Resolutions for 2007-2008

September 5, 2007

Resolution on Recognition of Custodial and Grounds Maintenance Staff

WHEREAS the Texas Tech University campus has exceptional landscaping that enhances the overall appearance and attractiveness of West Texas to employees, visitors and the community; and,

WHEREAS the Texas Tech University campus buildings are maintained representative of the stature of the higher learning institution Texas Tech has achieved academically; and,

WHEREAS the custodial and ground maintenance staff continually take pride in their work and represent Texas Tech University in a professional and courteous manner;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas Tech University Staff Senate, meeting this 5th day of September, 2007, would like to recognize the hard work and exceptional diligence that the grounds maintenance and custodial staff continually demonstrate, and the overall value their efforts add to the university.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be distributed to Chancellor Kent Hance, President Jon Whitmore, Associate Vice President for Operations Mike Faires, Grounds Maintenance Managing Director Dewey Shroyer, Physical Plant Director Doug Chowning, members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, and members of the Custodial and Grounds Maintenance Staff.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech University Staff Senate on September 5, 2007.

 

January 10, 2008

Resolution on Creation of a Child Care Liaison

(Stating the sentiments of the Student Senate, Faculty Senate and Staff Senate regarding the exploration of child care options and the implementation of a Child Care Liaison on the Texas Tech Campus.)
 
WHEREAS, many students, faculty and staff have a need for child care, and

WHEREAS, the Child Development Center is limited in accessibility to all members of the Texas Tech Community, and

WHEREAS, Texas Tech can use increased attention to child care to retain and recruit the best students, faculty and staff, and

WHEREAS, Texas Tech University strives towards utilizing the existing resources within the community as stated in the Texas Tech University strategic plan, and

WHEREAS, since many parties are becoming more interested in the current situation it has become necessary to establish a position to address these needs head on.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Staff Senate recommends the implementation of a Child Care Liaison to be available to Students, Faculty and Staff, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Child Care Liaison be available to aid the Texas Tech Community in finding appropriate child care options for their individual situations in the surrounding community, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Child Care Liaison explore opportunities to find ways to increase child care options that directly integrate with Texas Tech University, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be to Chancellor Kent Hance, President Jon Whitmore, members of the Texas Tech University Board of Regents; Dr. Michael Shonrock, Vice President of Student Affairs; Mr. Gene Wilde, President of the Faculty Senate; Mason Moses, President of Student Government Association; Michelle Casady, Editor of TheDaily Toreador.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech University Staff Senate on January 10, 2008.

 

February 6, 2008

Resolution on Campus Safety Information

In an effort to protect the integrity of university property in the process of making safety information and emergency numbers easily accessible.

WHEREAS there is a need for campus safety issues and contact information to be more easily available; and,

WHEREAS the Texas Tech University Staff Senate supports the Division of Student Affairs on this project; and,

WHEREAS a magnet with safety issues and emergency contact information would allow for high traffic locations, such as restrooms and bulletin boards, to prominently display said information.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Texas Tech University Staff Senate supports the design and production of the “Emergency Magnets,” and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Staff Senate of Texas Tech University will work to implement and distribute this “Emergency Magnet” information to the campus.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be distributed to President Dr. Jon Whitmore and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Michael Shonrock.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech University Staff Senate on February 6, 2008.

 

March 5, 2008

Resolution of Appreciation for Coach Bob Knight

WHEREAS Mr. Robert Knight, Head Coach of the Texas Tech University Men's Basketball team since 2001, has recently announced his immediate retirement; and

WHEREAS during his seven-year tenure Coach Knight has been a visible and tireless ambassador for Texas Tech University, giving numerous interviews in which he complimented both the academic and athletic programs of Texas Tech University, working with ESPN to develop Knight School which acquainted over one million viewers with Texas Tech University and Lubbock; and

WHEREAS Coach Knight has promoted the pursuit of academic excellence by his players, producing 12 student athletes on Big 12 All-Academic Teams, and has promoted reading among low-income school-age children through his Knight Readers program, which was recognized in 2008 by the Texas Association of Partners in Education; and

WHEREAS Coach Knight has helped Texas Tech University Libraries raise more than $300,000 benefiting Texas Tech students and faculty, and established the Knight Scholarship Foundation that has provided scholarships to student athletes in basketball, baseball, track and field, and volleyball; and

WHEREAS Coach Knight compiled a 138-82 record and winning percentage of 0.627 as men's basketball Head Coach, he took teams to NCAA or NIT postseason basketball tournaments in five of his six completed seasons at Texas Tech, and he reached career milestones that include a NCAA Division I men's basketball record of 902 career wins and 28 NCAA postseason tournament appearances; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Staff Senate meeting on this 5th day of March 2008 expresses its appreciation and thanks to Coach Bob Knight for his many contributions to Texas Tech University; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT copies of this resolution be distributed to Coach Bob Knight, Athletic Director Gerald Meyers, President Jon Whitmore, Chancellor Kent Hance, and members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech Staff Senate on 5 March 2008

Resolution of Thanks and Appreciation for President Jon Whitmore

WHEREAS Dr. Jon Whitmore, who has served since 2003 as the 14th president of Texas Tech University, has recently announced his plans to resign as president; and

WHEREAS during his tenure President Whitmore has been a strong proponent of the staff of Texas Tech University, supporting merit raises for staff every year, adding 29 professional academic advisors, developing the FIT Tech health and wellness program, establishing diversity and equity awards for students, faculty, and staff; and

WHEREAS President Whitmore has supported numerous staff  initiatives, such as development of an on-line survey to provide staff input into annual reviews of Texas Tech administrators, establishment of the office of  Staff Ombudsman, creation of an employee education incentive program, creation of an “extra time off award” program for outstanding staff performance, among others; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Staff Senate meeting on this 5th day of March 2008 expresses its unconditional thanks and appreciation to President Jon Whitmore for his service to the faculty, staff, and students of Texas Tech University; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT copies of this resolution be distributed to President Jon Whitmore, Chancellor Kent Hance, and members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech Staff Senate on 5 March 2008.

 

June 19, 2008

Resolution on Regarding Operating Policy 70.12

WHEREAS, Annual Performance Evaluations are required by Operation Policy 70.12; and,

WHEREAS, many staff members do not consistently receive Annual Performance Evaluations; and,

WHEREAS, the Annual Performance Evaluation result in employee eligibility for awards; and,

WHEREAS, the Annual Performance Evaluations result in employee understanding areas where he/she is performing well and areas for improvement; and,

WHEREAS, the Annual Performance Evaluations result in clear understanding of employee accountability; and,

WHEREAS, Texas Tech University recently adopted a Statement of Ethical Principles “DO THE RIGHT THING”; and,

WHEREAS, over the past three years approximately 684 evaluations have not been completed (2005–119; 2006–208; 2007–357; 12% of the staff*);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Staff Senate on this 19th day of June 2008, recommends the implementation of Mandatory Annual Performance Evaluations of all benefits eligible staff members; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, failure to complete Annual Performance Evaluations carries significant consequences for the employee supervisor; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, a Task Force should be implemented to develop a revised Operating Policy for Mandatory Annual Performance Evaluations to ensure compliance that includes consequences for those supervisors not completing Annual Evaluations for their employees; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Task Force should include representatives from all EEO classifications and include Staff Senate representation; and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to Chancellor Kent Hance, President Jon Whitmore, members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents;  and Human Resource Services

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech University Staff Senate on June 16, 2008.

*Data provided by IRIM.

Resolution on Development of a Comprehensive Merit Distribution Policy

WHEREAS, Texas Tech University does not maintain a comprehensive Operating Policy on Merit distribution; and,

WHEREAS, there is not a consistent and equitable Operating Policy to refer to or uphold when Merit is available; and,

WHEREAS, employees should be provided an opportunity to review and comprehend such an Operating Policy; and,

WHEREAS, a comprehensive Operating Policy would aid in an equitable distribution of Merit when available;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Staff Senate on this 19th day of June 2008, recommends Human Resource Services establish a Task Force with Staff Senate representation to develop, recommend, and implement such an Operating Policy; and,   

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to Chancellor Kent Hance, President Jon Whitmore, members of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents; and Human Resource Services.

Introduced to, and passed by, the Texas Tech University Staff Senate on June 19, 2008.