Go to
TTU Home PageStaff Advisory Committee to the President
January 10, 2002, 2 p.m.
President’s Conference Room
Members Present: Carpenter, Davis, Dillon, Harris, Hooper, Jackson, Jared, and McMillan
Members Absent: Klein, Russell, Short, and Zimmerman
Others Present: Bell, Pogue, Watson
Chairperson Harris called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. The meeting began with remarks by President Bell.
Remarks by President Bell
Action by the TBR
President Bell commented that everyone was delighted that the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) approved the University’s compensation plan, retroactive to July 1, 2001. He stated his appreciation to all employees for their patience and support in this matter.
Also approved by the TBR was the addition of Memorial Day (May 27, 2002) to our holiday schedule. This brings the total number of holidays to 13. Additionally, for 2001 only, Chancellor Charles Manning authorized an additional holiday during Christmas because the University did not celebrate Memorial Day in 2001. Therefore, employees were not required to take annual leave for December 31.
The focus of the December TBR meeting was the "Defining Our Future" Report. The Board adopted the proposed report, and it has been submitted to the legislature for review and action. President Bell commented on some of the highlights of the report that could have an impact on Tennessee Tech:
·
The concept of an enrollment cap could adversely affect the University. The target enrollment of 10,000 in 2005-06 could be made impossible if the University were capped below this number.·
Program cuts could result from the doing more-with-less theme. Currently, the state is estimating an $800 million dollar deficit that must be corrected. This means either cuts or new sources of income must be identified. This could have a dramatic effect on all campuses.·
On the positive side, the restructuring of the remedial and developmental course delivery would eliminate remedial courses from the University, and development courses would be changed to a lower fee rate—consistent with community colleges.·
The report includes a recommendation for review of all agriculture and engineering programs at TBR institutions.
·
The implementation of an invasive cost control process could result in the sharing of faculty, facilities, etc. for universities, community colleges and technology centers.Action relative to the report by the legislature will be disseminated through the appropriate channels when received.
Dorm Demolition/Construction
The Dixie-Rye-Early-Meadows Residence Hall complex is on schedule to be demolished during 2002, and a new residence hall complex will be constructed with an anticipated occupancy date of Summer 2003. The new residence hall will be the first in almost 40 years, and we anticipate a positive impact on student recruitment and retention with the new housing facility. The construction project cost is estimated at $13 million dollars; funding will be provided through special bonding (not taxpayer dollars from state budget).
Planning Funds
Recently, Senators Frist and Thompson secured $500,000 in funding for the Tennessee Tech School of Nursing building fund. These planning funds are a start in the University’s plan for a Nursing building.
Naming of Library
At the December 6 meeting, the TBR approved the University’s request to name the library and media center in honor of former Tennessee Tech president and first lady Angelo and Jennette Volpe. The library and media center will now be named the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library and Media Center. Plans are underway for a formal naming ceremony to be held this spring.
Updated Service
Callers to the University who are placed on hold are now hearing professionally recorded messages telling them about the University and our recent accomplishments. The messaging equipment was recently installed by Telecommunications. This is another resource to be used as a marketing tool for the University.
Ambassadors
President Bell congratulated Rebecca Hall, custodian in Facilities and Business Services, named December 2001 Ambassador; and Pauline Ward, secretary in the Manufacturing and Industrial Technology Department, January 2002 Ambassador.
Retirements
Recent retirements include Dr. Robert Briggs from the College of Arts and Sciences and Mr. Gilbert Hill from Food Services. Both were long-time employees of the University.
Other Such Matters
President Bell was asked if there was another means of acknowledging Food Service support staff at Christmas other than the customary Christmas luncheon. Food Service staff employees prepare the Christmas luncheon, and then it is given back to them. President Bell stated that he would review other alternatives.
Parking problems relative to staff members who work shifts other than the customary
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. shifts were discussed. President Bell commented that due to a shortage in University Police staff employees and also the precedence of the University’s commitment to security relative to possible anthrax findings during the fall semester, there had been a decline in the number of tickets written. Hopefully, with the University Police staffing being replenished and parking tickets being issued, parking violations will decline.
The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
<-- Back to Staff Advisory Committee