September 2024 Meeting Minutes and Handouts

Call to Order – Chad Willis, Chair – 10:02

Recognition Ceremony – Dr. Lisa Lloyd, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Chad Willis, Chair and Samantha Williams, Vice-chair

Dr. Lloyd provided a brief statement of her and the President's mission and commitment to university staff. Dr. Lloyd and Dr. Damphousse are deeply committed to the well-being and success of our university staff. Dr. Damphousse’s unwavering dedication is evident in the increased investments made over the past two years and the continued focus on further enhancements. She embodies the heart and soul of our university, reflecting her passion and care for our team. Dr. Lloyd, since joining as Vice President in 2018, has maintained a consistent mission to advocate for staff, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are supported. Together with Chad and the Cabinet, Dr. Lloyd will continue to work diligently to address challenges and elevate employee morale, recognizing the exceptional talent and commitment of our staff. 

Award Recipients

Michelle Sotolongo, Deborah & James Mathews Excellence in Collaboration-Outreach Award 2023-2024

Zachary Denny, Earl L. Mosely, Jr. Staff community service award 2023-2024

April Serna, Rodrigo Rodriguez Skilled/Service Worker Award 2023-2024

Ashley Casarez, Dr. Lawrence Estaville Employee Excellence Award 2023-2024

Meredith Kollman, Dr. Lawrence Estaville Employee Excellence Award 2023-2024

Reyes Angela Stow, Miguel Hernandez Staff Council Undergraduate Scholarship 2023-2024

Mariah Gutierrez, Frances Padilla Estavillo and Theadocia Hodges Richey Staff Council Scholarship 2023-2024

Fall Fundraiser Raffle – Stephanie Daniels and Samantha Williams, Marketing, Events, and Fundraising Committee

Recreation Rockstars

Winner = Dan Alden

  • 1 Student Recreation Center annual membership
  • 2 University Camp day passes (each covers up to 6 people)

Courtside Crew

Winner = Shauna Patek

  • 2 season tickets for men’s basketball
  • 2 season tickets for women’s basketball

Performing Arts Pals

Winner = Anthony Padilla

  • 2 tickets to a theatre performance of your choice
  • 2 tickets to a dance performance of your choice

Chartwells Champions 

Winner = Loretta Alcala

  • 20-block meal plan valid through December 13, 2024

Football Fanatics

Winner = James Key

  • 4 tickets for TXST vs Arizona State football game (9/12/24)
  • 4 tickets for TXST vs Louisiana football game (10/29/24)
  • 4 tickets for TXST vs Georgia State football game (11/23/24)

Treasurer’s Report – Natalie Davis, Treasurer

Staff Council Budget FY2024 - August 31 2024

Staff Shout-Outs – Joshua Lopez, Member-at-Large for Special Events  

  • Selma Selvera, Benefits Manager, Human Resources
  • Rose Trevino, Well-Being Program Manager, Human Resources 

Staff Concerns – Krystyn Fleischauer, Parliamentarian

Check the status and full responses of submitted Staff Concerns.

Committee Updates for AY 2024-2025 

Goal 1: Parking, Joshua Lopez 

First meeting Monday, September 9th, goal 1 will be reviewing staff concerns and working on a few objectives. One of the key issues they will address is the faded signage across campus. The goal committee is requesting staff assistance in seeking pictures of faded signage or those obstructed and hard to see. Please send any pictures you have to either Josh Lopez or Andrea Alvarado.

Goal 2: Employee Benefits and Accessibility, Stephanie Daniels 

First meeting this coming Monday, September 16th at 10 a.m. The goal 2 committee would like to distribute a survey of ADA accessibility needs for staff, continue to review and address staff concerns, work closely with the Compensation and Benefits committee and seeking suggestions on tips of the month.  Suggestions can be sent directly via email to staff council.

Goal 3: Leave/Time Off, Kathy Weiser 

Main goal is to benchmark parental leave policies in other states, and work with Staff Council to draft recommendations. Also, they are planning to work with Staff Council to draft recommendations from benchmarking done last year regarding time and leave. Looking to distribute a survey to staff identifying their interests, priorities and providing recommendations.  Next meeting is scheduled for September 27th. 

Marketing, Events, and Fundraising, Samantha Williams

The committee meets once a month and has completed their fall raffle. Next raffle is red permit in Spring and the committee will be researching other raffle opportunities geared towards Summer.  Additionally, the committee will continue performing website maintenance, updating pictures and researching the ability for an archival of staff council achievements.  

Council Effectiveness, Krystyn Fleischauer 

The committee will complete the annual bylaw review in the fall and annual operating procedures review in the spring. The committee will also explore what additional assessments or reviews may be needed to ensure the effectiveness of all Staff Council committees and assist other committees with their survey needs and results evaluation. 

Elections, Scholarships, and Awards, Jade Figueroa

The committee is identifying a meeting schedule and has completed the Fall awards.  Next awards will be presented in the Spring. The committee wants to focus on increasing the number of staff nominations through more communication.  

Compensation and Benefits, Leslie Burgess 

The compensation and benefits committee met last Thursday, September 5th.  They will be reviewing a few staff concerns that have been submitted and plan on expanding on a staff survey to other universities focused on not only staff discount incentives, but also career ladder/advancement and parking.  The committee would also like to explore childcare options for university staff. 

Tip of the Month – Samantha Williams, Vice-Chair

Employee Meal Plan

$300 for 50 meals throughout the long semester Fall/Spring at Haris or Commons dining halls. Includes treating a colleague. Pay with debit card or payroll deduction available

Announcements – Chad Willis, Chair  

Closed Session

Adjournment 

Motion: Krystyn Fleischauer, Second: Justin Cantu