Staff Senate Meeting Quick Notes

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

Kelsey Harelson, University Recreation

• Member Services is offering a promotion for staff and faculty. Check Arkansas News for links.
• In April, UREC will offer prorated memberships for staff members.
• The new tennis center will open on March 30. It's located behind Chick-fil-A on MLK. One-time passes will be available for $15 for staff members, $10 for current UREC members.

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

• Models are being studied to see if changes can be made in order to accommodate the demand for childcare on campus.
• Jean Tyson is currently experiencing a major staff shortage.
• Since it is a state-licensed facility, staff to student ratios are held to a state standard.
• This is a lab school and nationally accredited.
• In summary, what are the main roadblocks to accommodating all children of staff/faculty?

1. The waiting list is very long.
2. Ratios.
3. They only have 12 classroom spaces.
4. Ability to staff.

Debbie McLoud, HR Updates

• Pay frequency transition has been moved to June.
• The last monthly payroll will be May 31. The HR website has resources to prepare for change.
• Postcards will be sent to home addresses.
• Performance reviews are due on March 31.
• 2021 Employee awards luncheons are this week.
• There are several new faces in the HR office. Stop by and say hello!
• Filing open positions is a recurring issue.

Gary Smith, Transit and Parking

• Lot 71 will be closed on March 31 due to a groundbreaking ceremony. 
• The permanent closing for Lot 71 is still being discussed.
• Scooters and motorcycles will be transitioned to the license plate recognition system.
• Lot 68 has reopened but will be closed soon for paving.
• Some scooter parking (173) is being converted back to car parking.
• There will be a crane in Lot 48 and 49 during spring break.
• After spring break, there will be changes to bus routes.
• Parking garage safety is being discussed with University Police.

Denise Bignar, Elections Committee

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

EmmaLe Davis, EOQ

• 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 will keep everyone updated about what's going on in Little Rock.
• Mid-term elections reference guide can be found here.

Amy Shell, Childcare Assistance Exploration Committee

• Interest throughout the university is huge.
• Waiting a week for Dean McCabe to present this to HR and Faculty Senate. We will then be sending out a survey.
• 90 percent of children at Jean Tyson belong to staff and faculty.
• Peer institutions are being surveyed for best practices.
• Multiple solutions are being discussed, including tiered tuition and a discounted rate for staff.

Chancellor Search Update

• Charge from President Bobbitt.
• Met with ASG and graduate student group.
• What does staff on campus want from the new chancellor? There is a town hall scheduled for March 31 at 10 a.m. via Teams.

Chairs Report

• Officers continue to meet with interim Chancellor Charles Robinson on a monthly basis.
• There is no additional information regarding raises.
• Work is being done on the flexible/remote work policy at a fast rate. They hope to present recommendations by May 1 and begin implementation by July 1.