******** PROPOSED MINUTES ********

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Proposed Staff Council Minutes

September 2, 1997

 Presentation 

Dr. Jeff Kudisch, Industrial/Organization Psychology, discussed the concept of upward feedback in an organizational setting. Upward feedback is a process whereby subordinates are given the opportunity to provide meaningful feedback to supervisors in a constructive way. He said it should be done for developmental purposes only.  

He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of implementing a feedback system. If done properly, he said such a system can foster teamwork and a climate of high involvement and openness. He gave a Aprescription of success@ in designing and implementing an Upward Feedback Program.  

A brief question and answer session followed his discussion.  

*Assignments for committees  

Chair Phyllis Shearer called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. with the following brief announcements: 1) Dr. Tom Shoemaker, Dean of Students, was in a fatal accident on Monday; 2) Dr. Aubrey Lucas' mother died; 3) Dr. David Huffman's father died. Chair Shearer sent sympathy cards on behalf of the staff of the USM family.  

The following members were present: Angelia Bone, Patricia Brewer, Myrtice Chapman, Linda Davis, Jackie Dunnigan, Kris Fulton, Mike Giles, Berniece Goudy, Debby Hill, Judy Hutto, Regina Knight, Patricia Linton, Cindy Lowe, James Ward Mackabee, Cheryl Mowdy, Linda Parrish, Pam Posey, Jan Roberts, Joyce Sanders, Ray Scott, Phyllis Shearer, Sam E. Thomas, Stacy Townsend, and Carole White.  

The following members were represented by proxy: Tracy Townsend for Carolyn Cawthon, Gail Hemard for Susan King, and Tommy Rocconi for Virginia Kittrell.  

The following members were not present nor represented: Tommy Dye, Mary Ann Griffin, Becky Holder, and Larry Slade.  

Chair Shearer introduced Dr. Jesse Palmer, President-Elect for the Faculty Senate, to the Council.  

The agenda was adopted as read and presented.  

The minutes were adopted with corrections. 

4.1 Chair's report 

Jan Roberts, Administrative Secretary in the College of the Arts, was introduced as replacement for Jennifer Garner thru June, 1998. She will be serving on the Standing Committee of Constitution and Bylaws.  

On August 8 Chair Shearer represented the council at the graduation reception and was also a part of the platform party at graduation.

* Dr. Fleming asked for thanks to be extended to all who assisted with graduation. 

* Schedules for Dean applicants in Business and Ed/Psy are in place. 

* Co-chairs for the Commission on the Future will be introduced at convocation. 

* Dr. John McGowan will convene a group to discuss software needs on campus. The Office of Technology Resources bulletin will publish a list of the various training sessions available for faculty and staff on campus. 

* Dr. Joe Paul announced a record crowd for sorority rush. 

* Mr. Bud Kirkpatrick announced that Southern Living Magazine staff was on campus August 21 to take pictures of sites to visit. They will also go to the Gulf Coast.  

* Dr. Jim Henderson mentioned the Atest for site@ sign on Hardy and 49 is to acquaint the community with the location of the permanent electronic sign. 
 

* Dr. Jim Williams reported the Gulf Coast Study was going well. 

* Dr. Fleming announced a search would start soon for the Chief Technology position. 

* Dr. Henderson, Dr. Dave Duhon and Chair Shearer are to meet to discuss ways to recognize employees for their years of service and recognition of retirement. 

* Dr. Fleming announced that Dr. Steve Doblin and Mrs. Judy Huffman will be Co-chairs of United Way.  

* Dr. McGowan said all e-mail addresses will be changing to firstname.lastname@usm.edu. He was asked to look into the use of voice mail and answering machines on campus.  

* Dr. Paul thanked all involved in the process of helping new students arriving on campus.  

On August 27 Chair Shearer and Chair-Elect Hill met with Dr. Fleming to discuss general Staff Council items.  

Faculty Senate has not met - No report  

4.4 Salary and Benefits - Joyce Sanders - No report  

4.5 University Relations - Linda Bass - No report  
 

4.6 Legislative - Patricia Brewer - No report  

4.7 Executive Committee Report  

The Executive Committee discussed various ways to keep logs of action items to be considered by Staff Council. Their recommendation is to use the AAction Item@ Request form for all items from Council members as well as colleagues throughout the campuses. This way a history will be recorded from the beginning of consideration of any item.  

The use of the Action Item form does not prevent a Council member from bringing up an item for discussion during new Business or other appropriate times during Council meetings.  

The overall purpose of this record-keeping system is to allow the Executive Committee to know the status of an action item at any given time.  

Chair-Elect Hill assigned the following action items to committees for review and recommendation: 
 

    Constitution & Bylaws - 
        Title of Chair instead of President 
        Ex-offico Chair position 

    Salaries & Benefits -  
        Salary increases for non AOP members 

    University Relations -  
        Staff Excellence Award rules 
        A/C problems 
        Staff Council Award rules 
        Staff Memorial Fund 
        TechnoGras 98 resolution 

    Parking Task Force -  
        Parking lot repair, GH Bldg  

Chair Shearer announced a change in room assignment for June 2, 1998, meeting -- moved to Union Room H.  

Corresponding Secretary Knight described a survey that will be distributed shortly to all staff to provide feedback on distribution of Staff Council minutes.  

Cindy Lowe, representative on the Union Renovation Committee, said issues were still being discussed on what services and facilities may be included in renovations. Other meetings are planned.  

*Council discussed meeting dates for the Gulf Park and GCRL visits. The council will conduct its November 4, 1997, meeting at Gulf Park and the March 3, 1998, meeting at GCRL. 

*Jackie Dunnigan asked if there had been further discussion about the Staff Perk list/Staff development items given to Dr. Fleming in the Spring at his request. 

Chair Shearer will follow-up on these items with Dr. Fleming.  

* Regina Knight encouraged anyone with questions about technology and specifically if people had questions about the e-mail address changes to call the Technology Help Desk at 266-HELP. 

* Mike Giles said Tom Shoemaker was instrumental in working with the students on the electronic sign to be installed on Hwy 49 & Hardy. He suggested that it may be appropriate for the University to recognize Tom=s dedication and commitment to USM.   

Patricia Brewer said the Council should accept the above suggestion as a motion. Regina Knight seconded. Motion carried. Chair Shearer said she would discuss this issue with SGA President Brooks Moore and others as appropriate. 

* There will be a hospitality tent for the 9/20 game sponsored by the Staff Council and Faculty Senate. Staff Council will provide 3-4 people to greet and host. Our representatives will be Mike Giles, Susan King, Regina Knight and Patricia Linton  

* Convocation will be in Bennett Auditorium September 3, 1997 @ 3:30 p.m. Flyers were distributed/mailed.   

* Coffee with the coach is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, at 7:15 a.m. in Commons Room C.   

* Arts activities - An evening with Marvin Hamlisch, September 24, 8:00 p.m. Bennett Auditorium.  

* Honors Forum flyer in the mail -- many good speakers for fall program.   

* Jan Roberts announced that memorial services for Dr. Shoemaker will be held next Wednesday. More info will be forthcoming.    

* Chairs of Standing Committees were asked to meet with Chair and Chair-Elect following this meeting.  

*Posters for yards are available from the Alumni Office. 

The next Staff Council meeting will be October 7 in Union Room C. At this time there is no scheduled speaker. The staff at large is invited to attend. 

Meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
Phyllis Shearer, Chair 
Susan King, Recording Secretary 
10/7/97 sk

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