Lauri Arnold-Calder

Key discussions during the meeting included an update on the bylaw review with no issues noted. Budget considerations involved a motion for allocating funds for "truck or treat" expenses, including candy and reimbursement for hats, and clarification regarding corporate sponsorship from Bolton Dodge for the Employee Appreciation potato bar. The Senate confirmed registration for the "trunk or treat" event. A staff concern was raised regarding the policy on substituting equivalent experience for degree requirements in job postings, to which HR confirmed flexibility exists depending on the job description and hiring manager. New business involved the consideration of funding an additional class per semester, which was ultimately decided against due to budgetary concerns and lack of volunteer commitment for a subcommittee. Open floor topics included scheduling a "pink out" photo, promoting an LIT swag opportunity, suggestions for integrating BCIS training for new employees, and advertising Google Coursera courses.

The meeting included a budget update detailing expenditures for Trunk or Treat ($286.20) and the remaining budget balance ($2,706.85). Discussions covered plans for selling Holiday Shirts based on current inventory and polling staff regarding preferences between a promotional item or a luncheon for employee appreciation. Regarding old business, the Trunk or Treat booth was noted as a success, with suggestions for future budgets and prize structures. Staff Senate concerns addressed the structure of a Change Collection Foundation and the need for cross-training among members, including the formation of a subcommittee for research. New business involved an introduction from the Director of Safety, followed by Senate inquiries regarding parking lot usage by LU students, the installation status of security cameras, key card distribution timing, and security presence on Friday afternoons. Future plans were discussed for creating welcome signage for the Spring 2026 semester and refreshing coloring board posters. Finally, it was noted that a runner-up candidate accepted a resignation vacancy.

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of departing senate members who were recognized for their service, followed by welcoming new members. Old business included a discussion regarding low voter turnout for senate elections and a review of the 2021-2022 budget, which showed a small remaining balance used to fund appreciation events and luncheons. New business involved reviewing the activities of the past year, such as the Scavenger Hunt, re-instating the Staff Senate Website, providing nominations for the TSUS Board of Regents Award, and creating a Staff Senate Gmail account for anonymous submissions. A proposal for a Halloween door decorating contest was tabled for an electronic vote by the incoming senate. Open floor discussions covered inviting the new President to the next meeting, suggestions for reviving the LIT Picnic, inquiring about the official use of the name "Lamar Tech," and addressing concerns regarding the extension of remote work schedules and the distribution of parking permits.

The Staff Senate meeting included discussions on the staff salary scale, accessible via myLIT, and the approval of a Staff Appreciation event featuring a baked potato bar co-sponsored by the Faculty Senate. The Save the Date for the Staff Appreciation will be sent out through Marketing for March 26. Vacant positions will be addressed through the election process in the summer.

The meeting included introductions of the members, a recap of highlights from previous fiscal years, and a review of attendance policies. The senate discussed bylaw review, the budget for the fiscal year, and ideas for team-building activities. They also considered transitioning from a door decorating contest to supporting a community trunk or treat event. There was discussion about a survey for employees to align concerns with areas the senate addresses, ESL courses offered by Workforce Training, QEP meeting updates, PLA for military transcripts, a tool called "Course Dog", and a video for filling vacant positions.