Minutes
CVCC Professional Staff Association
May 12, 2004
East Campus, Room 1001

Members Present: Ann Williams, Donna Gilbert, Connie Frye, Karen Less, Donna Trado, LaDonna Goodson, Doug Allen, Sue Asp, Marian Baer, Teresa Ray, and Judy Barkley.

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by President Anne Williams.

Committee Reports: Copies of the minutes from the September 23, 2003 meeting and the November 13, 2003 Executive Committee meeting were distributed and approved.  The Treasurer's report was presented, copies of paying members were distributed and the report was approved.  The 2003-2004 membership dues are still being accepted for any member wishing to submit money.  The PSA membership money is used for stationary, stamps, plaques, cards, and occasional refreshments.

2002-2003 Priorities: The 2002-2003 goals are listed on the website at this link.

Staff Member of the Year Award

Awards are due in Raleigh by June 4, 2004 for Staff Member of the Year.  There will be one nominee selected from CVCC to be submitted.  This year the nominee will be selected from the Support Staff.  Volunteers for the Staff Member of the Year Committee include LaDonna Goodson, Karen Less, and Donna Trado.  President Anne Williams will email members regarding nominees by May 3, 2004.  Candidate names will be submitted by Nominating Committee by June 22, 2004.  The Staff Member of the Year will be announced at the next Faculty Staff Meeting in August 2004.

President Lancaster's Report

President Anne Williams showed information regarding President Lancaster's report on funding per FTE.  An interesting highlight included North Carolina having the 4th highest decrease in FTE funding and  NC Faculty Salaries averaging $37,000.

Comments on Goal #1
Although this goal remains a top priority, we did not approach the board this year.  However, the Governor's budget proposals were discussed.  A thank you note was sent for the pay increase, bonus annual days, extra holiday, and monetary bonus.  President Anne submitted to the Board, as requested, a packet entailing all CVCC Departments and Job Descriptors.  A copy was distributed in the meeting.

Comments on Goal #2

Plans were discussed for making CVCC a better college.  The four areas considered are Communication, Mentor Program, Leave Policies and Serving on CVCC Committees. For communication, PSA will continue to update the Web page, announce PSA meetings and provide information about PSA in the Campus Notes publication, and highlight individual members and activities.  The Mentor Program will promote CVCC by better orienting new employees and increasing employee retention.  In regards to the Leave Policies, PSA will continue to push prior credit service.  As for serving on CVCC committees, this is a powerful motivator for PSA as a group, the Board, and pay equity (Goal #1).

Comments on Goal #9
It was recommended at the November Executive Committee meeting for new wording to include "Conduct" a CVCC Mentor/Buddy Program for New Employees.  It is now under way once more.  Volunteers for the Mentor Program include Doug Allen, Wanda Horvath, Teresa Ray, Karen Less, and Donna Trado. The last PSA meeting mentioned to revise, but no committee was formed.  Motion was made and approved at the last meeting for the 2 Board Members at Large to coordinate the Mentor Program.  The newly elected PSA President has acquired a list of new employees for the Mentor Program.

Other Business

Wanda Barker contacted Anne Williams regarding a volunteer for Professional Development to serve a 3 year term on an as needed schedule either every other month or 3 times a month, depending on the schedule of the planned professional events.  Sue Asp is currently serving on this committee with 1 year left to serve.  The current goal of the Professional Development Committee involves the issue of accountability for completing credits and Professional Development opportunities with the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Committee.  Currently, there is no accountability in place for employees not completing Professional Development credits.  Members considered the information shared by Sue Asp as to the "carrot or stick" method for dealing with the issue of non-compliance.  A quick summary of QEP focuses student learning outcomes on communication, critical thinking, and technical skills.  PSA recommends to support "aligning policy with actual practice" for Professional Development opportunities with enhancements beginning with employees.  It will be asked from the Administrative Council about those who fulfill duties for Professional Development.  This issue is linked to Goal #2 and  making CVCC  a better place.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 31, 2004 on the Main Campus

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Frye
Secretary-Treasurer