University Staff Senate

Policy Review Committee

Identify a structure for any Senate constituent to submit policy inquiries or concerns and identify possible opportunities for feedback loops and propose those to Senate leadership for consideration.

Awards & Recognition Committee

Strives to ensure that all staff members know about the Staff Senate through encouraging Senate Leadership to send a 6month follow up email to all new staff members welcoming them to Wichita State University, connecting them with Staff Senate, and inviting them to a meeting to learn more.

Communications & Website Committee 

Create a logo & branding options for all senators to use

Create some senator spotlights & highlight different departments

Investigate a sharepoint site & how it might be used as a platform to engage constituents

Awards & Recognition Committee

Work with HR to host a “Get to Know HR” workshop during STRIVE Conference that allows staff to be aware of the resources that HR offers for the direct employee.

Communications & Website Committee 

Add Shocker STRIVE to myTraining

Take photos/videos of STRIVE as a recap for the community

Professional Development & Service Committee

Finding more ways to educate staff on what Senate does to serve them.

Providing more workshops for staff, familiarize staff of resources available.

Awards & Recognition Committee

The Awards and Recognition Committee will be proposing two new awards for the Staff Senate Awards, for behind-the-scenes staff and to recognize that staff members are doing around applied learning.

Proposing a change to the Wayne Carlise Service Award now that its connected to the KBOR Staff Member of the Year award.

Taking lead on submitting responses to the Academe Newsletter to celebrate and recognize staff.

Communications & Website Committee 

Include wellness suggestions to the highlights email sent to all senators to share with constituents

Professional Development & Service Committee

Finding more ways to have more check-ins with staff, especially on their wellbeing.

Executive Team

Plan & implement Staff Senate training and onboarding

Elections Committee

Explore historical voter turnout, compare it to Faculty Senate and SGA elections, and identify strategies to maintain or increase voter participation.

Policy Review Committee

Submit an Expected Procedure for approval of Senate to define timeframes and expected structure of review[JM1]  for policies submitted to Senate for contributions and feedback, focusing on advancing three points: priority of shared governance, adequate time to receive comprehensive input, and clarifying expectations on feedback timeframes.

Increasing the awareness, engagement, and influence of the staff senate within the university community. By focusing on these areas, a university staff senate can enhance its visibility and presence on campus, ultimately leading to a more engaged and empowered staff community. 

The following components will assist the senate and committees to operationalize this goal and work towards progress.

• Awareness: Ensuring that all staff members are aware of the staff senate’s existence, its role, and how it can support them. This could involve regular communications, newsletters, and informational sessions.
• Engagement: Creating opportunities for staff to interact with the senate, such as town hall meetings, open forums, and social events. Encouraging staff participation in senate activities and decision-making processes.
• Representation: Making sure that the staff senate is seen as a representative body that advocates for the interests and concerns of all staff members. This includes being present at important university meetings and events.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that the staff senate is approachable and accessible to all staff members. This could involve having regular office hours, a dedicated website, and clear contact information.
• Collaboration: Building strong relationships with other university bodies, such as the student government, faculty senate, and administration, to work together on common goals and initiatives.
• Visibility: Actively promoting the staff senate’s activities and achievements through various channels, such as social media, university publications, and campus events.

Creating and supporting initiatives and strategies aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and professional growth of university staff members. By focusing on these areas, a university staff senate can create a robust framework for staff training and development, ultimately leading to a more skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce. 

The following components will assist the senate and committees to operationalize this goal and work towards progress.

• Current Programs: Identify and support current opportunities available to staff.
• Feedback and Assessment: Implementing mechanisms to assess effectiveness and identify areas of improvement.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Ensuring that training and development opportunities are accessible to all staff members, regardless of their role or department.
• Needs Assessment: Conducting assessment to understand the training needs and preferences of staff members.

Creating a supportive, healthy, and engaging work environment that encourages staff to remain with the university long-term. By focusing on these areas, a university staff senate can create a supportive environment that enhances staff retention and wellbeing, leading to a more engaged and committed workforce.

The following components will assist the senate and committees to operationalize this goal and work towards progress.

• Work-Life Balance: Promoting policies and practices that support a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, and adequate leave policies.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Offering and collaborating on programs that support physical, mental, and emotional health, including fitness classes, counseling services, and wellness workshops.
• Recognition and Rewards: Implementing systems to recognize and reward staff contributions and achievements, fostering a sense of appreciation and motivation.
• Career Development: Providing opportunities for professional growth and career advancement through training, mentorship, and clear career pathways.
• Inclusive Culture: Fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture where all staff feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or role.
• Feedback and Communication: Establishing open lines of communication where staff can voice their concerns, provide feedback, and feel heard by the administration.
• Supportive Leadership: Ensuring that leaders and managers are trained to support their teams effectively, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.

Creating and implementing initiatives and strategies aimed at equipping new senators and leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively fulfill their roles. By focusing on these areas, a university staff senate can ensure that new senators and leaders are well-prepared and supported, leading to more effective governance and advocacy.

The following components will assist the senate and committees to operationalize this goal and work towards progress.

• Comprehensive Orientation: Providing a thorough orientation program that covers the senate’s mission, structure, policies, and procedures.
• Role-Specific Training: Offering training tailored to the specific roles and responsibilities of senators and leaders, including leadership skills, governance, and advocacy.
• Mentorship: Pairing new senators and leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Resource Accessibility: Ensuring that all necessary resources, such as handbooks, guidelines, and contact information, are easily accessible.
• Continuous Learning: Promoting ongoing professional development opportunities to keep senators and leaders informed about best practices and emerging trends.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing systems for new senators and leaders to provide feedback on their onboarding experience and suggest improvements.
• Community Building: Fostering a sense of community and collaboration among senators and leaders through team-building activities and regular meetings.