May 17, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: Staff Council adopts spot for beautification program

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Staff Council adopts spot for beautification program

The UNT Staff Council held its regular bi-monthly meeting May 1. Council members heard reports from several individuals and discussed items on the meeting's agenda. They were unable to take action on the items for lack of a quorum. trash can

Council member Bob Killam, who serves on the UNT Beautification Committee, reported on the committee's April 19 meeting and the Adopt-A-Spot program. He said that the spot chosen for adoption by the council is the mall area between the Administration Building, Willis Library and the Eagle Student Services Center. Killam volunteered to organize groups of staff and Staff Council members for scheduled clean-up times.

A resolution concerning staff salaries and staffing levels was presented to the council for discussion. It was suggested that the council delay the resolution until late 2002 or early 2003 when administrators would be at the beginning of a new budget cycle, rather than just before a proposed budget was ready to go before the UNT System Board of Regents. This would also allow the council to update statistics and figures included in the resolution.

Council member Duncan Engler, who serves on the University Planning Committee, gave a report on the committee's most recent meeting. He said the group is going through a time of self-evaluation, considering its role and how it can improve its service to the university. Engler said the role of the UPC is that of a sounding board and advisory committee to UNT President Norval Pohl. He also said the UPC discusses staff salaries and staffing level issues, and pointed out that staff salaries are among the budgeting themes — or priorities — laid out by Pohl. Other themes include funding to improve research, diversity and athletics.

Council members were told that UNT's annual faculty/staff picnic is planned for June 5 and that the council will host a table so staff members can meet and talk with council members.

Council members were reminded in a report from the Nominations Committee that Staff Council election ballots were due May 6. Council members also heard a report from the Human Resources Advisory Committee regarding issues including a proposed UNT child care program for faculty and staff and the proposed STAR Performers program — designed to reward outstanding employees with personal leave time — and heard a report from the Constitution and Bylaws Committee indicating the council's constitution and bylaws would be rewritten to include UNT System Center employees. The proposed bylaws change will require a vote by the Staff Council and the proposed constitution change will require a vote by the full UNT staff.

Council member Kay Selby recommended that the council begin the practice of presenting outgoing council members with a certificate of appreciation for their service with the organization.

The council meets again at 2 p.m. June 12 in Marquis Hall, Room 116. Staff members may contact the Staff Council or their individual representative by visiting www.unt.edu/staffcouncil.