January 20, 1998 - 9:00am
Room 203, James E. Foy Union Building

Robert Gottesman, Chair, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Representatives present: Thina Biblis, Beth Cromwell, Kim Durbin, Jane Goff, Robert Gottesman, Ellyn Hix, Mickie Jacob, Minnie Melton, Michael Miller, Donna Mitcham, Kevin Robinson, Tom Sparrow, Peggy Stallworth, Burnette Tolbert, Ted Trupp, and Teresa Vest.

The minutes from the October 22, 1997 meeting were reviewed. Trupp moved that the minutes be accepted. Robinson seconded and the motion carried.

Gottesman provided an update on University Committees. The University Councils and Committees 1997-1998 brochure has not been finalized and distributed by the President's Office. The latest draft indicates appointments of A&P personnel to the following committees: Insurance and Benefits; Intercollegiate Athletics; Space Allocations; Traffic and Parking; Traffic Appeals Board I; Traffic Appeals Board II; Traffic Appeals Board III; University Budget Advisory. These are currently set at three year appointments, but discussions are ongoing about the staggering of appointment length. Discussions are continuing regarding additional A&P representation on University Committees.

Beginning with the January 20, 1998 A&P Assembly meeting, all chairs of A&P standing committees will be asked to provide an update report on their committee's activities.

Calendar Committee (Lisa Fleming, Chair): Future meeting dates for A&P Assembly Meetings have been set (April 21, July 21, and October 20). The committee is petitioning for representation on the University Senate Calendar and Schedules Committee.

Grievance Committee (Renee Jones, Chair): The committee has had two formal grievances filed since October 1997. Jones is encouraged by the formation of an Ad Hoc Employee Grievance Committee, chaired by Dr. Ferguson (Jones and Michael Miller representing AP). This committee is charged with better defining what is a formally grievable issue. Recommendations from this Ad Hoc committee may lead to changes in the A&P Grievance policy as well as the A&P Constitution.

Nominations and Elections Committee (George Konstant, Chair): No report. Gottesman indicated that committee activity will soon pick up with the nomination procedures for University committees.

Professional Development Committee (Jack Lawton, Chair): No report. Gottesman indicated that a recent charge for this committee is to investigate the creation of an A&P consulting policy.

Welfare Committee (Vickie Jernigan, Chair): In absence of Jernigan, Gottesman reported that this committee is currently conducting a survey of 29 peer institutions throughout the Southeast to collect information with regards to University closings during semesters, and course load policies for employee tuition programs. To date, 21 of the 29 institutions have responded. Responses regarding closings have been mixed. The responses regarding employee tuition programs have also been mixed. One consistency has been that a majority of responding schools offer a better tuition waiver package for their employees than AU does. Additionally, the Welfare Committee is looking into the possibilities of developing an A&P (and/or all employees) Benefits Fair.

The Ad Hoc Constitutional Review Committee (Ted Trupp, Chair) is continuing discussions about the revision of the A&P Constitution. Focus is on Article 2.3 and Article 6, but the entire Constitution is being looked at. All Assembly members are encouraged to get feedback on revision issues back to the committee.

The Ad Hoc Handbook Committee (Kevin Robinson, Chair) is nearing completion of the A&P Handbook. A final draft has been passed to the A&P Executive Committee. When finalized, printed copies will be sent to all A&P employees. Revisions will likely need to be made soon as standing A&P committees complete various charges.

The next meeting of the A&P Assembly is scheduled for April 21, 1998. The location will be announced at a later date.

Durbin moved for the meeting to adjourn and was seconded by Hix. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Sincerely,

Michael Miller
Chair-Elect