Minutes
CVCC Professional Staff Association Meeting
April 1, 2005

Members Present: LaDonna Goodson, Randall Williams, Sandy Loyer, Amy Mitchell, Teresa Ray, Sue Asp, Regina Reep, Kelly Niman, Tammy Buff, Karen Hiatt, Joyce Watson, Susan Killian, Debbie Saine, Darlene Hudson, Carol Franks, Judy Barkley, Anne Williams, Doug Allen, Wanda Horvath, Sallie Neville, Karen Less, Ashley King

Treasurer's Report: Ashley King presented the Treasurer Report. As of April 1, 2005, the balance was $236.59. The minutes from the January 17th meeting were presented and handed out.

New Business:
Less informed everyone of the agenda and the different goals set by our organization. The goals were then divided into three subcommittees in order to develop possible outcomes and improvements for our organization.

Doug Allen, member of the SACS committee, discussed how the goals adopted by the college and those needed to be met by SACS requirements reflect more the academic side of the college. We need to structure our programs to support student learning and better communication strategies.

Wanda Horvath, Doug Allen and Sallie Neville Merritt discussed the results of the subcommittee efforts. The three areas of concentration for this year are positive organizational Image, pay equity, and improving communication. Wanda suggested that we look at smaller ideas, start with a few to implement, and then over a period of time, possibly several years, take on new projects. She discussed aspects that relate to maintaining a positive image. The first suggestion was to maintain an updated website and make a more welcoming site for everyone on campus to visit. A new logo and slogan also needs to be developed. The position of historian is a very important task for every organization, and the subcommittee reports that they would like to create a board position. Depending on the amount of funds available each year, living legacy options need to be explored as well. Many of us are skilled in different areas, and offering professional development activities with the assistance of Chris Smart is a positive way to maintain a positive organizational image. Doug discussed pay equity and the positive results at the state level. He also gave everyone a copy of legislator contacts. Retaining quality employees through pay is an important component of pay equity, and it is an issue that is being considered at the state level. The legislative actions taken all indicate that the goal is to raise faculty and professional staff salaries to the national average. The suggestion was made to have PSA members and Faculty Senate members write a letter of thanks/encouragement to local legislators. Inequity is still taking place at the local level. At least a partial supplement goes to everyone, but this most recent year faculty and support staff received larger percent increases than professional staff. Faculty alone is eligible for performance pay, which is funded by the county. County supplements for public schools far exceed that of community colleges. Allen suggested that we summarize our history, and that we emphasize the role of Catawba County in supplement and performance pay. Professional staff by percentage holds more advanced degrees than faculty. Sallie discussed communication. Team building was also a point of interest. We need more interaction with each other over the course of the academic year. A review of all standing committees will take place to make sure we are represented in all areas. The Board would like to work on a monthly spotlight section in Campus Notes to display one professional staff member. We do not get to socialize with each other too often, and this would be an opportunity to learn about those we work with. The purpose of the subcommittees work is to determine what ideas and projects are most important to the membership at large. These will be discussed at the next meeting. Doug Allen suggested having the Board of Trustees write a letter to the legislature expressing thanks and gratitude for the current equity plan. Karen Less suggested we push to get the membership at large involved so that the six Board members are not consumed by all of the tasks. Less also discussed the nomination process for staff member of the year. When the nominations were going to be due and having the plaque engraved were also topics of discussion relating to the staff member of the year award. The committee to decide the winner will be picked after all nominations are turned in to Karen Less. It was suggested to have Robyn Chapman on the committee as a previous award winner. The winner is announced in September, but that person will not be recognized at the state level until November. The Board is also looking at dates to have a meeting with Dr. Dunbar about the PSA.

Suggestions were made to put subcommittee members names on the web page.

Amy Mitchell led a discussion regarding QEP, its goals, and how PSA can take part in improving communications within the college. She explained how different employees and groups of the college are responsible for different aspects through out the QEP process. The first phase is geared more towards instruction, but our efforts are important now in developing goals and outcomes to follow the QEP model.