Then
The University Staff Council (USC), previously known as the Staff Advisory Council (SAC), was established in 2010 and consisted of 30 members distributed proportionally among classifications (wage, classified, and AP faculty), and also proportionally across cabinet-level divisions.
The original intent in forming the Staff Council was to give staff representation to the President, similar to the Student Government Association and the University Faculty Council. The major difference between the USC and these other groups is that the USC is not a policy-making body; the role of the USC is largely an advisory one but it does have substantial influence on University matters and policy.
In its first year of inception, the USC has given three versions of, what is now called, the Larry Atkins Award to wage, classified, and AP faculty.
Now
The USC, since its inception, has since reduced the number of members from 30 to 23, and the member classification/cabinet-level distribution system has been largely abandoned as elections were difficult to manage and administer, and the diversity of representation seemed to work itself out naturally in each election.
Although the USC is still not a policy-making body and remains largely as an advisory council, its sphere of influence has grown. The USC is now the go-to body when administration is looking for staff representation for committees and task forces or when certain groups on campus are looking for input and/or representation on projects or initiatives. One of the most influential powers the USC possesses is its ability to take issues directly to the UMW President through our advisory capacity. Over time, the reach of the USC has also expanded, including representatives to the UFC and University Budget Advisory Committee (both non-voting), and presents or provides reports to the Board of Visitors.
The USC’s staff recognition efforts have also expanded. In addition to the Larry Atkins Award, the USC manages the Excellent Eagle Employee program, has highlighted staff through interviews for its newsletter, and promotes existing ways for recognition including the WOW Card Program and #1 Fan, managed by Human Resources.
Communication efforts have also expanded over the years from monthly meetings open to all staff, to including a monthly newsletter, social media (Facebook and Twitter), and weekly chats open to all staff during COVID-19.
The USC hopes to continue to grow its influential and advisory reach and provide a safe environment for staff to relay their concerns.
Accomplishments
Below is a list of just a few of the USC’s accomplishments over the years:
- Representation on various Presidential committees, task forces, and focus groups. Most recent ones include:
- UMW Rebranding focus group
- Trinkle Renaming Committee
- Campus Environment Standing Committee
- Campus Environment focus group
- President’s Council on Wellness
- Reopening UMW/COVID Task Forces
- Presenting at the regular Board of Visitor Meetings
- Promoting and participating in various volunteering efforts or charity drives including:
- Clothing drives
- Canned food drives
- School supply drives
- Rappahannock United Way Day of Action
- Volunteering for Move-In Days and Orientation
- Sponsoring one of the largest staff-attended events on campus – the Annual Chili Cook-Off
Constitution and Bylaws
The current version of the University Staff Council Constitution and Bylaws are here. Note that a UMW login is required to access the document.