Staff Advisory Committee
September 4, 2007
Tech Pride Room
Present: Bledsoe, Buckner, Bussell, Dedmon, Edwards, Elrod, Gentry, Long, McKenzie (presiding), McNeal, Warren
Others present: President Bell, Dorothy Nash, and Terri Watson
President’s Comments
President Bell welcomed the group to the first Staff Advisory Committee meeting for 2007-2008 and stated he looks forward to the beginning of a new year and working with the committee.
Tech Pride week was a success as
the semester started. A new sense of
pride has been shared campus wide, and beyond, as USNews and World Report listed
Tech as one of the “Best Universities in the South.” Tech is again the highest ranked public
university in
The residence halls are filled to capacity, much like the parking lots are. Enrollment indicators point to historic record-high enrollment and FTE enrollment for Fall 2007. As of Friday, headcount enrollment was at 10,138. The final fall census number will be recorded at the end of the week.
The State Legislature approved a 3% across the board raise that went into effect in July. Because of a good year-end closing and because of the great work done by the University Budget Committee last year, the University was able to identify an additional 2% across-the-board pay raise for our outstanding personnel in clerical and support staff positions.
Several new campus leaders were
introduced at the opening University-wide faculty meeting. President Bell thanked Jack Armistead for
agreeing to serve in the Provost’s position this year. Dr.
The University will host a 2007 Fall Colloquia, and topics for the series of colloquiums will include Campus Safety, ADA/Disability, and also International Exchange. The first colloquium will be held tomorrow, September 5, and will feature presentations on Campus Safety. Led by qualified instructors, the session will provide pertinent information about procedures that can help us maintain our reputation as a safe, comfortable campus. Additional sessions relative to Campus Safety will be held on October 3 and November 8. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the sessions if possible.
President Bell addressed the
campus master plan component of the strategic plan. The new
Tech has also been awarded $3.3 million for maintenance projects on campus. The University appreciates the legislature providing funding for updates of existing facilities.
Observance of Tech Pride days
ended September 1, but TTU ‘Pride’ continues.
Football kicked off this past Thursday night with a game at
President Bell stated that we should all remember that we are here to help the students realize their hopes and dreams for the future. You may very well be the one to help a student, or new faculty member, go on to accomplish great things. That’s what great universities do! Thank you for being part of a great university and for continuing to make Tech an even better place!
Dr. Jeff Wadsworth, Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, frequently speaks of his freshman year of college during his public appearances. He tells of his thoughts of dropping out and how a staff member at the university mentored him and talked him into finishing out his college career. Be the mentor a student might need and you too could be aiding in the development of a national leader.
Tech Ambassadors of the Month announced since the last meeting:
June Martha Gentry Smith (retired)—Earth Sciences
July Patrena Hicks—Athletics
August Jerri Winningham—Student Records & Registration
September Joshua Edmonds—Residential Life
Ms. McKenzie reviewed the following comments and suggestions with responses that were received previously.
Comments and
Suggestions
1. Thank you from Kendra Norris
“I wish to extend my
appreciation for the Student Educational Fund Scholarship that has been awarded
to me for the school year of 2007-2008. This scholarship will help me and my
family tremendously in our efforts to obtain my hard earned degree in Nursing.
Again thank you so much for the scholarship.”
2. Suggestions
“Free Ice Cream Fridays!!!”
Susan Henry, Office of
Student Activities: “We sometimes have ice cream and root beer floats. The
other time that happens is when Chartwells gives free
ice cream in the cafeteria. We can’t do it every Friday but we can do this on
several occasions.”
“Climbing Wall”
Audrey Cody, Campus
Recreation: “For some time now, we have considered installation of a climbing
wall, especially in light of its popularity across the country and many
universities do have them as a part of their recreation program. The first
consideration is how much would it cost. Secondly, space. Three years ago, it
was just over $50,000. It is most likely higher now. But, if funding were made
available, we could adapt space by using one of our racquetball courts. We will
continue to work toward the installation of the climbing wall.”
“Start a Hockey Team on Roller Blades and Dance!”
Roller Hockey- Audrey
Cody, Campus Recreation: “We have thought about using the south parking lot
adjacent to the Intramural field for a skate park. If we used the inside of the
building, special skates would have to be used and there would be considerable
damage to the gym floors. Hundreds of students use the gyms for pick up
basketball games. So there again we have to consider space and wear and tear on
the building, cost, and popularity among the students.”
Dance- Audrey Cody,
Campus Recreation: “We know of a swing club on campus. The swing club has used
our facility for its activities.” Ms. Susan Henry with Student Activities
stated that the swing dance club is sponsored by Dr. Robyn Riel-Nail.
Employees that have worked for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 years at TTU received a service pin representing their years of service to the university (list attached).
The meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m.
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Last Updated: September13, 2007
For more information, contact TWatson@tntech.edu
