The purpose of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Staff Senate is to be an advisory body on issues, institutional policies, and practices that relate to the staff, to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, to promote common interests among the staff, to advocate for staff welfare and development, to suggest revisions and initiatives to improve staff policies, and to participate in the formulation of institutional policy and governance.
Senators, who are elected by their peers, represent one of eight districts defined by the university’s overall organization. Those districts are Business and Finance; Chancellor; Academic Colleges; Student Affairs; EVC’s Additional Employees; Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Research; and University of Nebraska System. While senators are elected by district, each represents the full body of staff at UNL. As such, they have the responsibility of listening to the concerns of fellow staff members and forwarding those concerns to the Senate.
Staff and administrators who are not members of the Staff Senate can request matters be placed on the Staff Senate’s agenda and participate in the resulting discussion. Requests should be sent the President of the Staff Senate at
Upcoming Meetings
September 10, 2026, 2:30-4:00 in the City Union, Swanson Auditorium (Zoom link)
November 12, 2026, 2:30-4:00 in the East Campus Union, Great Plains A (Zoom link)
Senator Spotlights
Wheeler makes dining hall home for Huskers
Claudia Wheeler sees every day how her workplace becomes a home away from home for University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, faculty and staff. As a clerical associate with Massengale Dining Service, she helps make the East Union Dining Center a safe space where people build community. Read the full story here.
Seger-Franklin helps preserve Great Plains stories
Casey Seger-Franklin’s career has taken him from one end of the Great Plains to the other — and his current work places him at the heart of preserving pieces of the region’s history.
Seger-Franklin, collections manager at the Great Plains Art Museum and Center for Great Plains Studies, brings a background in history to protect, record and share cultural history of the region. His connection to the Great Plains and its stories encompasses the land and all its people, prominent or otherwise. Read the full story here.
Peterson still energized by campus connections, work with students
For two decades, Andrea Peterson has been one of the steady, welcoming presences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Across roles and offices, one constant has remained: her commitment to making sure students, faculty and staff feel supported. Read the full story here.
Raul Ochoa doesn’t limit himself. He loves to learn.
“Jack of all trades, master of none, but better than master of one — that’s my philosophy,” Ochoa said. “I like to do a lot of things. The one thing I wish I was better at is cooking. I’m not horrible at it, but I’m striving to get better.”
That drive to keep learning carries into his professional life. As a security engineer for the University of Nebraska’s Information Technology Services, Ochoa is constantly building new skills.
“I’m jumping for joy every time I come to work, because I’m learning something new,” he said. “I’m learning a new skill or a new way to explain a product to somebody else. Personally, it’s elevating me as an engineer, and professionally, it’s making me a better professional than I was even six months ago.” Read the full story here.