SACD Updates - February 2003

Well it is that time of year again, when members of the SACD are finishing their terms and soon will be holding elections in their respective units for replacement committee members. The Staff Advisory Committee needs individuals who are willing to commit their time and talent for the good of the Staff in the College. Serving on the committee provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, network across the College, gain perspective and appreciation of the college as a whole as well as provide a voice for staff members in our college. Please take time now to consider nominations for committee membership.

Nominations for the Staff Laureate Awards are due by Saturday March 26th. As a reminder individual staff members or teams are eligible for the awards. Information on the nomination process and the criteria for the award are available from Human Resource Services (863-3452) or on-line at ohr.cas.psu.edu. The awards to be presented are: The Trailblazer Award, The Ambassador Award, the Customer Service Award, The Leadership Award, and The Spirit Award.

In light of the current financial situation within the College, the Staff Advisory Committee is continuing to try and reduce expenditures. At our last meeting we looked at our expenditures over the past three years and have found that we have been able to reduce costs each year for items such as catering. We will continue to cut costs this year by only serving beverages at the College-wide Staff meeting scheduled for Monday April 28th. As a further reduction in costs we are looking into providing the coffee and tea service ourselves rather than hiring a caterer.

The next College-wide staff meeting is scheduled for Monday April 28th in 101 ASI. Refreshments will begin at 9:30am with the meeting running from 10am to 12noon. MARK YOUR CALENDERS NOW! Currently the agenda is as follows:

1. Presentation of the Staff Laureate Awards
2. Dean's update
3. Informational presentation concerning the East sub-campus construction project (Lot 80).
4. Short question and answer period concerning construction project
5. Presentation of door prizes

Kim Evancho (OHR) visited with the committee to discuss Flex-time and sick leave issues with the committee as there have been concerns in various units as to what exactly the policy is and how it works. Kim emphasized that each case is individual and should be discussed with an OHR representative. Kim also explained that any problem or issue that an employee faces, should be brought to the attention of an OHR representative. These discussions are completely confidential and representatives are willing to meet an employee at a discreet location of the employee's choosing. OHR is unable to resolve any issue if the situation is not brought forward by the employee themselves.

The SACD always welcomes your input. If you have issues or questions that you would like the committee to address, please contact your unit representative or any committee member. You can also contact the committee via the anonymous suggestion box on the SACD web site at http://sacd.cas.psu.edu/. Let your voice be heard...