Ashlyn DiCapua

This Strategic Plan for Bluefield State University outlines a roadmap for expanding opportunities, advancing academic excellence, and deepening its impact across the region and beyond. It focuses on strategic priorities including growing enrollment, strengthening student retention and success, enhancing the student experience, ensuring financial sustainability, advancing academic excellence, investing in faculty and staff development, and elevating athletics as a driver of excellence. The plan aims to position the university as the region's premier institution of higher education, empowering students and driving innovation in teaching, research, and community service.

Key discussions included sector updates, noting staff council vote discussions at the state level, and a review of the flower fund designees, which was tabled for further detail. New business focused on preparing a survey to gather feedback for scheduling three additional holiday days and organizing a staff survey regarding flexible work schedules. Human Resources topics involved inviting a representative to address employee questions about pay increases. Campus Safety was also briefly mentioned, noting the existence of a safety and security committee.

Key discussions included updates from various representatives (BOG Rep, ACCE Rep), where most reported no updates. Old business involved confirming the Holiday Dinner scheduled for November 19, 2025, with Aramark providing catering and Jamkhandi's band supplying music, and discussing a staff award for Shawn Bales. New business established a new recurring meeting schedule for the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM. Furthermore, the collaboration on a flex schedule for the future summer was greenlit, pending a staff survey setup by Melissa McGuire. The utilization of election day for Christmas Eve was decided via a motion. The continuation of the flower fund management by Steven Jarvis and Marie Cheeks was confirmed, and initial discussion on Secret Santa arrangements took place.

Key discussions included updates from the ACCE Representative regarding a potential 14% PEIA premium increase, the retirement of HR personnel, and changes to waiver policies. Old business addressed the campus-wide Holiday Dinner scheduled for November 19, 2025, catered by Aramark with music by Jamkhandi's band, and the status of a staff award discussion for Shawn Bales. New business involved setting future meeting dates for the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM, the removal of Juneteenth from the schedule pending approval, and the commencement of a staff survey to facilitate collaboration on a flex schedule. The date for a Secret Santa event was set for December 5, 2025, with proceeds benefiting the Flower Fund. The agenda for the next meeting will include items for the alternate secretary position and other committee vacancies.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on committee and representative updates, which included a note about a budget crunch for the BOG representative. New business involved revising the holiday schedule, specifically planning to offer Election Day and Juneteenth (as a floating WV Day) as extra days off, while keeping the Winter break status quo. The status of the flower fund was discussed, with a decision regarding a replacement person to manage it tabled until the next meeting. Roles within the council were voted upon, appointing Marie Cheeks as Secretary and Erika Morrow as Vice Chairman, while noting a need for additional sector representatives. Planning for the Holiday Dinner is ongoing. Furthermore, discussions touched upon the flex schedule, new attendance verification system, and ideas for Special Events, including a Hall of Trees, Halloween activities (Costume contest and Chili Cook Off), a Door Decorating contest, and Secret Santa.