Staff and Administrative Council Minutes November 21, 2019

2 p.m., Spellman Faculty Reception Room
Minutes

Present: Andrew Albrecht, Jennifer Connolly, Casey DelliCarpini, Courtney Ferrick, Jason Ford, Jorge Franco, Mary Grant, Michael LaRocca, Anthony LoPresti, Bing Morris, Jessica Rosenberg, Anthony Scaccia, Charlotte Wray

Excused: Brian Beyrer, Sam Derosa, Doug Hearle, Helena Jaccino, Reggie Richardson

Vacancy: Currently 2 staff vacancies

Br. Ford called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. Quorum was met with attendance of 13 voting members.

Approval of Minutes

Approval of prior meeting’s minutes with noted correction to attendance (motion made by Mary Grant, seconded by Br. Ford).

Announcements

Reported from College Council: several factors impacted the decision to implement an across-the board increase (rather than merit pay), including a large percentage of performance evaluations being incomplete and a lack of faculty approval to the compensation process; additionally, a smaller incoming freshman class resulted in no excess funds in the budget.

Reported from Human Resources & Compensation Committee: revised holiday schedule for 2020-21, Columbus Day and Veterans Day will not be paid holidays due to academic calendar, however July 3 and July 6 will be special holidays.

Informational Items

Reported from College Council: continued conversations regarding letter grade changes, general morale, looking for ways to recognize staff.

Reported from Budget Committee: LaPenta School of Business proposed 3.5% tuition increase, endorsed by committee; SAS also endorsed a 3.5% increase at graduate level.

Reported from Diversity Committee: activist Paola Mendez to present; attempting to book Yusaf Salaam of Central Park 5

Reported from Environmental Sustainability Committee: looking into wind turbines as alternative energy source for campus; discussion on feasibility of composting; discussion on ways to have dining services be more sustainable and compliant in procedures

Reported from Human Resources & Compensation Committee: Jeffry Haber elected as chair; discussion of how overtime is paid; discussion regarding onboarding for faculty & staff, suggestion made to create tutorial for new hire; suggestion made to add in-laws to bereavement days; no real updates on compensation plan, faculty still working on theirs; despite incoming class being 200 students short, Board still wants to provide 1.5% increase, unanimously approved.

Reported from Student Life Committee: discussion regarding space utilization, moving bookstore to North Avenue to be more accessible for students and community, proposed to put turnstiles in cafeteria to better direct flow and prevent theft; student/faculty engagement/advising (faculty don’t always know core requirements and students aren’t always sure who to speak with); extending add/drop days one additional week (SFS will have to work through); students seek greater student/faculty engagement.

General Discussion

SAC members report hearing that clarification regarding medical leave is desired; discussion on difficulty to post and fill open positions (Br. Ford to bring up at College Council).

Action Item
Still need to fill opening on College Council

There being no other business, it was moved to adjourn at 3 p.m. by Anthony Scaccia and seconded by Mary Grant. The next SAC meeting will be held on December 12, 2019 at 2 p.m. in the LaPenta End Zone.