Present: Claudia Arias,  Lauren Bivona, Joyce Childers, Angie Gomez, Eddie Gomez, Lupe Jacobo, Randy Livingston, Shawn Nock, Russell Robinson, Jacqueline Siquieros,

Excused: Grace Aranda, Eva Gonzales

Absent: Cori Cashen, Nancy Chilton, Drake Flores, James Hicks, Phyllis Kabins, Robin Kruse, Kevin Law, Shana McClelland, Mike Millard, Loreli Panico, Marcy Remington, Diana Rix, Lili Schwartz, Claire Tapia, Jannelle Weakly

Guests: Paul Allvin from UA Office of Communications

Paul Allvin from UA Office of Communications presented on the Phoenix Mars Mission

Paul spoke to us at the end of our meeting to invite everyone to attend and spread the word about all the activities that were going to be happening the week of May 18th through the 25th when the Phoenix Mars would be landing.  He informed us that reporters from all over the US and many from other countries would be here in Tucson and around our University.  He also said that NASA had agreed to set up their Headquarters here in Tucson for the landing.  500 people were getting credentials to get on campus.   

He spoke to us about Peter Smith, who is the Principal Investigator for the Mars Mission.  Peter Smith is a local Tucson High graduate with an MS degree.  He stressed "we want reporters to see all the best of Tucson and the U of A".  He asked for our help in doing this as UA employees.  He closed with the following statement, "Reporters know all about this important mission, we should do everything possible to advertise other things that the UA is doing like the Biosphere, Bio 5, Mirror Lab, Museum of Art, etc.".  

General Meeting Discussion:

Randy Livingston opened the meeting with a brief discussion about Eva Gonzales and her critical illness.  He told us he would keep us as updated as possible and for us not try to make personal contact with Eva until the family said it was ok to do so.  He also updated us about Grace Aranda and her procedure and that everything had gone well and she was doing fine.

Tri-University Meeting Update:  It was a last minute notice, so not many of our members were able to attend due to other SAC commitments.  Topics discussed were:  Domestic Partner Benefits; ERE Rates (big concern); guns on campus (all campus were against this policy); transportation issues (ASU utilizing light rail tram system to eliminate cars); and childcare (not enough offered).  Next Tri-Board meeting will be at NAU on September 12th. 

Supervisors Breakfast - Lupe Jacobo:  Date set for May 22nd in the Ventana Room-Student Union.  Membership committee, along with Angie Gomez and Claudia Arias will be organizing the event.  It was agreed by all to go ahead and invite all members, their supervisors and all new members and their supervisors.  Lauren Bivona suggested a "Welcome Supervisors Breakfast" at the beginning of the year (August-September).  This would inform the supervisor at the beginning of the year about what SAC does and the member commitment.

Meeting with President Shelton - Randy Livingston:  Randy mentioned he will be meeting with President Shelton very soon to discuss this past year and staff concerns.  Claudia and Russ asked if he could discuss "time-off for staff to participate in SAC".  Russ compared it to the faculty time review, 60-20-20. Randy said he would report back to us about his meeting.

Annual Retreat - Randy Livingston:  July 25th was selected as the date for the retreat.  Time and location was changed from the original Sierra Vista location to a local Tucson hotel due to transportation issues.  Lupe looking into different locations and pricing.  Some goals that would like to be discussed at the retreat are " expansion and networking".  SAC needs to be more visible on campus for staff members.

Elections - Randy Livingston:  Would like to hold elections in June and would like to have them done by email once again.  Lupe will send out email to request candidates for vacant positions.

SAC Craft Fair Report - Claudia Arias:  The craft fair brought in $342.52.  Registration fee should increase to $25.00 for next year to cover additional costs such as Parking & Transportation flagging fees, facilities table and chair delivery and pick-up fees.  tents were discussed as an option; would be more costly, but it was hot in the summer months for the vendors:  SAC should invest in buying a camera to take pictures of the events it sponsors; invest in creating posters to advertise our events and fundraisers; Overall review by vendors was that it was a successful event and they were all very pleased and are looking forward to returning next year.

Meeting adjourned by 4:35 p.m.    

Respectfully Submitted by Lupe Jacobo