Professional News

Staff Senate Report February 2010

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2010) – In the UK Staff Senate chair’s report, Bryan Back encouraged those interested in running for Staff Senate positions in June to do so and invited every senator to participate in leadership training in March. 

He also announced the opening of nominations for the Sarah Bennett Holmes Award. Female faculty and staff are eligible nominees for the $1,000 prize, and the recipient's name and photograph will be placed on the wall plaque with previous winners in the Main Building.  

Back also commented that the state legislature has proposed its own budget and introduced an early graduation bill. Also, a bill on the state unemployment trust fund recommends raising the taxable wage base on employees.

Vice Chair Mike Adams reported that the official name of the evening event sponsored by President Todd and the Senate is now UK Fun Night. He invited musical acts to audition; instructions and the form are on the Web site. For Staff Appreciation Day, door prizes will be solicited, and volunteers are still welcome and may contact Amy Atkerson.

The Election Committee announced the time line for the Staff Senate and stated that details would be presented at the March meeting.

Actions items in the meeting included:

-approving the Staff Senate’s revised strategic plan

-approving the Staff Issues Committee motion to ask that funeral leave for employees as defined by Policy 84.1 & 84.2 be extended to cover employees' minor dependent’s relations and that allowances be made for extensive travel times.

HR Trainer Jerone Farley gave a presentation on Lotsa Helping Hands, a free care-giving coordination service now offered through HR.  As stated on the Web site, UK Work-Life, Elder Care, and Work+Life Connections are partnering with Lotsa Helping Hands to provide a simple way for friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to assist loved ones in need.

The meeting adjourned at 2:54 p.m. Feb. 11, 2010.