ACCE Mountaineer Spirit August 3, 2000 Article
Paul R. Martinelli

Higher Education classified staff representation during the 2000-01 transition year will use the same acronym (ACCE) but sport a new definition. Classified staff will be represented by the West Virginia Association of Concerned Classified Employees until July 1, 2001.

The ACCE held a first retreat July 9-11, 2000 at the Marshall University Graduate College. A total of 16 of the 18 colleges and universities were in attendance. Elected officer are: President - Amy Pitzer, Concord College Vice President - Jenny Fertig, West Virginia State College Recorder - Ellen Broudy, WV School of Osteopathic Medicine Areas of concern discussed and brainstorming included:

• Gain a better understanding of SB 653
• Learn more about the various campuses and their concerns.
• Consolidate new ideas, leadership abilities and perceptions.
• How can classified staff be more effective?
• Distribution of information to each campus and display unity.
• Bring positive goals and series of security to campus.
• Election of good dependable officers who have the support of their campus president and supervisors.
• Networking system with legislators

1. Salary Schedule recommendation for LOCEA's consideration during the 2001 Legislative Session.
2. Remove the salary increment years of service maximum of 20 years.
3. PEIA. Work to have the same benefits for all campuses and keep employees preimumns at a minimum.
4. Remove term liminations to ACCE officers.
5. Revise and improve personnel policies.
6. Secure support for representation by WVNET, HEPC Office and other public highe education institions.
7. Adopt statewide policies for all classified staff employees.
8. Collabrate with Advisory Council of Faculty and Students during transition year.

The ACCE will continue to have an Listserv updated weekly. You are encouraged to use the follow: WVACCE@WVNVM.WVNET..EDU.

Prior to July 1, 2000, the Governor announced the members of the three boards established by SB 653, that will oversee higher education. These are the Higher Education Policy Commission (first meeting scheduled 7/21, Higher Education Interim Governing Board (meeting 7/18) and the Joint Commission for Vocational-Technical-Occupational Education. The final appointments were made with 15 members for the WVU Board of Advisors. Each member of this board will serve one year.(conference call 7/26/00).

The first official meeting of the ACCE will take place August 9, 2000 on the campus of Marshall University Graduate College, S. Charleston. I welcome your comments for goals and salary schedule suggestions during this transition year.