As we close out our first year as a committee, ending with our fabulous Staff Recognition and Reward Event on May 24, 2023 we want to share our past year with you and remind you that we are here as representatives to all University staff.
A couple of things to start:
First, here are a few photo’s to remember the Staff Recognition and Rewards Event on May 24: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8uqqsunr3sjvkv7mbip0z/h?dl=0&rlkey=w4etkrtdjqs9pcjuhsthv3ga0
Also, we received good feedback regarding the event and will use this to guide us to make improvements for next year.
Who are we? We are a committee of 20, representing various departments across the WNE campus committed to improving the employment experience for the staff of WNE while contributing to the University’s Mission and Values. To see a list of all committee members, check out our website at Staff Council.
2022-2023 Accomplishments
Our inaugural/first year has been a year of building and starting new traditions. We formed 4 subcommittees to focus on different themes to ensure we simultaneously make progress on the things that matter. Here are some examples:
Nomination and Elections Committee
- Created procedures and implemented bi-laws for filling vacancies, elections of officers, and the appointment of a new slate of members
- Supported the Officers and other committees throughout the year
- Using the newly created procedures, we elected the new slate of Officers for the 2023-2024 school year
Communications Committee
- Created a webpage to help spread the word and keep everyone updated: Staff Council
- Created a form on the webpage for Staff to recognize other Staff members, anonymously make comments/suggestions, and express concerns
- Created UPosts to introduce Staff Council and promote information and events
- Created a Team page as a method of communication for Staff Council members
Staff Development Committee
- Built a partnership with HR
- Shared ideas to implement staff training and development
- Created a form for HR training coordinator to publish to Staff this summer to gain input and feedback on professional development needs
- Scheduled monthly meetings with HR to continue the partnership
Events and Recognition Committee
- Created a process for Staff Recognition—37 employees nominated by 96 peers!
- Implemented a new tradition for Staff Recognition, holding the event on May 24—5 winners
- Planned and held a breakfast for third shift employees, as their schedules don’t allow for them to participate in the afternoon event held on May 24
We also held a meet & greet to celebrate our First Year Anniversary! Sorry for those committee members missing.
We swore in new members. Congrats to our newest members! They are:
- Ben Kern – Director of Recreational Sports, Wellness, and Recreation
- Anna Robak – Supervisor, Housekeeping
- William LaFosse – Assistant Director of Gift Processing, Advancement
We have elected new officers:
- President – Rosa Stellato
- Vice President – Mike Mannheim
- Secretary – Andrea St. James
- Treasurer – Dale-Marie Dahlke
- Parliamentarian – Gregory Sienko
A big shout out to our previous officers for all their hard work and dedication to helping make this year a big success! We are also very thankful to have their continued support on the committee.
- President – Eddie Ortiz
- Vice President – Sarah Butterick
- Secretary – Michele Schaft
- Treasurer – Nancy Foley
- Parliamentarian – Ryan Guers
Please feel free to reach out to any of us on the committee to share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. You can also use the Comments and Suggestions section. We will continue to share information as we plan for this upcoming year.