Human Resources

January 3, 2007

Human Resource Advisory Group - Meeting Minutes

Attended: Edwin Best, Belinda Carr, Laurie McKenzie-Crane, Barbara Lay, Linda Payne, Sheryl Pustay, Sally Scheiderer, and Sharon O'Reilly

Absent: Lynn McIlyar and Security Representative

Scribe: Linda Payne

Cc: Seth Patton, Jim Ables

Old Business/Updates

1.SOS Banquet - Reservations are still coming in for the banquet. The food has been ordered (Italian style) and the programs are on the way. The theme is "THE ALTOS like the Sopranos—only lower!" The gift selections have also arrived. One grand prize, such as an Easton/Cherry Valley Lodge night stay, will be awarded.

2.HRAG committee members received lists of employees for whom they represent - The employee lists were distributed as follows:

Academic Offices/Slayter-Sally
Academic Support/Library/Computing-Sheryl
Administrative Bldg Services & Grounds-Ed
Admin. Support, Doane-Laurie
Administrative Support/URPA/Beth Eden/
Health Center/Financial Aid-Belinda
Part-time Employees-Linda
Physical Plant Office & Trades-Lynn
Residence Halls/Bldg Services-Sharon (Sharon accepted the list for Lynn McIlyar)
Security & Safety-vacant

3.Thanks a Million Award - Thanks a Million Award cards are available in the Office of Human Resources. An employee can nominate another employee who has made an outstanding contribution by completing an award card and sending it to HR. HR will then forward it to the employee's supervisor and the supervisor will present it to the employee. These awards have been backlogged by approximately three months. It was noted that one employee had received two nominations but had not received the award cards from the supervisor. Each month a drawing is made from a pool of cards and a reward is given. A member asked if all three months of backlogged cards would be put in one pool for drawing or if the cards would be separated into three different drawings. Barbara indicated that she would check on this. It was mentioned that some employees are not aware of the Thanks a Million Awards program and expressed the need to better publicize the program. It was suggested if it could to be discussed during employee orientation. One member asked if the card could be put on-line. Barbara stated that it would take away from the presentation or appearance of the actual card.

4.Security Department Representative - Barbara updated the group regarding representation. She stated that Garrett Moore will check with his staff for a representative and get back to her. A member asked if monitors could be on the committee, and if a representative were working the night shift would he/she be paid for staying for the morning meeting. A member answered stating that monitors can not serve on the committee, and that a representative working the nights would be paid if present at the meetings.

5.Leave Donation - There was a long discussion regarding the Release Form Request for Leave Donation. Some members asked about the possibility of giving the person's name that requested the donation if that person signed a release form allowing HR to share this with the public. Barbara indicated that the request is anonymous and releasing the name is not an option at this time. One member also wanted to know if an employee could donate more than one day. A member indicated that enough request for leave donations are solicited throughout the year that should someone desire to give more they would have enough time to do so within the year. Some members asked if a campus survey can be conducted of all employees regarding the option to release the name of the employee requesting a leave donation. Barbara also stated that she would look at the Release Form Request for Leave Donation and inquire about the opportunity to survey employees. Another question came up whether sick time could go into a pool for other employees to use. Barbara indicated that the university is not interested in this option at this time.

6.Physical Plant Morale - There was a discussion about Physical Plant employees not having time/access to a computer for reading emails sent to all campus employees. It was mentioned that when flu shots were available on a first come basis, there was no serum left by the time the employees at the Physical Plant were aware that it was available. Barbara indicated that a good faith effort was made to ensure that they were given advance notice. Another issue was raised about why grounds' workers have vehicles to move around campus from job to job, and yet no transportation is provided for housekeeping. It was stated that housekeeping often uses personal vehicles when buckets, mops, chemicals, etc. are carried from building to building because the supply closets in the residence halls are missing equipment needed to do the job. Barbara encouraged the group to speak with their supervisors and communicate their concerns when issues surface within their departments, and if they feel that they have been treated unfairly then speak with Human Resources.

7.Linda Payne was thanked for bringing a coffee cake to the meeting. Laurie will bring food for the next meeting.

New Business

A member noted that the new minimum wage will soon go into effect and wanted to know how it will affect pay raises. Barbara explained that there is a process for this and would report on what impact, if any, the minimum wage law would have on wages.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 9 a.m. in Burton Morgan 317.