Staff Senate Meeting Notes for Jan. 13

Staff Senate met on Jan. 13, and the following are notes of the topics discussed:

Human Resources

• W2 forms will be sent out electronically or via mail. Distribution will begin on Jan. 31. Please make sure your address is correct in Workday.
• Performance reviews will launch next week. These must be completed by March 31.
• Employee Awards Banquet is postponed. It will now be held during the workday on a yet-to-be-determined date. The Oct. 11, 2022, banquet will proceed as scheduled.
• The pay schedule change is meant to aid recruitment and retention efforts. Classified turnover is currently about 24 percent. Non-classified is about 15 percent. There are industries that experience much higher turnover. Most other schools in the U of A System pay semi-monthly. The plan was built off what Agriculture thinks they could have done better. March 31 will be the last full month paycheck. If the 15th is a Saturday, it will pay on Friday, and if on Sunday, it will be paid out on Monday.

Parking and Transit

• Speed limits on campus have been lowered to 20 mph.
• The university is currently short 17 bus driving positions out of 36 needed.

Awards Chair:

• Outstanding team nominations are open and close on Jan. 28.

Employee of the Quarter Chair:

• Friday, Jan. 14, was the deadline for Employee of the Quarter.

Internal Affairs

• The committee is currently trying to problem solve inconsistencies and inefficiencies with remote work requests. Recommendations have been sent to Staff Senate officers.

Scholarship Chair:

• Kristen Ligon and J.R. Jennings received $125 scholarships.

Ad Hoc Committee on Childcare:

• The committee is creating a childcare resource list, including the essential worker childcare form. They are also working to gather metrics on the situation for staff members. Volunteers are welcome to join.

Treasurer:

• The 2023 budget was approved, which included the first budget increase in eight years.

Ann Bordelon:

• Human Resources challenges and opportunities were discussed, as well as ways to enhance the job applicant pool and remote/flexible work schedules.

President's Note:

• Please make plans to virtually attend the State of the University address on Jan. 19.

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