Staff Council
Meeting Minutes
April 19, 2007
I.	Guest Presentation
Guest Maryann Wilcox, Coordinator of Benefits, presented an overview of new things going on with 
Michigan Tech Benefits. Highlights included:
*	Maryann reminded us that the current wellness benefit is $150/year for employees and $85/year 
for spouses. This benefit can be used in a variety of ways including gym memberships, 
organized fitness classes, yoga, water aerobics, etc.
*	Maryann let us know that the auditor has required Michigan Tech to consider the wellness 
benefit amount to be taxable. 
*	Lunch and Learns sponsored by the Benefits Office will continue. Ideas for future topics 
include a Substance Abuse Counselor, a Natural Wellness expert, and discussions on topics of 
alcohol abuse, depression, stress, etc.
*	The Benefits Fair is coming up in the MUB on May 10, 2007. Lots of prizes will be given away 
including a Trek bike, digital camera, and an iPod. The SDC will also be sponsoring a 
“wellness walk” with prizes.
*	Question: Would the SDC consider offering a six month membership for those who like to 
exercise outside during warmer weather. That way the TechFit benefit would come closer to 
covering the amount of membership. 
II.	Call to Order
Chair Becky Christianson called the meeting to order at 12:25 pm.
III.	Members Present
Ramona Backman, Becky Christianson, Diane Garrow, Peggy Gorton, Rob Greenhoe, Peter Larsen, 
and JoAnne Stimac.  Guest: Maryann Wilcox
IV.	Old Business
a)	Becky announced that the next Presidential Open Forum will not be held until October. A 
date will be announced as it gets closer. 
b)	Inclement Weather Committee: No update. The committee needs to meet again.
c)	Finance Committee Report: Bev was not available so there was no report.
d)	Scheduled 2007 meeting dates:
?	Thursday, May 17, MUB Alumni B
?	Thursday, June 21, MUB Alumni B
?	Thursday, August 16, TBD
e)	Staff Recognition: Peggy Gorton reported that the committee is working on the event and 
plans are coming along. More workers will be needed for the day of the event. The date has 
been set for June 13. The committee asked for the Council’s feedback on the following 
issues:
?	Should awards be as Tech Express Cash or “gift cards” or as paper “Tech Bucks” 
as in years past. Should we give an option of express cash or Tech Bucks? After 
discussion, the Council’s consensus was that the paperwork savings justified 
going to electronic awards. The group felt that gift cards were preferable over 
putting cash on ID cards because then we had something to “give” at the event 
and it was less likely it would be forgotten and not used.
?	The committee also asked for guidance on awards for retirees. Should we give 
just a certificate or plaque or also a monetary award? How should we treat those 
who retire with differing years of service? Ramona moved and Joanne seconded 
that we provide a flat award of $50 (in express cash on a gift card) to all retirees 
regardless of years of service.
f)	Staff Council/MUB calendar update: Becky mentioned that the calendar was getting crowded 
because of all the events being listed by the MUB. The consensus of the council is that the 
calendar should be used only for large events with campus-wide interest or attendance. 
Things like university holidays, paydays, etc. Becky will talk to Theresa in the MUB about 
paring down the list.
V.	New Business
a)	Meeting schedule starting in August: The Council agreed that the third Thursday of the 
month is still a good time. The 2007-2008 meeting schedule will then begin on August 16.
b)	Staff Council T-shirts: Rob Greenhoe presented an idea of passing out the Staff Council t-
shirts to Council members to wear on “Husky Fridays” as a way of promoting the Council. 
Everyone agreed this was a good idea. Contact Rob if you would like a shirt to wear.
c)	There was discussion about approaching Tech Express with the idea of offering staff 
members a second swipe card to be used for parking access. Many staff members leave their 
cards in their cars making it impractical for them to also use the Express Cash option. Even if 
additional cards could be purchased at a nominal cost it would make our lives easier. 
d)	Ramona provided an update about the idea of giving campus tours to new staff members. 
Ramona talked to Ali in Admissions and she agreed that it would be beneficial and it would 
not be a problem for new staff to join in on tours once a month on designated days. The 
Council agreed that we could sponsor the cost of lunch in a residence hall for new staff 
members, if necessary. Sherri Kauppi (Human Resources) likes the idea as well. A new 
employee packet is also in the works in Human Resources. Ramona will keep working on this 
project and will be looking for Staff Council volunteers to go on tours with new employees.
VI.	Finance Report
No report was available.
VII.	Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:09 pm.
Minutes submitted by:  Peter Larsen, Secretary