Below is important information about UMW’s new Staff Advisory Council that seeks to strengthen employee awareness of mission-critical issues and foster positive morale by increasing communication throughout all levels of the institution.
Why a Staff Advisory Council?
- Communication and synergy between staff, teaching faculty, and
the University administration is critical in creating the best public liberal arts university in the nation. - Within the UMW Strategic Pla n are the seeds for the creation of a Council to share (communicate) the ideas, needs, and concerns of classified, wage, and administrative staff.
- Recognizing the pivotal role that staff plays in the success of the University of Mary Washington, a task force was convened with the express intention of creating an elected representa tive body, where none had previously existed—the creation of a Staff Adviso ry Council (SAC).
What is the Staff Advisory Council?
- An elected body of classified, wage, and administrative staff whose purpose is to promote collaboration a nd ensure open communication channels throughout all levels of the University.
- An avenue for emplo yee input and feedback, a means of participating in the design, development, and implementation of University programs, projects, and services.
- A means of strengthening employee awareness of critical issues and providing a valuable perspective for the University community and administration on matters of significant concer n to wage, classified, and administrative staff.
Who makes up the Council?
- Thirty elected representatives and one ex-officio member:
- fourteen representatives from Cabinet-level division
- sixteen representatives of staff classifications (wage, classified, and administrative faculty)
- one ex-officio member is appointed by the University President to serve as a liaison to the University Administration
The number from each division and each staff classification are proportional to the numbers of staff being represented.
- Standing and ad hoc committees will be formed, including:
- Activities Committee—plan, coordinate, manage special events to promote staff morale and University spirit
- Communications Committee—create and maintain the Staff Advisory Council website and other communication channels
- Election Committee—manage the election and orientation of members
HOW does the Council work for me?
- Council members listen to and communicate the views of their constituency—your division and your job classification.
- Members bring ideas and matters of importance and concern to the attention of the Council.
- The council advises the President and senior leadership on matters that are important to staff.
- All meetings are open to members of the UMW Community.
WHAT CAN I DO?
- Nominate representatives from your division and job classification.
- Vote in the election!
- Consider serving if nominated.
- Seek a council seat in the Council’s inaugural year and ensure a great start!
Let your representative (and thus the Council) know about your ideas, concerns, and thoughts.
Coming soon….
- October 12: Employee Recognition Luncheon, introduction of SAC
- Presentations in division and departmental meetings–ongoing
- October 13-20: Nominations of representatives
- October 14: Drop by our SAC information table and find out more!
- Seacobeck 11:30-1:30
- Stafford Campus 3:00-3:30
- Facilities Services TBD
- October 28—look for a SAC taskforce visit with goodies and information
- October 25 – 29: Questions to Nominees
- Week of November 1st: Meet the Candidates
- November 8 – 12: Election
- Eagle Eye will provide more detail and information as it develops…STAY TUNED
For more information, visit sac.umwblogs.org.
