Casper College ~ Staff Alliance

It was suggested at the April 2012 All-Staff Alliance meeting to have a section on our web page for current news directly related to the Staff. Below are the headlines and preliminary information for news that pertains to the Staff.

Please let me know if you have items you would like to see included here, and I will add them accordingly.

Karel Mathisen, Staff Alliance Chair

WHAT'S NEW WITH STAFF ALLIANCE?

The SPRING ALL STAFF Staff Alliance meeting was held on Monday, April 15, 2013, AT 9:00 a.m. in Nichols Auditorium. We provided cinnamon rolls/caramel rolls by Wes Bertagnole for all staff members who attended.
UPDATE: RAISES: One of the items announced at the All Staff was the possibility of raises for employees for FY2014. I've heard from Jan Dalgarno (who attended the Board Meeting) that this was passed by the Board! All Staff (with the exception of those currently at the maximum step - 18) will receive a one step increase. This increase will begin to appear in your July 2013 paycheck. If any members of the Board happen to read this -- THANK YOU!
UPDATE: PLATTE RIVER WALKWAY CLEANUP: Like last year, Staff Alliance has agreed to be a part of the Walkway cleanup crew. Date is MAY 18. Mike has gotten us a great location -- the Overlook to Bryan Stock Trail -- and we have registration forms we need to fill out (the same as last year). Click here for a copy of the form. Just an FYI -- my husband, Ron, and I will be providing lunch for all who help out.
Staff Alliance Bylaws: There were several comments made at the All-Staff regarding the proposed revisions to the Staff Alliance Bylaws. The review committee will be meeting throughout the fall and early winter to address those comments. Please stay tuned for updates on this process.
UPDATE: Durst Award winner: The following staff members were nominated for the Durst Classified Staff Award: Lynn Cook (admin. assistant, physical plant), Laurie Johnstone (enrollment services specialist), Renee Sietmann (academic assistant, school of science), Belle Stapleton (custodial crew leader), and Rachel Wright (academic assistant, school of business and industry). At the Casper College Annual Retirement and Recognition Dinner held April 26, it was announced that Belle Stapleton was the winner of this award. Congratulations Belle!
The next Staff Alliance Executive Committe meeting will be May 16, 2013, 2:00 p.m. in Gateway 222. As always, all staff are invited to attend any and all Executive Committee meetings.
The FALL ALL STAFF Staff Alliance meeting will be held Thursday, September 26, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in Nichols Auditorium. Food will be provided. Elections will be held during this meeting. Nominations (including self nominations) may be made at any time.

Full-time or part-time benefited staff are members of the Staff Alliance, hereinafter designated as “Alliance.” Each member shall be eligible to vote during elections, hold office, and participate in all the rights and privileges of the Alliance. Non-benefited part-time staff, staff retirees, and those who are classified staff of the UW/CC Center are associate members of the Staff Alliance. They shall have no voting power and be considered ineligible to hold office in the Alliance. They shall be entitled to all other rights and privileges of the Alliance.

The objective and purpose of the Alliance is:
- To promote professional practices; active participation of all in the solution of institutional matters; and allegiance to a genuine spirit of professional ethics.
- To encourage high performance standards among Casper College classified staff employees, hereinafter designated as “staff”; aid in securing and maintaining adequate salaries and sound retirement systems; to support legislation for the betterment of higher education; to encourage improvements as will enable staff to function properly as a vital component to the progress of education at Casper College; and show recognition for retirement and meritorious service.
- To be an active communication link for meaningful exchange between staff, faculty and administration relative to issues of mutual concern.
- To encourage staff to exercise their rights and privileges as citizens and to accept leadership in campus and civic affairs.
The goal of the Alliance is:
- Enhanced staff development opportunities.
- Enhanced recognition for staff accomplishments
- Improved communications between staff and all other employees.
- Continued staff involvement in issues regarding working conditions and employment practices.

Casper College Staff Alliance Executive Committee 2012-2013

Chair
Karel Mathisen, Public Relations Assistant
Office: GW 403
Phone: 268-2456
Vice Chair
Pam Jones, Workforce Training Advisor
Office: GW 408D
Phone: 268-2124
Secretary/Treasurer
Maggie Abbott-Wills, Employee Benefits Specialist
Office: GW 402B
Phone: 268-2227
CCA Activities Representatives
Shannon Eskam
Sarah Tooker
General Representatives
Laura Burnett
Ann Dalton
Mike McLemore
Dave Mondle
Erin Siems
Zack Thatcher

Staff Alliance Policies and Procedures

Staff Alliance Minutes
Staff Alliance By-Laws

2012-2013 Meeting Schedule

All Staff Alliance Executive Committee meetings will be held on the Thursday before the regularly scheduled CC District Board Meeting. Dates for the year are as follows:

October 11, 2012, 2:00 p.m., in GW 222
November 15, 2012, 2:00 p.m., in GW 222
December 13, 2012, 2:00 p.m. (CANCELED)
January 10, 2013, 2:00 p.m. (CANCELED)
February 14, 2013, 2:00 p.m., in GW 222
March 14, 2013, 2:00 p.m., in GW 222
April 15, 2013 - ALL STAFF MEETING - 9:00 a.m., Nichols Auditorium
May 16, 2013, 2:00 p.m., in GW 222
June 13, 2013, 2:00 p.m. in GW 223
July 11, 2013, 2:00 p.m. in GW 223
September 26, 2013 - ALL STAFF MEETING - 9:00 a.m., Nichols Auditorium
(Elections will be held during this meeting.)

Classified Staff Professional Development Fund

Casper College supports career-related and job-related professional development as well as personal development activities for classified staff employees, realizing that education and training are fundamental to personal and professional growth.

When requesting funding, an employee’s department is primarily responsible for its employees attending any training necessary to perform their job duties. The Classified Staff Development Fund provides opportunities beyond this basic premise and seeks to assist employees with career/job-related development, personal education, and training opportunities. These opportunities may prepare employees for change, enhance their own well-being, or create an important network of support, which can benefit the employee, the department, and the College community.

The Classified Staff Development Fund is intended to supplement departmental resources and provide support for as many individuals as possible.

The fund is intended to:

provide a higher level of understanding and performance within current positions.
improve skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied at work.
encourage growth and career development of employees.
provide opportunities for promotion and/or lateral moves contributing to the employee’s career satisfaction.
provide a greater sense of responsibility for managing one’s own career, contributing to self-confidence.
assist employees who seek to meet essential education requirements; therefore, new position opportunities within the college.
increase motivation and job satisfaction.
promote personal growth and increase personal well-being.

Eligibility:
All full-time classified staff employees are eligible to receive support for professional or personal development activities, providing their job performance is rated as satisfactory or better. Full-time is defined as working at least a 30-hour work week, year round, or a 40-hour work week, throughout the academic year. Financial support will begin once the employee has completed his or her probationary period.

Committee Members

Pam Jones - Chair	Sarah Tooker	Zack Thatcher	Ann Dalton (alternate)
GW 408D	GW 334	MA 201A	GW 408F
268-2124	268-2503	268-2048	268-2085

Procedures

Classified staff are encouraged to submit an application for funding if they plan to attend workshops, courses or conferences in support of their professional or personal development. Support from this fund cannot be used to relieve departments of their responsibility to provide for the professional development of their members. Activities/programs that are necessary for applicants to perform their job duties should be funded primarily through other sources; however, the fund may be used to supplement departmental funds. Supplemental funding will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

The fund is not intended to provide ongoing tuition support for a degree program, as that is normally covered by tuition waiver. It is also not intended to support recurring annual programs, which can and should be anticipated/budgeted within a department.

Classified Staff Development activities may include but are not limited to:

Training workshops
Conferences and seminars
Conference materials
Travel expenses, including lodging and meals to professional events/conferences
Meeting expenses and travel for professional and technical association meetings
Books, software, and other course related materials associated with Casper College and upper level coursework
Non-credit course fees for job-related enhancement

Fund Limitations:

Membership fees will not be awarded through these professional development funds.
Department budgets should be utilized first, before applying for staff development funds.
Funds cannot be used to reimburse departmental budgets. Only personal out-of-pocket expenses may be covered.
Continuing education courses for the maintenance of state licenses, which are a requirement for employment in the employee’s present position, are not considered professional development programs and do not qualify for fee reimbursement.
Staff members who are unaware whether or not a particular request meets the guidelines for staff development funding are encouraged to speak to their supervisor or a member of this committee.
Individual funding may not exceed $300 per fiscal year.

Application Process / Forms

Requests for Staff Development Funding are made by completing the Staff Development Funds application form. Applications must be filled out completely and have appropriate applicant and supervisor signatures and documentation. Supervisor signature is required only if the funding request is professional or job related. A complete application should include copies of brochures, receipts for purchased materials or descriptive marketing materials outlining the activity pertaining to the request if applicable.

Only complete applications will be reviewed by the committee. If possible, proposals should be submitted in advance of the activity. Some exceptions may occur such as a reimbursement for materials purchased at a conference, or materials already purchased for a current class. The deadline for submitting proposals is the 10th day of each month. Proposals should be submitted to the Staff Development Committee Chair.

Classified Staff Professional Development Committee/Decisions and Notification

The Classified Staff Professional Development Committee will be comprised of a three member subcommittee of the Staff Alliance. Terms of service are staggered and two years in length.
Awards are based on the merit of the request and availability of funds. Preference will be given to those activities/programs for which other funding is not available and to those individuals that have not been funded in the past. Preference will also be given to proposals which support the mission and goals of Casper College.
The committee will meet on a monthly basis during the academic year and as needed during the summer. Applications will be reviewed within ten days of the submission deadline date. The committee may request additional information from the applicant to fully understand the nature of the activity/program and/or funding needs. The committee will notify applicants of its decisions following each meeting by returning the application to the applicant with committee considerations and decisions noted.
Awards run concurrently with the Casper College fiscal year, July 1-June 30.

The Casper College Staff Alliance is pleased to announce the Employee of the Month for May 2013 :

The Casper College Staff Alliance is pleased to announce the Employee of the Month for May. Congratulations Bill Hout! Bill has been working at Casper College since July 2010 as a carpenter.

Bill is a hard worker and performs his job well. He is always well organized and knows exactly what needs to be done for any and every job. Bill always works in a timely and professional manner and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job is done right. His smile is infectious and he is a joy to work with.

Bill is highly deserving of this recognition, setting an example for all employees to follow. Please join us in congratulating Bill Hout as the May 2013 Casper College Staff Employee of the Month.

Committee Members

Standing Committee
Ann Dalton - Co-Chair	Melody Dugan - Co-Chair
GW 408F	WT 124
268-2085	268-2230

Selection Committee (JAN - MAR)
Laurie Lye	JP Cavigelli	Shereen Mosier
BU 126	TM 104	GW 407

Nomination Form and Procedures

Purpose
The purpose of the Employee of the Month (EOM) Award is to recognize outstanding accomplishments and/or service by classified staff employees of Casper College.

Eligibility
All benefited, non-probationary, classified staff employees (with the exception of the Staff Alliance Executive Committee) who work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week are eligible for the award. Previous recipients will be eligible for nomination after three (3) years of last award.

To nominate an employee, click the EOM Nomination Form below. Once form is completed you can submit the form electronically by clicking the "submit by email" button or print the form and send intercampus mail to Melody Dugan - WT 124.

Previous Winners

	May 2012 - Blake Harkins	March 2011 - Rachel Wright
	April 2012 - Laurie Johnstone	Feb 2011 - Chris Carlson
May 2013 - Bill Hout	March 2012 - Michelle Higgins	Jan 2011 - Linda Nichols
April 2013 - Anna Miller	Feb 2012 - John Chapin	Dec 2010 - Keith Nath
March 2013 - Laurie Lye	Jan 2012 - Jan Dalgarno	Nov 2010 - Tanya Peterson
February 2013 - JP Cavigelli	Dec 2011 - Bill Mayfield	Oct 2010 - Kathy Coe
January 2013 - Shereen Mosier	Nov 2011 - Cindy Burgess	Sep 2010 - Peggy Candelaria
December 2012 - Teresa Millan	Oct 2011 - Chuck Griswold	Aug 2010 - Paul Francis
Nov 2012 - Nathan Long	Sept 2011 - Dana Boe	July 2010 - Crystal Sosalla
Oct 2012 - Vicki Pollock	Aug 2011 - Patti Finkle	June 2010 - Steve Armijo
Sept 2012 - Vikki Stoner	July 2011 - Karen Arnold	May 2010 - Jim Miller
August - 2012 Steve Padilla	June 2011 - Tiptida Telck	April 2010 - Karel Mathisen
July 2012 - Melody Dugan	May 2011 - Sarah Feeney	March 2010 - James Kane
June 2012 - Mark Hladik	April 2011 - Dora Granados	Feb 2010 - Carol Lau

The Robert Durst Classified Staff Award was established to recognize and honor one outstanding Casper College Staff member annually. All benefitted classified staff are eligible to compete for this prestigious recognition and $1,000 cash award.

The following criteria will be weighed for award consideration:
1. The candidate must possess qualities of an outstanding classified staff member.
2. The candidate must be involved and contribute to campus and community activities.
3. The candidate must have exemplary achievements and/or accomplishments.

See "Nominating an Employee" below for more details and a nomination form.

Committee Members

Standing Committee
Ann Dalton - Co-Chair	Melody Dugan - Co-Chair
GW 408F	WT 124
268-2085	268-2230

Nominating an Employee

Any Casper College employee may nominate a classified staff candidate, by submitting this nomination form by Friday, March 1, 2013. Contact HR if you have a question about whether an employee is eligible. Self-nominations are not permitted for this award. Please, only one employee per nomination sheet.

Nominations will not be accepted after the March 1, 2013 deadline and only completed forms will be accepted. Three letters of support will need to be sent to the Durst Award Committee (one by the nominator and two others chosen by the nominator) by March 22. The Committee will select the recipient based on those letters. The award recipient will be announced at the annual Retirement and Recognition.

Previous Winners

	2012- Mike McLemore	2011 - Glenda Pullen
2010 - Robert Taylor	2009 - Mary Lewallen	2008 - Sarah Sulzen (first recipient)