University of Georgia Staff Council

UGA Staff Council Needs and Concerns Committee

Final Committee Report – 2004-2005

Committee Members :

Brice Nelson, Chair

Betty Baskins

Tommie McCommons

Connie Rash

George Russell

Shannon Scott

Danna Williams

Issues/Results 2004-2005

Issue: Research of staff representation on Faculty Councils at other universities

Result: Shannon Scott did an excellent job researching how other top twenty institutes manage staff representation within their governance. Brice did some specific follow up work regarding the University of Maryland. President Ratajczak used the information in a letter to the University Council. Increasing staff representation on the University Council should continue to be a goal for the Staff Council.

Issue: Crosswalk concerns

Result: Several concerns about specific crosswalk visibility were referred to Dexter Adams (Grounds Department). Issues included the cross-walk from the Ramsey Center to the Health Center. Also, the flashing lights were not functioning properly at two crossings from the Ramsey Center to the Rhodes Center for Animal and Dairy Science. Concerns regarding similar issues can be called in to 542-7456.

Issue: Traffic Congestion along East Campus and Green Street

Result: Needs and Concerns along with Health and Safety Committee were contacted regarding the afternoon traffic congestion. Problems from an increase in student car traffic entering parking lots on Green Street may have something to do with the back up in vehicles during a time when many faculty and staff are trying to leave campus. Also, the timing of the traffic lights may also be an issue. Sandy Smith who works in Aderhold Hall and serves on the UGA Staff Council is part of a committee organized by the College of Education to study the issue and make recommendations.

Issue: Enterprise Rent-A-Car issue

Result: Contacted David Williams, UGA Human Resources, regarding a staff member's concerns about information listed on the UGA Extras website.

Issue: A particular computer company was not included on the UGA Extras website

Result: Andy Brantley (Human Resources) responded that vendors are given the opportunity to participate and submit bids for these additional faculty/staff benefits. Mr. Brantley said he would ask his benefits staff to contact HP, Compaq, and Dell to see if they would like to be represented on the site.

Issue: Publication of home contact information in UGA Campus Directory

Result: Andy Brantley, Human Resources, said that this would be the last year employees will have to make the choice of “publish” or “do not publish” home address and contact information. From now on the default will be the individual's previous year's choice. So if a person is away from the office during the sign up period, their information will be published the same as the year before. The 2005 directory will be updated entirely online with no paperwork or data entry for HR staff.

Issue: Parking concerns at Bookstore

Result: Made inquiry to Parking Services regarding N11 lot relating to parking after 6:00 p.m. No specific solutions were found, but Brice gave several suggestions for them to consider.

Issue: Better protection of Social Security numbers in regards to leave slips.

Result: It was discussed that faculty and staff could place their leave slip in a sealed envelope if they are unable to give them to the appropriate person during working hours or by sliding them under their door.

Issue: Job performance evaluation system by staff of their employer

Result: Discussion centered on this not being a realistic goal since personality conflicts or unbiased evaluations would not be certain across board.