By Pam Graham
Note from HR : The first two paragraphs of the following article were prepared for the April HR Bulletin, but we inadvertently omitted them from the initial April 1 issue. Once the omission was discovered, we inserted them into the Bulletin on April 4. They are being repeated here, however, since many readers may not have been aware of the April 4 update.
The FAS Team responded to feedback provided them in our January meeting with several communication improvements. These include but are not limited to increase in the attention to and the priority of MAC issues, relaxing the time-out and lock-out settings to more tolerant levels, establishment of the SAP Support Council, increased functionality of budget reports, and addition of staff support for routine procurement and account management functions. The SAP Support Council is a team of partners; one partner represents the FAS Team and the other partner represents a division or college. These division and college representatives are Martha Bird, Gail Robinson, Betty Boyd, Kindra Colgin, Sarah Pivonka, Sylvia Mobley, Deborah McDaniel, Georgia Teague, Dianna Richards, Debra Banks, Kate Robbins, Patricia Prado, JaNelle Barnes, Jo Ann Gardner, Carolyn Holesovsky and Julie Bertrand. Everyone should recognize one of these individuals as their representative and should be communicating implementation issues to them regularly. This Council will serve as a communication conduit for functional concerns as long as is necessary. Thanks go to Ted Trip and his group for this increased effort to assist users.
Some time ago, Staff Council submitted a Proposal for Compensation for Classified Employees On-call to the President’s Council. At the time that PC considered the proposal, there were questions that required answers before a decision could be made. The data required to answer those questions has now been accumulated by the Compensation and Benefits Committee and a letter has been forwarded to President Trauth with answers to their questions. The basics of the proposal are that, since many other higher education institutions compensate their employees for being on stand-by to answer and/or report for work issues after regular work hours, then Texas State should establish a policy to do this as well. The recommendation is that “staff be compensated for on call carrying the pager at the rate of 1.0 hour per day at the appropriate” pay rate. Also that “staff be compensated for call backs at a minimum of 2 hours pay at the appropriate” pay rate and that “staff be compensated for call backs during official university holidays at a minimum of 3 hours pay at the appropriate” pay rate. I know there have been many questions about the status of this issue. I hope this clears up the mystery.
At our April meeting, Joyce Manske, HR representative, explained the facts and factors surrounding the controversy between Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Central Texas Medical Center. It seems there is an old-fashioned stand-off between two parties with legitimate points. Unfortunately, the end result could have a dire effect on Texas State staff members along with many other people. Let us hope that the political fallout for both parties if they choose not to agree would be considered unacceptable and that they will eventually come to terms and continue our benefits. In the meantime, Dr. Trauth and Dr. Manske are doing all they can to emphasize to the parties the importance of an agreement. We’ll all stay tuned for more details to come.
As you all know, staff council elections are in process. All staff members should have received nomination forms and had time to submit the names of worthy candidates. The deadline for nominations is the end of business on April 29. Please think seriously about nominating yourself or about nominating a co-worker for service on staff council. This opportunity to serve is unlike any other on campus. It is a rewarding and educational experience.
The agenda for May Staff Council will not be set until the Executive Committee meeting on the 3 rd. Keep your eyes open for an email that will include the agenda less than a week before the meeting.
Pam
5-2833
pg11@txstate.edu
Staff Council meetings are always open to all and are held monthly each second Tuesday at 10 am. The May meeting will be held in LBJ Student Center 3-3.1.
