College of the Liberal Arts

Open Suggestions

Can we develop standardized training for groups such as undergrad staff, grad staff, etc.
 (From college-wide meeting)

• June 14—Staff are doing similar jobs in different departments within the college. It would be helpful to perhaps develop user groups or other procedures to link similar areas. This would be particularly useful to new staff members.  Assigned to Christine, Bonnie, Barbara and Kristie.
• July 12—Barbara reported that workshops or brown bag lunches for grad/undergrad staff on topics such as course scheduling, course substitutions, could be developed with the possibility of inviting guest speakers. The staff would be able to document the workshops as professional development hours on their SRDP.  Perhaps we could send out a survey to see what topics people would be interested in learning more about.  Surveys could be anonymous and have a limited number of questions to make it easier and more attractive to complete. A question did arise as to how involved are we, as committee members, to be with regards to getting things off the ground. The intention is to get the project finalized and approved and then get someone who is not on the SAC committee to spearhead it and move it forward.  Surveys will be developed and distributed.
• August 9—Barbara Brinkman sent a survey to all LA staff asking for training topics. She received 31 responses in a very short period of time. She shared the responses with us. We will discuss in more detail at the next meeting after more responses are received and tallied. Additionally, Jennifer will discuss with Betsy about organizing an intro to the college for new staff members.
• September 13—From the survey that was sent to all staff, seven topics that received the most interest were course scheduling, data warehouse, curricular affairs, web courses, eLearning, outreach/world campus and course substitutions. These sessions will be scheduled or are already scheduled through the regularly scheduled training sessions that human resources schedules or separate training sessions will be held. For other topics, the committee working on this suggestion will recommend that we have an “Ask the Expert” banner on the SAC Web site. A staff member may send a question to the Web site which would be referred to someone who is knowledgeable on the subject.
  The committee will write up a formal proposal and present it at the next meeting.
• October 11—The committee experienced technical problems and was unable to present a proposal for this suggestion but will do so at the next meeting.
• November 8—The committee has not had an opportunity to work on their technical problems with this suggestion but will do so prior to the next meeting.
• January 10—The committee is diligently working on the “Ask the Expert” Web set up but it continues to be complicated. They are working through the logistics of having a moderator, the dissemination of the questions to the appropriate expert, and the awareness of the questions to avoid duplication of efforts.  They hope to have a viewable Web site for the “Ask the Expert” for the next meeting.
• February 21—Christine demonstrated the “Ask the Expert” setup on the SAC Web site. The main concern of the committee was maintaining the anonymity of the person posing a question for “Ask the Expert”. This was discussed and decided that it would be difficult to effectively help staff without being able to communicate with them directly. Next it needs to be determined where the question will be directed – to one person who then filters the question to the appropriate expert or to the expert directly. Christine is working with Jennifer to determine who the experts should be for each of the categories listed. Additionally, a forum needs to be developed to share the answers to the questions. Greg will meet with the committee and help come up with some solid options for the next meeting.
• March 13—Committee members are fine tuning the “Ask the Expert” setup on the SAC Web site. They have determined that the best approach is to have the staff member click on the button that describes the area where they have a question. An e-mail will go directly to the expert assigned to that area. The expert will communicate the answer to the person asking the question and then post the answer. Christine and Jennifer have identified several areas and “experts” to use. The committee will continue to work on the final appearance of the Web site.
• April 16—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• May 8—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• June 12—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• Status—Open

What exactly serves as an award or recognition?
(Jennifer Morris)

• June 14—What do the staff perceive as good recognition? Can we develop additional nonmonetary awards such as paid time off, a close parking pass for a short period of time, etc., to reward our exceptional staff members.  Assigned to Jennifer, Christine, Barby and Ed.
• July 12—A survey was sent out to staff members on what they would perceive to be a satisfactory award to recognize outstanding service. A handout was provided with the results of the survey. More information on this will be provided at the next meeting.
• August 9—The committee has not had the opportunity to gather more information on college versus departmental awards with a breakdown of the costs for the dean.  This will be done prior to the next meeting.
• September 13— The committee did not meet on this suggestion.
• October 11—The committee is proposing to keep the college awards as they are but perhaps rename the awards and simplify the nomination process. The nomination process could also require input from the nominee such as describing his/her goals and objectives over the next few years. The awards would carry no monetary reward because that component will be replaced by LASER. Even though the awardees would not receive a monetary award, they could receive a gift such as the small version of the Nittany Lion statue or merchandise being sold by the United Way committee.
  The committee will write up a proposal for the next meeting.
• November 8—Christine distributed the proposal for the award and recognition program prior to the meeting. The proposal was discussed and it was decided that the proposal should be divided into two sections. The first section would contain a recommendation to complement the new LASER program. It would be similar to the prior staff awards but it would not involve a monetary award. Christine will create a nomination form and separate this part of the proposal. Christine and Faye will then present the recommendation to the Dean in the very near future.Christine will then work on the second half of the proposal. The second half is a proposal that the supervisors could use to reward an individual in their department for exceptional work. Various incentives were suggested. Supervisors would need to be trained on the program which would most likely be handled by the SAC members.
• January 10—The proposal for the award and recognition program was presented to the Dean and approved. Three awards—Rising Star, Esprit, and Exceptional Service—were approved and HR is currently seeking nominations for these awards. The committee is working on a brochure of the rewards that supervisors may use to reward a staff member for exceptional work.
• February 21—The committee is still working on a brochure of the rewards that supervisors may use to reward a staff member for exceptional work.
• March 13—The committee is continuing to work on a brochure of the rewards that supervisors may use to reward a staff member for exceptional work. They are also recruiting non-SAC members to help with this committee and SAC members should submit recommended names to Christine.
• April 16—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• May 8—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• June 12—The committee has not had an opportunity to meet on this suggestion.
• Status—Open

 

We should offer a basic first aid course. There have been situations where students have experienced minor health issues that could have been resolved had someone known basic first aid, i.e., nose bleeds. It would also be helpful if all first aid kits were reviewed for appropriate contents.
(Received by Faye Maring)

• September 13—Discussion was held about how people react in emergency situations even if they had been trained in first aid. Additionally, there is the issue of improper medical attention being given even if that person had received training. If the idea is approved, perhaps one person on each floor of LA buildings should be trained at the expense of the college. Melody and Amy volunteered to look into the cost and make recommendations on this idea.
• October 11—No committee members working on this suggestion were present.
• November 8—Melody researched first-aid classes and reviewed with us that a student group, Emergency Medical Services Association, gives Heartsaver CPR and First Aid Classes. The 6-8 hour class costs $45 per person for groups over 10. If we had one person trained for each floor where Liberal Arts staff are located, the cost could prevent us from implementing this idea. Ned brought up the idea of having an automated external defibrillator (AED) available and he will research the cost. Additionally, he will find out the cost of a first aid class from an individual who taught a first aid class to a scout troop. Jennifer also suggested that perhaps a grant can be written to cover the costs of the AED. The SAC steering committee met with the president of the AG SAC in the beginning of the year and he gave us a copy of their AED implementation project. Faye will give this information to Ned.  The committee will bring back further information at the next meeting.
• January 10—The committee surveyed staff members to determine how many are currently certified in CPR and first aid. Four people (in psychology) replied that they are currently certified in CPR so there is a definite need for CPR/first aid training. Ned reported that CPR training is available at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center. He also mentioned that there is an individual on campus responsible for AEDs. Ned will have Chris Hort check on this. Melody and Ned will work on writing up two proposals to give to Jennifer on the cost of providing training to an adequate number of staff members.
• February 21—Ned reported the Mel is gathering the number and location of individuals in each work unit within the college. Once this information is gathered, we will have a better idea of the number of people that will need to be trained in CPR/first aid to provide adequate coverage throughout the college. Ned is also connecting with Dave Jones who is the campus individual responsible for AEDs to find out more information about AEDs.
• March 13— Mel distributed the University’s policy on first aid kits. All committee members should review the first aid kits in their area to make sure they are in compliance.The committee came up with two options on first aid training for staff. 1) Individuals could receive training on CPR/AED at a cost of $25 and on first aid at a cost of $15 through Health Matters. This cost could be reimbursed by PSU’s health insurance plan. 2) Group on-site sessions could be scheduled with Pam Glanert from Health Matters. Pam’s fee is $250 for adult CPR/AED training and $100 for basic first aid in groups of 16. This would promote teamwork and camaraderie. Volunteers would be sought to train with the stipulation that at least two people need to be trained from each building. Mel and Ned will meet with the Dean to present this suggestion.
• April 16—A proposal was submitted to the Dean. Jennifer will follow up and report back at the next meeting.
• May 8—Susan has approved our offering the first aid training. Liberal Arts will cover any costs not covered by our health plan. Melody will work with Ned on implementing this idea. 
• June 12—Melody reported that the CPR/First Aid/AED training will be offered on July 18 and August 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. We are hoping to train two people per building and the classes will be filled on a first come first served basis per building. Additional people beyond the two per building will be accepted into the classes if space is available. Pam Glanert of Heath Matters will be conducting the training and she can accept fifteen people per class. Training and certification will occur in one day. Melody will send a memo to the AA group and they should distribute it to their staff. Reservations are due to Jennifer Shultz by July 7. The $35 cost of the class needs to be paid up front by the staff member but is reimbursable through Penn State’s insurance. Pam Glanert’s cost will be paid by the College.  
• This suggestion remains open until implemented.

I believe an employee must have at least 50 sick days saved in order to get paid for just 12 days upon retirement.  If this is the case, and there are so many PSU employees out there that have had the need of donated sick days, why, in cases such as these, is a PSU employee, if they choose to, not able to put these days into some kind of a bank, and when a PSU employee is in need, draw from these days to help others. A PSU employee has earned the privilege of the days that they have accumulated, so why are they  not permitted to do with them what they wish, such as to help someone that may have health issues and do not have enough days, to go without pay, and they have completely exhausted their donated days within their college.
(received by Melissa Strouse)

• November 8—This policy is not a college policy but a university policy. Jennifer responded that she could present this to Billie Willits or she suggested that we invite Billie to one of our meetings to discuss this and other items that we may want to present to her. We discussed the vacation donation policy and Ned suggested that staff should be allowed to donate vacation days into a pool to be used when people are unable to work and have exhausted their sick and vacation time. We now only allow people to donate one day for a specific person when the need arises. Ned will work up a recommendation to be presented to Billie. Additionally, all SAC members should survey their staff for other issues that we may want to present to Billie. The committee will then discuss at the next meeting and select a few to present to Billie because we don’t want to overwhelm her with suggestions.
• January 10—The committee was to survey staff members to determine if anyone has questions that they would like to present to Billie Willits. No one received any suggestions. It was decided not to invite Billie to a meeting but rather to send her our ideas/suggestions on the vacation banking topic. Ned will write up a couple of ideas on the vacation banking issue and give them to Jennifer to pass along to Billie.
• February 21—Ned put together a proposal to bank sick/vacation days for use by other staff members when needed. The objective of the proposal is to make donation of days more flexible and allow staff to be more proactive in donating time. The proposal is being reviewed by Jennifer prior to submission to Billie Willits. Three options were outlined: 1) Retiring staff could donate 8 to 24 hours of accumulated sick time that they would normally loose, 2) Allow active staff to donate 8 to 24 hours of vacation for LA staff only but not for a specific individual, 3) Allow active staff to donate 8 to 24 hours of vacation for use by anyone within the university. In his proposal, Ned tried to indicate that the options weren’t cost prohibitive. After discussion, the proposal will be modified to perhaps indicate that people have the option of donating to someone specific or to the bank in general. Additionally, a limit needs to be placed on the maximum number of days that may be used by one person—perhaps limiting it to the maximum time allotted under FMLA. Ned will make changes to the proposal and route the proposals to the committee for discussion at the next meeting.
• March 13— Ned put together a proposal to bank sick/vacation days for use by other staff members when needed. The objective of the proposal is to make donation of days more flexible and allow staff to be more proactive in donating time. The proposal was reviewed by committee members and suggestions were made to fine tune the content. Jodi then questioned whether this proposal would be accepted because of budgetary issues. It was decided to review the proposal with Jeff Lieb to see if there is a financial liability issue for the University with banked sick/vacation days. If there is not an issue, Ned will continue to fine tune the proposal and then talk with Jennifer to see how the proposal should be presented to Billie Willits.
• April 16— No committee members were present to make a report on this suggestion.
• May 8—Ned will meet with Jeff Lieb next week to see if there is a financial liability issue for the University with banked/ sick/vacation days.
• June 12—Ned met with Jeff Lieb to determine if there is a financial liability issue for the University with banked/ sick/vacation days. Jeff didn’t believe that there was a problem from a financial standpoint with banked days. Ned will continue to work on this suggestion.
• Status—Open

I had seen on the news that some Universities have planned to institute a 4 day work week (4 ten hour days) for its staff and personnel due to the ever increasing costs of fuel and the daily drive to and from work many of us have to do each day. I was wondering if PSU is, or has considered this as well?
(Received by Dean Welch)

• June 12—This suggestion generated a lot of discussion. It was felt that the issues are as follows:

Coverage—In most offices, only one person is dedicated to a job which would mean no coverage for that job one day a week.
Because of this, there is the potential for resentment due to the fact that coverage is needed for all jobs and staff may need to do extra work in order to adequately provide office coverage
Backup becomes more critical
A supervisor must be present at all times, thus supervisors are unable to participate in this program
Fatigue
Child care issues

Despite the issues, it was decided that it was worth the effort to look into this in more detail. Committee members should ask around and find out what other companies are doing and report back to Jennifer. Jennifer and Ned will work on the idea of having a college-wide panel discussion on this issue with perhaps someone from risk management participating. This would provide an opportunity for staff members to find out more about this topic and to ask questions and possibly come up with a solution that will work in addressing the issue of the increasing cost of commuting.

• Status—Open

 

Closed Suggestions

I know there were some e-mails earlier in the year about LA having a night at the Spikes game but I believe that got canceled. I think it would be fun to do and wonder if this is something for the SAC to coordinate?
(Received by Faye Maring)

• July 12—Christine volunteered to look into group rates. Since this is a time sensitive issued, Christine and Faye will discuss and then, if feasible, set a date to attend the game and coordinate the ticket process.
• August 9—Christine Laur gathered ticket information for a Spikes game but no one was able to take on the task of coordinating the publicity and the ticket sales because of office moves, vacations, etc.  It was felt that we should start planning this event next spring and perhaps have a tailgate prior to the game. Christine Laur will contact the ticket office and see how soon we can select a date for next year with a preference for a weekend game. 
• October 11—Christine will bring the Spikes schedule to the next meeting for us to select a date for a college outing.
• November 8—Christine brought the 2008 Spikes schedule. The committee picked the Sunday, June 29, 6:05 game for our outing. We will publicize “Save the Date” in LA Times and the SAC Web site. Christine will check on the availability of the covered pavilion at the corner of University Drive and Park Avenue for a pre-game family picnic. Christine will also notify the Spikes office that our College would like to reserve tickets for June 29 and she will also find out if some of the ticket price can be donated to the United Way. In April, a committee will be formed to start the planning process. Michele volunteered to be on the committee with Christine.
• January 10—There is a $75 fee to hold a block of seats for our June 29 outing. The United Way Committee has agreed to give us this money upfront since they will be benefitting from the sale of the tickets.
• February 21—The $75 fee to hold a block of seats for our June 29 outing has been paid by the United Way Committee. The pavilions at the corner of University Drive and Park Avenue have been reserved for a picnic prior to the game. The idea was presented that perhaps we sell hotdogs and other food items to benefit the United Way. Volunteers are needed to serve on a committee with Christine to plan the outing. This will involve developing flyers, selling tickets, collecting money, and planning the food sale. Michele and Faye volunteered and Christine will check with Robin Robinson to see if someone from the United Way has been assigned to this project.
• March 13—Christine spoke to Robin Robinson about the United Way committee helping with this event particularly the picnic. The UW committee discussed it at their recent meeting and there was discussion as to whether they should sell food to benefit the United Way or if they should have everyone bring a covered dish. There was some concern about food prep with serving something hot such as hot dogs as well as having enough up-front money to purchase the food items needed for the picnic. Christine will talk further with Robin. A flyer will be created promoting the event and presented at the next meeting.
• April 16—Christine reported that the committee decided not to have a picnic prior to the Spikes game scheduled for June 29. Flyers and ticket logs were distributed to all members. Faye will send out an electronic version of the flyer to everyone for distribution. Ticket orders and money are due to Christine by Friday, June 13. We discussed the possibility of having a representative of our group toss the first pitch.
• May 8—Ticket orders and money are due to Christine by Friday, June 2. This has been moved up from the prior date of June 13. Some tickets have been sold and this event will be announced at the college-wide meeting to try and get more participation. Our group will have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch. A name will be drawn from all tickets sold to determine who will have this honor. 
• June 12— Ninety-two tickets were sold for the June 29 Spikes game and $97 was raised for the United Way. A drawing was held to select the individual who would throw out the first pitch of the game. Jennie Daley of the Alumni Relations and Department Office was the winner.
• Status—complete

Would like to see more networking opportunities
 (From college-wide meeting)

• June 14—Perhaps we can develop a welcome packet for new staff members. How else can we network and develop social events and opportunities to get to meet other people within the college.  Perhaps focus or profile someone in the LA times.  Assigned to Abby, Jodi, and Kristie.
• July 12—Abby, Jodi and Kristie reported on a communications piece that would be given to new staff members who enter the college or transfer to a different department within the college. The piece would include SAC representative contact information as well as contact information for a person who holds a similar position within the college who agreed to be a mentor to new staff members.  Additionally, they provided information on giveaways (pens, stress balls, stickers) with the SAC Web site imprinted on the piece. This will be written up as a proposal to Dean Welch with costs of the promotional items. Abby, Jodi, and Kristie, gave a lot of wonderful ideas on networking possibilities, which included hosting a festival. The festival could benefit the United Way and incorporate some of their fund raising events—selling hotdogs, t-shirts, books. Perhaps the local massage school would be willing to give free massages. The event could be coordinated with another event on campus such as Spend a Summer Day or FTCAP to obtain the audience during the summer when the students are not here. The idea of the event would be to have departments working together for a common cause. It was decided that an event such as this should be coordinated with the United Way committee and they will be contacted for their input.  
• August 9—The committee was unable to meet since the last meeting so there was nothing new to report.
• September 13— The committee made a recommendation that each new staff member be given a welcoming letter from the Staff Advisory Committee by the SAC representative for that unit. This would include a pen and sticker with the SAC Web site noted. The SAC representative would provide the SAC committee with the job responsibilities of the new staff member and request that they ask for a volunteer with similar job duties from their work unit to be a mentor to the new staff member.

Jennifer will supply the committee with a proposal format so that the committee can prepare the proposal for the Dean’s approval. The proposal will be reviewed at the next meeting. 
Additionally, ideas for networking opportunities utilizing a festival-type event did not appear to be feasible. New ideas are needed for networking opportunities. Faye said that she would ask for suggestions at the College-wide meeting in October.

• October 11—The committee distributed a proposal on the welcoming committee for review. It was approved and after a few minor changes are made, it will be given along with the costs of the promotional items to Faye. She will then ask the Dean if she would like to attend a meeting to receive the proposal.

No suggestions were received on additional networking opportunities so this part of the suggestion will not be pursued.

• November 8—The proposal dealing with the welcoming and mentoring portion of this suggestion will be finalized and sent to Faye for her to review with the Dean.

Faye received a suggestion for networking opportunities. This individual suggested that we start a book club of some sort. It could be staged like other book clubs in that everyone reads the same book and then gets together to discuss it. As an alternative to the traditional book club, people could get together to discuss good books that they have read. An additional networking opportunity would be to get people together who have similar hobbies. They could discuss the hobby or they could teach others about their hobby. Faye will publicize both suggestions, reserve a room in January for the book club, and find a facilitator. The SAC Web site can be used to announce future meetings, etc.

• January 10—The proposal dealing with the welcoming and mentoring portion was presented to the Dean yesterday and approved. Stickers and green pens will be ordered and should be available for distribution at the next meeting. The template for welcoming a new person will be distributed to committee members for their use in welcoming and soliciting a mentor for the new staff member. It was also suggested that e-mails be sent to new staff members prior to their start date to make them feel welcomed.

The first book club meeting was held today. Although attendance was slim, interest was high. Connie Stahlman is spearheading the club and will announce future meetings.

• February 21—None of the committee members working on this suggestion were present to report on their progress.
• March 13— Kristie will send information to all committee members that can be used to welcome a new staff member and to request a mentor for the new person. These will be posted to the Web site so that all committee members can have ready access to the flyer for new staff. Abby distributed pens with imprinted SAC information which will be given to the new staff along with the flyer. We had previously discussed purchasing stickers with the SAC Web site but Abby could not find a reasonable cost-wise source for the stickers. Faye suggested she look at Current or Artistic Greeting address labels. Abby will look into this. 
• April 16—Abby obtained a quote for 500 oval labels for $43. The labels will be imprinted with the SAC Web site and distributed to all new staff members. They will also be distributed at the college-wide meeting in May. Abby will place the order for the labels. Abby reported that she used the new mentoring welcoming materials with a new staff member. She received four or five responses to her inquiry for mentors. She will report back on its helpfulness to the new staff member once she is able to evaluate it.
• May 8—Abby ordered oval labels and they should be here in a week or so. We will hand out the pens and labels at the staff wide meeting.
• Status-complete.

Is it possible to work four ten-hour days instead of five eight-hour days to save on gas for those who have a great distance to commute?
(From college-wide meeting)

• June 14—Decisions are up to the discretion of the department, we have no college-wide policy in force, and we are not able to recommend a change to this policy. However, we will look into car pooling, CATA information, and what other colleges are doing.  Assigned to Jennifer, Amy and Karen.
• Status—complete
• Faye to Respond—done 6-20-07
• July 12—As a result of a suggestion from the last meeting concerning car pooling, Amy Larimer reported that individuals may look into the RideShare Program at http://www.transportation.psu.edu/parking/facultystaff/rideshare.shtml if they would like to car pool with anyone from the University . It was decided that we will have ride-share information within the college posted on the committee’s Web site. Anyone who wants to car pool, would be able to list the information for anyone within the college to view. Faye will work with Greg on setting this up.
• The Web site has been updated with a RideShare banner.

 
Can suggestions be publicized so that duplicates won’t be submitted?
(College-wide meeting)

• June 14—Yes, this will be done. The committee also discussed whether a name would be attached to the suggestion and it was decided that no names would appear on the Web site with the suggestion. 

• Status—complete
• Faye to respond—done 6-20-07

Is there a Friday dress code policy?
(Received by Faye Maring)

• June 14—There is not a college-wide policy. It is up to the discretion of the department to decide what is appropriate for their particular area. The committee cannot recommend to supervisors to have or not have a Friday dress code policy. Each department should be communicating with interviewees to inform them of the dress policy to eliminate confusion. Some areas within the University do have casual Fridays and they post a notice on the entrance to their buildings on Fridays notifying visitors of this fact. Additionally, some areas charge staff members money to wear jeans on Friday which is contributed to the United Way. Perhaps, if a staff member would like a change in policy, they should talk to their supervisor.  However, the committee will not be recommending a change in policy to the Dean.  

• Status—complete
• Faye to Respond—done 6-18-07

Can we start a softball and/or volleyball league?
(Greg Halpin)

• June 14—Greg Halpin asked if the committee was interested in promoting a softball league.  Since the time frame is short in which he needs to set up the team, we decided that he should go ahead and ask for participants. Further discussion on this topic is tabled until the next meeting.
• July 12—A softball league has been formed and our team is named the “LA Mad Dogs”. Ten to twelve people consistently attend practice. Greg will post information on games on the DSAC Web site.
• Status—complete

Can the suggestions/questions on the Web site be set up as a blog or have a comment section so others may comment before and after we address the suggestion?
(Received by Barbara Brinkman)

• July 12—This suggestion was discussed and it was decided that because of the expense involved with a blog, it would be cost prohibited at this time to further consider this suggestion.
• Status—complete
• Barbara to respond

Compensate staff with a big salary boost the last year of service to boost their retirement benefits like they often do for faculty.
(Received by Barby Singer)

• July 12—Jennifer Moore explained that this suggestion would be difficult to implement because in their experience no one gives the type of notice needed to implement this suggestion. Additionally, the budget would not support this expense. 
• Status—complete
• Barby to respond

In light of the harassment that an LGBT staff person had to endure last semester, what is being done to find the person doing the harassing and will there be future training, processes, procedures, etc, implemented to prevent this from happening again?
(From Web-site)

• July 12—Jennifer explained that training on this subject matter is being planned. This suggestion has been referred to HR.
• Status—complete
• Jennifer to respond

Can offices do flex hours as long as the department remains open from 8-5 daily. For example, can some work 8-4:30 with 1/2 hour lunch?
(Received by Karen Davis)

• July 12—Yes, departments are allowed to be flexible with their work schedules, however, it is up to the individual departments to set their work hours and to offer or not offer flexible working hours as described above.
• Status—complete
• Karen to respond

 
We have a suggestions/problem to be brought up by the staff advisory committee.  We are getting all these new financial forms, i.e. travel, SRFC, etc, and we are not receiving any training on how to fill them in.  Could you please bring this up at the next meeting for us?
(Received by Barby Singer)

• This suggestion is referred to HR who will have the Finance Department schedule training on the new forms.
• Status—complete
• Barby to respond

Communication issues in unusual situations

• August 9—Kristine Kalvin questioned our communications policy on issues such as the failure of the air conditioning system that was experienced in the Sparks Building in June. It was felt that more communications should have occurred with the departments. In the future, there should be a channel whereby staff members are kept up-to-date in situations such as this. Additionally, all staff members should know when and who to contact in the event this or a similar situation should occur in the future.  Jennifer Morris reported that the administration area must be made aware of all situations so that they can be handled immediately.  Additionally, each department should establish a “decision tree” so that if the person who normally is the contact for these types of issues is on vacation, staff members will know who is next in line to report the problem. It was felt that a training session on “what to do in unusual situations” would be helpful to all departments. For example, what do you do when a student opens his/her backpack to retrieve a paper for you and you view something suspicious in the backpack?  Should it be reported and to whom? Or if a student faints in the hallway—what do you do and what are you allowed to do and not do?
  All Staff Advisory Committee Representatives will ask their work units for examples on awkward situations that they may have experienced such as those listed above so that Jennifer can develop a training session on the topic. All suggestions should be e-mailed to Jennifer prior to the next meeting.

• September 13—At the last meeting, Jennifer asked that Staff Advisory Committee Representatives ask their work units for examples of awkward situations that they may have experienced so that she can develop a training session on the topic. She received one suggestion. Since this topic relates to the training session that Steve Shelow of the University police will be conducting in the near future for the LA staff, additionally questions should be asked at that training session.

• This topic is closed.

Frequently I need to schedule conference room space for various meetings and never know where additional conference rooms are located in other LA buildings other than Sparks. Can we get a listing of all available conference rooms potentially available for meetings? If needed, maybe they can be categorized student and non-student use (because I know 124Sparks is a non-student conference room). Also include contact information for scheduling of these rooms.

Utilizing conference room space in other LA buildings would potentially be a networking tool and site-seeing opportunity for our staff who may or may not have seen some of the other LA buildings. I personally would not mind having Graduate Staff meetings in other buildings to accommodate our staff. 
(From Web site)

• September 13— Michele volunteered to take on this project prior to the meeting. She prepared a room availability form for each of us to complete for our areas giving details of available conference rooms and room specifications. Some representatives said that conference rooms in their areas would not be available to other departments because they are needed for their areas. The forms should only be completed for those rooms which would be available for use by other departments. Forms should be returned to Michele before the next meeting and she will compile a listing of available rooms. 
• October 11—Michele received information on two conference rooms that could be scheduled by departments other than where the rooms are located. The committee felt that this was not enough response to pursue this suggestion.
• Status—Complete
• Faye to respond—done 11-5-07

One of our staff members attended the Time to Choose session this week, and there was some kind of a representative there from HR, who also was a member of a Staff Advisory Board.  They got to talking about the SAC meetings, and the representative there said it would be nice to see what other colleges are doing with regards to their Staff Advisory Board's and how one can go about knowing who the contact person's are from each department/college, who are main point of contact's for the Staff Advisory Board, as well as, how many colleges at PSU, actually have a committee formed, on behalf of their staff. 
(Received by Melissa Strouse)

November 8 The University’s Staff Advisory Council lists all College Staff Advisory Committees on their Web site. Liberal Arts is listed along with other colleges that have staff advisory committees. Links to the college SAC Web sites are provided on the Web site which provides the information inquired about in the suggestion.

No further action is required on this suggestion.

Office coverage on the day after Thanksgiving

• October 11—Kristie was asked by someone in her work unit whether the offices had to be staffed on the day after Thanksgiving since the fall break now includes the week of Thanksgiving.

Jennifer said that she would check into it and get back to us. She later responded that we expect at least a skeleton crew to be working. No unit should be completely closed without any back up or contact person available. If some want to consolidate coverage, that could be acceptable. Questions on the policy or the consolidation plan should be referred to Jennifer.

• Status—complete

Greg said that the BJC offers groups to work events and be paid. Perhaps the SAC could work an event and use the money for rewards for our incentive program.

• November 8—Jodi and Melody responded that the AA committee works an event annually at the BJC to support the Colleges scholarship fund for staff and children of staff. Jodi said that the BJC only allows groups with specific purpose to do this. Greg will check to see if our group’s purpose would qualify.
• January 10— Greg checked with the BJC and our group may work an event and be paid but we need to receive the Dean’s approval. This will be sought and Amy will check with Jeff Lieb to find out if we can open an account to deposit monies from working an event.
• February 21—Amy checked with Jeff Lieb and we are able to open an account to deposit monies gained from working an event at the BJC. Now that we know that we do have the option of working at the BJC for funds for our projects, this suggestion is closed and will be implemented in the future if needed.
• This item is closed.

Other Projects

• September 13—Faye requested that the SAC Committee administer and promote the Staff and Children of Staff Program Support Fund. Karen, Michele, Jodi, Kristie and Christine will serve on the committee with Faye to develop guidelines for the administration of the awards.
• October 11—Faye distributed a write-up on the program fund as discussed by the committee members working on this project. It was decided that the Staff Advisory Committee will administer these awards as well as promote the awards. The awards will be publicized in the welcoming letter that another committee is working on. Faye will prepare a flyer to be given to SAC members to distribute to their work units, articles will be placed in the LA Times, e-mails will be sent to all staff, and the program fund and application will be included on the SAC Web site and on as many staff pages of departmental Web sites as feasible.

The selection committee must be made up of staff members representative of all grade levels of staff and chaired by an AA. Christine Laur will be the chair for the next two years and she will accept volunteers from the committee to be on the selection committee. Additionally, staff members may serve who are not on the SAC such as prior recipients of the awards.

• Status—closed

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