Quick Notes on the Senate Staff Meeting

Staff Senate meeting quick notes for the March 10, 2022 meeting:

Kelsey Harelson, college recess

• Member Services offers promotion to staff and faculty. To verify Arkansas News for links.
• In April, UREC will offer pro-rated memberships to staff members.
• The new tennis center will open on March 30. It is located behind Chick-fil-A on MLK. Day passes will be available for $15.

Shelly McNally and Donna Graham, Jean Tyson Development Center
Child Care Assistance Exploration Committee Report

• Models are being considered to see if changes can be made to meet the demand for on-campus child care.
• Jean Tyson is currently experiencing a major staff shortage.
• Since it is a state-licensed institution, staff-to-student ratios are held to a state standard.
• It is a laboratory-based and nationally accredited school.
• In summary, what are the main barriers to welcoming all staff/faculty children?

1. The waiting list is very long.
2. Reports.
3. They only have 12 class places.
4. Staffing capacity.

Debbie McLoud, HR Updates

• The pay frequency transition has been moved to June.
• The last monthly pay will be May 31. The HR website has resources to prepare for change.
• Postcards will be sent home.
• Performance reviews are due March 31.
• The 2021 Employee Awards Luncheons are taking place this week.
• There are several new faces in the HR office. Stop by and say hello!
• Filing vacancies is a recurring problem.

Gary Smith, Transit and Parking

• Lot 71 will be closed March 31 for a groundbreaking ceremony.
• The final closure of lot 71 is still under discussion.
• Scooters and motorcycles will switch to the license plate recognition system.
• Lot 68 has reopened but will soon be closed for paving.
• Some parking lots for scooters (173) are converted into parking lots for cars.
• There will be a crane in lots 48 and 49 during spring break.
• After spring break, changes will be made to bus routes.
• Parking lot security is being discussed with University Police.

Denise Bignar, Elections Committee

• We need 34 senators in total. 14 have expiring terms and 20 will remain in the Senate.

Emma Le Davis, EOQ

• The Employee of the Quarter winners were announced in Arkansas News.
• Nominations are open for Q3; the deadline is April 15.

Matthew Meyers, Legislative Committee

• We’ll keep everyone updated on what’s going on in Little Rock.
• Midterm elections reference guide can be found here.

Amy Shell, Child Care Assistance Exploration Committee

• The interest across the university is huge.
• Wait a week for Dean McCabe to present this to HR and Faculty Senate. We will then send you a survey.
• 90% of Jean Tyson’s children belong to staff and teachers.
• Peer institutions are surveyed for best practices.
• Several solutions are being discussed, including staggered tuition and a reduced staff rate.

Chancellor Search Update

• Charge of President Bobbitt.
• Meeting with ASG and a group of graduate students.
• What do campus staff expect from the new chancellor? There is a town hall scheduled for March 31 at 10 a.m. via Teams.

Presidents report

• Officers continue to meet with Acting Chancellor Charles Robinson on a monthly basis.
• There is no additional information regarding increases.
• Work is underway on the flexible/remote work policy at a rapid pace. They hope to present recommendations by May 1 and begin implementation by July 1.