MINUTES
SUPPORT STAFF SENATE
MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY
SCRANTON, PA 18509
Present – Support Staff Personnel
AGENDA ITEM
CALL TO ORDER
Date: October 8, 2014
Place: Latour Room, Nazareth
Time 10:00 a.m.
Chair: Mauri Olivetti
Scribe: Bev Mizanty
DISCUSSION AND MOTIONS
Ms. Mauri Olivetti introduced herself as the new President of the Support
Staff Senate and welcomed everyone to the meeting
1.
Opening Prayer
Ms. Cheryl Kosydar gave the opening prayer.
2.
Assembly Address
Sr. Anne Munley, University President, gave the Assembly address. She
thanked the Support Staff for their support and cooperation during the
preparation and viewing for Corporal Dixon. Sr. Anne also expressed her
gratitude and appreciation for all that the Support Staff does, noting that
gratitude is a deep value to her personally.
Sr. Anne gave an overview of Marywood’s Strategic Plan, which is done
every five years. The plan covers the University’s physical and academic
infrastructure, a community that embraces all and the use of resources that
support our mission. She requested the Support Staff input in constructing
the next strategic plan cycle, which covers 2016 – 2021 academic years.
3.
Strategic Planning
Support Staff Senate Highlights
4. Positions
Dr. Kathy Ruthkosky, Associate Vice President for Planning and
Institutional Effectiveness, gave an explanation of the framework for the
strategic plan and its importance to the University. She encouraged input
from the group, to add to its goals and questioned “what do we see as a
priority and what direction do we want to see Marywood go?” Suggestions
from the group were collected for inclusion in the decision making of a new
strategic plan, along with suggestions from the Faculty and Professional
Senates.
Ms. Olivetti introduced the new Executive Committee Members:
Mrs. Mauri Olivetti – President
Ms. Jamie Strong – Vice President
Mr. James Hart – Representative of Security
The following positions are open and Ms. Olivetti encouraged participation
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS
POLICY AND OPERATIONS
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
AGENDA ITEM
DISCUSSION AND MOTIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS
from the group to fill the positions of Recording Secretary and Treasurer.
5.
Treasury Report
The account balance as of October 1, 2014 was $2,517.12. Subtracting the
New York City bus deposit of $200 leaves the current balance at $2,317.12.
6.
Hospitality Report
Ms. Rima Anescavage gave the Hospitality Report. There will be a New
York City bus trip on Sunday, November 23rd. Tickets are going fast, so
please make your reservation by giving a $5, non-refundable deposit to
reserve your seat. The total cost is $22 per person. The bus will leave
Marywood at 8:00 a.m. and depart from NYC at 6:45 p.m. The day is on
your own.
There will also be tickets for a Penguin’s hockey game on Saturday, January
31st at $16 per person. The seats are lower level and the price includes s
Penguin’s hat and McDonald’s meal voucher. There will also be a trading
card give away.
7.
Fundraising Report
Ms. Olivetti gave the fundraising report:
The fall semester parking space raffle was a great success and we raised
$223. Ms. Olivetti acknowledged Ms. Marianne Dobrzvn for coordinating
this effort.
Future fundraising efforts include a holiday nut roll and cream cheese roll
sale from Osborne Bakeries, a spring semester parking space raffle and a
bus trip to Sands Casino/Bethlehem in the spring. Dates to be announced.
8.
Policy and Procedure
Proposals
Ms. Olivetti attended the University Executive Committee meeting where
the Tuition Remission Benefit policy was reviewed. The proposed changes
in the Tuition Remission Benefit will only affect university employees hired
after the proposed policy effective date, which has not been determined.
Some of the proposed new policy changes may include:
 reducing tuition reimbursements for employees, spouses, and
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POLICY AND OPERATIONS
COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
AGENDA ITEM
DISCUSSION AND MOTIONS




RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS
dependent children (up to and including age 25)
Percentage reductions are still under review
Employees using Professional Tuition Benefit (PTB) may take no
more than seven (7) credits per semester and no more than twenty
(20) credits per year
Classes may not be taken during normal work hours, unless an
exception is granted
Prior written approval needs to be granted for enrichment courses
(courses need to be work related)
It was re-iterated that current university employees will continue to be
governed by the existing policy dated October 10, 2012.
9.
50/50
10. Adjournment
A 50/50 raffle was held during the meeting. Kathy Dougherty, new Social
Science secretary, won the drawing of $25.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Bev Mizanty
Beverly Mizanty
Administrative Secretary
Dean’s Office - CLAS
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The next meeting of the Support Staff Senate
will be announced at a later date.