Georgia College's Staff Council History
The original group, COPE, formed in 1985. This group consisted of classified office personnel only. The budget was set at $2000 annually to financially support continuing ed opportunities. Awards were distributed during quarterly luncheons known as "Lunch and Learn" to recognize those who provided outstanding contributions to Georgia College.
In 1994, COPE attended a Staff Council Conference in Kennesaw sponsored by The University of Georgia. From that meeting the COPE members realized that the current mission did not include all staff members at Georgia College, so the idea of creating a Staff Council was born.
In April, 1996 President Speir submitted a letter to all faculty and staff announcing that a Strategic Planning Committee would be developed to research the possibility of creating a staff council for Georgia College.
In July 1996 Georgia College & State University Staff Council was formed. By-laws were written and approved and officers were elected on a 1 or 2 year rotational basis. The annual budget was increased to $5000. This was the only university to have a set budget for Staff Council. Others developed fund raisers to secure finances for their expenses. Our first Annual Staff Council Conference was held on December 4, 1996 where we presented The Employee of The Quarter Award. The employee was nominated by his or her supervisor and peers. Future awards will be given out quarterly at staff council meetings.
In May 30, 1997 the first Annual Employee Appreciation Picnic sponsored by Staff Council was held with approximately 350 in attendance. The first web page that contained bylaws and information on staff council was also created in 1997.
In 1998 Staff Council received an addition $2500 for the Foundation Account in addition to the $5000 in the budget.
