Chair Dukes thanked Dr. McCutchen for his presentation.
Next, Ms. Ja'Meeca Alexander, Staff Senate President, presented the Staff Senate Update.
Ms. Alexander began by noting that the Staff Senate is in the process of re-electing a Staff Regent and increasing their presence on campus, and thanked the current administration and Dr. Dailey for partnering with the Staff Senate and attempting to resolve issues.
Ms. Alexander further reported that staff members continue to voice concerns regarding a lack of accountability and mental health days; feeling overworked, underpaid and un-appreciated; high staff turnover resulting in understaffing; not having enough events for staff to get to know each other; students being unsure as to who to communicate with due to high staff turnover; hesitancy by staff to speak up due to fear or being fired or retaliated against; a disregard for the hard work that staff performs; staff feeling unable to provide for their families; certain individuals using their job titles to control staff members; and an overall loss of family atmosphere at KSU. Ms. Alexander observed that these continuing staff-related issues must be resolved.
Regent Dukes inquired as to the Staff Senate protocol and process for staff being able to present concerns and issues to Ms. Alexander.
Regent Walston asked Ms. Alexander whether she investigates concerns and issues that are presented to her to ensure that they are valid.
Regent Fields asked whether there is a process in place by which staff members are able to name the individual(s) who is/are creating a fear of retaliation in order to discourage staff members from speaking up about issues and concerns.
Regent Adams queried how frequently Ms. Alexander and Dr. Burnette meet regarding staff issues and concerns. Ms. Alexander replied that they have not been able to meet as of yet. Regent Adams proposed that they should be meeting at least once a month or on some other regular basis.
Next, Regent Savion Briggs, Student Body President, presented the Student Government Update. Regent Briggs reported that SGA elections were conducted and he had been re-elected for the 2023–2024 school year, and further expanded upon the student town hall meeting that was held several weeks prior.
Next, Regent Briggs shared student concerns, including campus conditions, especially in the dorms, as well as the fact that the student center game room has been closed for over a year now, and an overall lack of student events. Regent Briggs reported that these issues are changing the dynamic of students' experiences on campus, as well as having a detrimental effect on potential students touring the campus. Moreover, some students feel that personal vendettas are incurred from administration if they speak out about issues. Regent Briggs also thanked Dr. Dailey for the manner in which he is communicating with and assisting students.
Regent Adams queried how student issues are brought to Regent Briggs and escalated.
Regent Adams further inquired whether Regent Briggs has able to meet with Dr. Golman to ensure that student issues and needs are addressed. Regent Briggs replied that he met with Dr. Golman