Staff Council changes bylaws to include UNT System staff

The Staff Council approved a change to the organization's bylaws that provides for the inclusion of UNT System staff members in the UNT Staff Council during the group's June 12 meeting.

Chair Dee Wilson said Richard Rafes, UNT vice chancellor and general counsel, advised that it was not necessary to change the Staff Council constitution, which would require a vote by the entire staff body, but could be addressed by changing the bylaws, which only requires a vote by the council and approval by the university president.

Jean Bush, UNT and UNT System budget director, made a presentation to the council about the process through which higher education is funded. Bush explained the difference between areas that fall under appropriated funds and areas that are covered by non-appropriated funds. She also explained the sources of appropriated education and general funds and non-appropriated institutional funds, then talked about the difference between unrestricted current funds and restricted current funds. She provided the council with a UNT perspective on requirements regarding the spending of state-supplied funds, designated funds, auxiliary funds, restricted funds and other funds. Finally, she discussed the UNT budget process and roles of the budget office, university president, vice presidents, budget committee and board of regents.

Rick Merrill, chair of the Staff Council Human Resources Advisory Committee, presented the draft of procedures for a proposed program for administrative leave for outstanding staff member performance, or Star Performer award. The topic of creating and presenting certificates of appreciation for outgoing council members, first suggested at the May meeting, was brought forward for further discussion. Both the Star Performer award draft and the certificate of appreciation items will be included in an e-mail message to the entire council body for review and vote.

BY MICHELLE HALE mhale@unt.edu

Other web resources

• Staff Council web site

Other featured articles in this issue

• Regents name Dallas County Judge Lee Jackson as UNT System chancellor finalist
• UNT scientist says 1.75 million-year-old human fossils question theories of evolutionary sequence
• Committee formed to search for UNT College of Engineering dean
• New video created to boost UNT spirit and pride
• New director of women's studies selected
• Postal rates up as of June 30
• UNT departments move to new locations
• Pohl recognized as outstanding administrator
• UNT parking permits for 2002-03 now for sale through intercampus mail
• Faculty Senate meets for the last time during 2001-02 year
• First aid kit supplies for sale

homepage