Staff congress met for their monthly meeting April 18 to discuss several University events and employee concerns.
Allan Ward, athletic director, attended the meeting to address the committee and inform them of the plans for the next basketball season.
Ward said the racers 31-2 season has proved to now only be successful for the athletic department, but the University as well.
“You can’t buy that kind of publicity,” he said. “It has been one of those special magical years.”
Ward said Steve Prohm, head basketball coach, has agreed to sign on with Murray State for another year with an increased salary.
Isaiah Canaan, junior guard, will not be going to play for the NBA and has agreed to play for the Racers for another season, he said.
Some of the staff congress members expressed concern regarding the completion of the new practice facility being built next to the CFSB Center.
Ward said there is progress being made to the facility and it is expected to be finished sometime around next December.
Josh Jacobs, chief of staff, informed the committee on the upcoming special Board of Regents meeting.
Jacobs said the board is expected to make a decision regarding the budget for the 2012-2013 academic year.
Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, addressed the staff and said the summer orientations will begin soon.
Robertson said student affairs employees are expecting around 1,000 to attend the first summer orientation of the year.
He said the staff is encouraged to talk to potential students and help get them acquainted with the University.
“Your presence is very important,” Robertson said. “Make people feel welcome.”
Robertson introduce Jamie Mantooth, the new director of retention to the congress.
Mantooth officially became a member of the Murray State faculty on April 11.
He said is excited to work with other faculty members and make positive changes for the students.
“We want to get students here, but that is only half the work,” Mantooth said. “We want our students to be successful.”
Member of staff congress also discussed the possible to the revisions of the committee handbook and asked for suggestions to improve its content.