November 2023 Meeting Minutes and Handouts

Call to Order – Brandi Martinez, Chair

Guest Speaker – Dr. Gigi Secuban, Senior Advisor to the President

Dr. Secuban provided answers to pre-determined questions regarding Senate Bill 17 and then we opened the floor for additional questions. 

1. Please describe the parameters of SB17. What is specifically restricted?
   Senate Bill 17 goes into effect on January 1, 2024. Once SB 17 becomes law, TSUS colleges and universities will be prohibited from:  

• hiring or assigning employees to perform the duties of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office/unit/division (or to contract with a third party to perform such services). 
• requiring or soliciting DEI statements or providing preferential treatment based on the provision of a DEI statement. 

The following categories of activities do not fall under the DEI prohibitions of SB 17: 

• Academic course instruction;  
• Scholarly research/creative works by students/faculty/research personnel;  
• Activity of a registered or recognized student organization; 
• Guest speakers or performers on short-term engagements; 
• Policy, practice, program, or activity to enhance student academic achievement or postgraduate outcomes that is designed and implemented without regard to race, sex, color, or ethnicity;  
• Data collection; or 
• Student recruitment or admissions 
  
  2. Please clarify what we can and can’t spend money on. Some areas of concern we have heard from staff are faculty and staff events, student events, and student scholarships reserved for students of a specific race.
• Faculty and staff cultural events are still allowable, but attendance cannot be required. Departments can contribute funds. 
• Supporting student events is allowable as long as events are open to everyone (can’t be restricted to a certain population) and not mandatory. 
• Closed scholarships based on race, ethnicity, and gender are prohibited. The MOUs of the prohibited closed scholarships are currently under review and communication is in the works with donors. 
  
  3. Can we attend conferences and meetings for organizations related to DEI in higher education during work hours? (With supervisor approval of time)
• As long as the supervisor approves time away from work, this is allowable. 
  
  4. For some staff and faculty, SB 17 has created a fear of teaching, research, programming, and professional development related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please provide key takeaways or do’s and don’t’s that will help us make well-informed decisions related to these practices.
• Diversity activities are not banned but the university cannot require them. Dr. Secuban encouraged staff to read the bill and become familiar with the parameters. Staff can reach out with questions. gsecuban@txstate.edu

Open forum:

• Is there a TXST website with SB 17 guidance or will there be? How are people getting the message?
  • At this point, TSUS has not provided guidance on developing a webpage. Questions can be sent to Dr. Secuban.
• Do you have guidance for faculty on why scholarships are missing from the system? What general language can we send?
  • Let faculty know that scholarships are on hold while the MOUs are under review. Scholarships can continue to distribute funds how they have been through January 1, 2024. 
• Who will reach out to the academic departments that may have scholarships that need to be reviewed and/or changed?
  • All scholarships are being reviewed and departments will be notified if any changes are needed. 
• A cheat sheet on how Texas State expects employees to follow this Bill - once the Administration decides - would be very helpful.
  • TXST is seeking a “cheat sheet” but waiting on guidance and support from TSUS. 

Please note, guidance on SB 17 can change. This is the guidance as of November 14, 2023. UPPSs have been reviewed and will be finalized by the end of the semester. 

Guest Speakers – Carole Clerie, Katie Bonner, Teresa Duggins, and Alicia Barthel, Human Resources

Carole Clerie, Katie Bonner, Teresa Duggins, and Alicia Barthel from Human Resources provided answers to pre-determined questions and answered questions in the chat.

See handout below. 

Treasurer’s Report – Natalie Davis, Treasurer

See tables below for the report. 

Staff Concerns – Krystyn Fleischauer, Parliamentarian

Check the status of submitted Staff Concerns

Updates

1. Expansion of UPPS 04.04.35 to include temporary/contract and/or NSNR employees
2. UPPS 07-07-04 related to student employee termination concerns
3. Staff market adjustments
4. NSNR challenges due to current classification as temporary workers with more research being done by UPD
5. Energy conservation days and comp/vacation time needed
6. Reduced parking permit fees for employees
7. IMS time from key request to key issuance.

New Concerns

1. 16 new staff positions
2. Concerns regarding remote work agreement requests
3. Delay in receiving ADA accommodation
4. Rodent problem & inhumane traps
5. Parking Permit Issues for married TXST employees
6. Option to copy Admins on University business emails sent to Managers (HR)
7. Potential sale of University Camp

To see full staff concern details and responses, visit our staff concerns status website. 

Bylaw Recommendations – Krystyn Fleischauer, Parliamentarian

Council Effectiveness committee is proposing changes to Staff Council bylaws. Changes were proposed in the November meeting and will be voted on by Staff Council members in the December meeting.

See handout below. 

Committee Updates 

• Marketing, Events, and Fundraising – Hana Fuller
  Meeting highlights will be discontinued since meeting minutes are available on the website. If you have questions about the meeting prior to minutes being posted, please reach out to a Staff Council representative.

Staff Shout-Outs – Hana Fuller, Secretary

1. Commons Dining Hall staff
2. The Print Shop
3. Falyn Mason, Talent Acquisition Representative
4. Donna Rogers, Administrative Assistant II

Tip of the Month – Samantha Williams, Member at Large for Special Events

Moved to December due to timing.

Announcements – Brandi Martinez, Chair

1. Dependent Child Tuition Program benefit will increase from 25% to 50% in fall 2024
2. Open forums with Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs candidates conclude November 15
3. Staff and Faculty football appreciation game on November 25

Closed Session

Staff Council voted to send communication to the President’s cabinet and TSUS regarding the potential sale of University Camp that was previously on the BOR agenda for this week. Goal is for it to be completed by Friday, November 17, 2023.

Amy Aguirre is still serving on the Software Procurement Taskforce. Amy asked if Council members have any procurement concerns to bring them to her attention; concerns do not have to be software related.

Adjournment

Motion: Krystyn Fleischauer, Second: Samantha Williams