglas and Sandy Hinish

Absent: Diana D’Amico, Debbie Leech, Vivianne Herrero, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Jeannette Pulliam, Rob Wiltbank, Nina Madric, and Gary Heller

The minutes from May’s meeting were approved. Treasury balance…$2,360.07 which is $125.00 more than balance reported by Business Office. Sandy to meet with Gertha Hopes to review Staff Senate transactions.

Karen Bourne-Douglas announced that July 16 would be her last day at Delaware Tech before moving with her family to Chicago. Since there were many absences at this meeting, Robbie received Karen’s permission to send an email to all Senate members announcing her impending departure.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...In Debbie’s absence, Robbie reported the scholarship committee was moving forward on a $200 award for the Fall semester. Also, nominations are being accepted for employee recognition awards (one to be chosen at each location). Robbie is meeting with Mr. Miller on June 18 to discuss whether these awards can be presented at In-Service in August.
• Concerns (Robbie)...no report.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (vacant)...no report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...no report.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...no report.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...no report.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...no report.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL REPORT (Rob McCray)
Robbie reported on several issues: revision of Plan B years of service payments proposed, tuition increase requested, change in terminal pay requested, revision to policy manual regarding conduct and corrective or disciplinary action, revision to policy manual on the Family Medical Leave Act.

OLD BUSINESS
None to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS
It was proposed, voted on, and passed that Staff Senate not hold a meeting in July. Since it is a prime time for vacations, absences are greater at Senate meetings thus creating the possibility of no quorum to conduct business.

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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May 20, 2009

In attendance: Rob McCray (presiding), Debbie Leech, Gail McCray, Diane Johnston, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Jeannette Pulliam, Rob Wiltbank, Nina Madric, Sandy Hinish, and Gary Heller

Absent: Diana D’Amico, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, and Marti VanVeen

The minutes from April’s meeting were accepted as written. Treasury balance: $2,485.07

Sandy read a thank you card received from Heather Brown.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...Debbie Leech indicated the committee will award a $200 scholarship for the fall semester. The committee also is planning another employee recognition. Nominations due by July 21. Committee anticipates announcing the winners at In-Service. Rob McCray to speak with Mr. Miller to see if we can put this on the agenda for In-Service.
• Concerns (Robbie)...no report.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (vacant)...no report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...Lynne Boyd-Smith said only six tickets to date have been sold for the Inner Harbor trip. Reducing to a 25 passenger bus is a possibility; should know by Tuesday, May 26, 2009 how many plan to go. This will determine the size of the bus or cancellation of trip.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...no report.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...no report.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...no report.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL REPORT (Rob McCray)
• As of April 2009, college transactions for web payments reached six
  million dollars
• Recommended skipping Vista and going directly to Microsoft Windows 7
  as a budget reduction
• College purchasing a video bridge
• Wording of college mission statement was amended
• Civil engineering program is being reworked to make it more unified
  college wide.

OLD BUSINESS
Debbie Leech said she met with Mr. Miller to discuss some concerns brought to her by Plan B staff.

NEW BUSINESS
No new business for discussion.

Being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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April 15, 2009

In attendance: Rob McCray (presiding), Diana D’Amico, Debbie Leech, Sandy Hinish, Gail McCray, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Marti Van Veen, Nina Madric, Gary Heller
Absent: Diane Johnston, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Jeannette Pulliam, and Rob Wiltbank

The minutes from March’s meeting were approved with no corrections or additions. Treasury balance…$2360.07

Mr. Miller, in his continued commitment to keep the staff apprised of the on-going budget crisis, addressed the Senate. He gave an overview of the budget process, and stressed that the reported 8% pay reduction is only a recommendation at this point, not a done deal. He explained the ultimate goal of the college is to cut overhead in order to retain jobs. As he has stated in the past, the college administration will do whatever is necessary for employees to retain their jobs. When asked when full pay would be restored if there is a reduction in salaries, he indicated the most likely scenario would be when the state revenues are restored. He said he had received five notices of retirement since the announcement of possible salary reduction. Senators expressed their appreciation and thanks to Mr. Miller for his efforts in keeping campus employees informed and up-to-date with the budget.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...Committee hasn’t recently met, but hopes to do another recognition award.
• Concerns (Robbie)...To increase profitability, cafeterias will have drastic reductions in what is offered starting the week following Spring Break.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)...no report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...Trip to Inner Harbor-Baltimore is set for June 6. Cost: $30 for staff & students, $35 for non-staff, non-students.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...no report.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...nothing to report.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...nothing to report.

OLD BUSINESS
Budget…issues and questions addressed by Mr. Miller at meeting opening.

NEW BUSINESS
Debbie Leech suggested the possibility of doing a campaign to notify staff of their respective senators and representatives so they would know who to contact to express concerns over the proposed salary reductions. Doing something of this nature would require Campus Director’s approval. It was decided not to pursue initiation of a campaign.

Being no further business to discuss, meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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March 18 , 2009

March’s Staff Senate meeting was held via video conference. In attendance: Rob McCray (presiding), Diana D’Amico, Debbie Leech, Sandy Hinish, Gail McCray, Fern Bishop, Nina Madric, Vivianne Herrero, Diane Johnston, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Dave Hall, Jeannette Pulliam, Marti Van Veen, and Gary Heller Absent: Cathy Hagan and Rob Wiltbank

John Fogelgren, Director of Administrative Services, addressed the Senate prior to the start of the regular business meeting about the cafeterias at Stanton and Wilmington. In an effort to make them more profitable, the Senate was asked to get feedback from employees regarding menus, hours of operation, prices, and means for better service. Suggestions, ideas, and feedback will be funneled to Rob McCray who will pass the input on to John Fogelgren. The Senate also discussed the lack of parking at Wilmington Campus. John said Public Safety officers will escort anyone to their car if requested. He also indicated that additional off-campus parking was available at the Riverfront (Frawley Stadium) with shuttle service to and from campus. For employees, parking is also available at 2nd & Market….Public Safety will validate the parking.

The minutes from February’s meeting were approved. Treasury balance reported….$2360.07

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...Committee has not met recently.
• Concerns (Robbie)...Complaint about lack of parking at Wilmington Campus. Diane Johnston reported a concern about a non-working camera in the staff parking lot just off B wing, Stanton.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)...nothing to report.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...No bus yet for trip to Inner Harbor; anticipating getting a date for a May trip.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...With current hiring freeze, there has been no need for mentoring.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...Concern was expressed over the volume of paper being used by Culinary to send out menus. Diane Johnston to speak to Chef Nolker.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...nothing to report.

OLD BUSINESS
Robbie reminded Senators that Staff Senate would do its part to reduce paper usage by not printing off minutes and agendas for distribution at meeting. Sandy indicated that she would take attendance and no longer use sign in sheets.

NEW BUSINESS
Debbie Leech suggested the possibility of Staff Senate purchasing something that could assist in dealing with the budget crisis. After discussion, it was decided that Staff Senate should keep what funds are in the treasury to cover costs for the scholarship program.

Being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. Next meeting scheduled for April 15th.

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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February 11, 2009

February’s meeting was held via video-conference. Those in attendance: Rob McCray(presided), Sandy Hinish, Diana D’Amico, Gail McCray, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Diane Johnston, Nina Madric, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Cathy Hagan, Dave Hall, Rob Wiltbank, and Gary Heller.

Prior to the start of the regular business meeting, Campus Director Mr. Larry Miller and Assistant Campus Director Mr. Mark Brainard met with the Senate to discuss current and forthcoming budget issues and to answer any questions Senators had. Mr. Miller praised the efforts of the Stanton-Wilmington employees for continued support during this difficult budget crisis. In response to his request for ideas on how to cut costs, he said he had received many useful suggestions, and they were all being looked at for consideration. He also reiterated his adamant stand on there being no layoffs. He pledges to continue communicating with employees to keep them abreast of on-going budget crisis issues, and by June 15 hopes to let staff know what the campus will be facing in FY10. On behalf of Dr. George, Mr. Miller asked for Staff Senate’s view on cancelling the Employee Recognition Event and what to do about the Employee Recognition Awards.

After Mr. Miller and Mr. Brainard left the meeting, Senators discussed the Employee Recognition Event and associated awards. Although some alternatives to handling the awards were discussed, it was the Senate’s final decision that the Employee Recognition Event and Employee Recognition Awards be canceled for this fiscal year due to the current budget crisis. Robbie will email Mr. Miller and Mr. Brainard with the results of our discussion and decisions.

The minutes from January’s meeting were approved following one minor modification. After paying out $249.16 in scholarship funds, the treasury balance was reported to be $2360.07.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...no report.
• Concerns (Cathy)...no new concerns.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)...no report..
• Fundraising (Lynne)...Lynne said she’d like to do a trip in May and would like list Inner Harbor-Baltimore as a possibility.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...Diane reported a couple of Stanton employees were mentored.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...…no report.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...Robbie said the committee still needs to address the issue of quorum.

OLD BUSINESS
Robbie met with Mr. Miller recently and discussed the attendance problem with senators. Suggested that meeting time could be changed.

NEW BUSINESS
Robbie said he was asked if the Staff Senate wanted to get Mardi Gras tickets to sell as a fundraiser. Staff Senate declined on purchasing a pair of tickets because we did not do well with selling them in the past.

Robbie reviewed some of the issues discussed at the recent Administrative Council. A motion was made and passed to send agenda and meeting minutes via email instead of distributing at the meeting asa paper saving measure.

Meeting adjourned at 3:45 pm

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

Addendum to minutes of 2-11-09 meeting:

Email sent from Staff Senate Co-Chair Robbie McCray to Dr. Hope Murray on Feb. 12, 2009

Mr. Miller met with Staff Senate yesterday and said Dr. George had asked him for recommendations on Employee Appreciation and Excellence in Service awards from the Staff Senate. He asked me to send our consensus to you. We took a vote and the majority said to suspend both temporarily.

We discussed all the options we could think of, at length, and we recommend that the Employee Appreciation Event be postponed until the budget situation improves, as well as suspending the Excellence in Service Award program. We discussed holding local events and keeping the EIS program running, deferring the bonus until the money situation improves, but it was felt that keeping the award going, without the monetary bonus could potentially create animosity  among recipients because those of us who went before, got our bonuses. Three of us on Staff Senate are former awardees, Nina Madric, Dave Hall, and myself.

We, individually and collectively, truly hope the budget situation does improve in the near future and both Employee Appreciation and the Excellence in Service Award program can be resumed.

If you have an idea we didn't think of, please call me at your convenience to discuss.

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January 21, 2009

Because the video conference room was not available at Stanton, January 2009 meeting was held at Wilmington Campus with Rob McCray presiding. Also in attendance were Nina Madric, Marti VanVeen, Karen Bourne-Douglas, Rob Wiltbank, Dave Hall, Cathy Hagan, Diana D’Amico, and Sandy Hinish

Absent: Debbie Leech, Fern Bishop, Vivianne Herrero, Diane Johnston, Lynne Boyd-Smith, Susan Peifer, and Jeannette Pulliam. Sue Peifer resigned because of workload and being short staffed in her department.

The minutes from October 2008 meeting were approved. (Note: no meeting was held in November, and no formal meeting was held in December). Treasury balance reported was $2387.17 but was unofficial because no account information was available from the Business Office.

COMMITTEES

• Awards/Scholarship (Debbie)...In Debbie’s absence Robbie reported that two scholarships were awarded; one for $100 and one for $200. Committee will be meeting in Spring or Summer to evaluate possibility of a Fall semester scholarship disbursement. Committee will also be meeting to discuss Employee Recognition Awards on a local level.
• Concerns (Cathy)...Cathy Hagan recently addressed with John Fogelgren the possiblilty of an employees-only bathroom due to frequent uncleanliness of existing bathrooms; complaints about the Stanton-Wilmington shuttle and its driver (new bus has been put into operation, and driver’s excessive use of cellphone to be addressed); on-going smoking issue—although it was decided to fence in areas at both Stanton and Wilmington for smoking, this project will probably be postponed due to budget constraints and a hold on spending.
• Education Opportunity/Parity (Karen)...nothing to report, but Karen did indicate a need to revamp the committee.
• Fundraising (Lynne)...on Lynne’s behalf Robbie reported the committee would like to do a trip to Washington D.C. and also entertain the idea of a bus to an amusement park. DTCC legal department gave the approval of allowing small children to participate in these bus trips. Suggested amusement parks: Great Adventure, Dorney, Hershey, and Knoble’s. It was suggested that a bus trip to an amusement park could be expensive when considering the costs of admission and food in addition to the cost of the bus.
• Mentoring (Rob/Diane)...Rob indicated there were two candidates but one was being deployed for military training for three months.
• Communications & Outreach (Vivianne)...…nothing reported.
• By-Laws/Elections (Robbie)...Robbie said he would convene a committee meeting to address the By-Laws sections on Quorum and attendance at meetings.

OLD BUSINESS: Nothing to report.

NEW BUSINESS
Since Administrative Council was postponed to January 26, there are no updates from the Administration

Meeting adjourned at 3:05 pm

Sandy Hinish
Secretary/Treasurer

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