The purpose of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Staff Senate is to be an advisory body on issues, institutional policies, and practices that impact staff. Our focus is to promote common interests among staff, to advocate for staff welfare and development, and to participate in the formulation of institutional policy and governance.
We are confident we can improve the university’s workplace culture and engagement experience for all staff employed at UNL if everyone—including you—actively participates in this process. Together, we can make the university a first-rate employer of choice. Together, we can ensure that every person and every interaction matters.
The current Staff Senate session began in July 2024. Our new and returning senators and affiliate members have been working hard to make UNL an exceptional place to work, learn, and grow. Halfway through the current session, we’re proud to show you our progress and provide clear examples of how we have been advocating, supporting, and serving UNL staff over the past six months.
Accomplishment 1:
Created the Staff Senate Task Force on Workplace Culture and Engagement. This is our top priority over the next two years.
Accomplishment 2:
Collaborated with campus leaders and the Faculty Senate to propose a modern and equitable family medical leave policy for staff.
Accomplishment 3:
Launched an initiative to advocate for competitive staff salaries and benefits across all job classifications.
Accomplishment 4:
Worked with campus leaders and faculty experts to draft a proposed workplace harassment and bullying prevention policy.
Accomplishment 5:
Met with the key staff and administrative leaders to increase resources and support for staff mental health and well-being.
Accomplishment 6:
Advocated for the establishment of a standardized and transparent staff promotional equity process.
Accomplishment 7:
Coordinated accessible professional development opportunities for staff
Accomplishment 8:
Partnered with UNL HR leaders, experts, and professionals to reimagine the staff talent management experience
Accomplishment 9:
Advocated for an additional staff seat on the Parking Advisory Committee.
Accomplishment 10:
Passed an inclusive, common-sense bylaw amendment to enshrine voting rights for UNL-affiliated staff working at the University of Nebraska System
Accomplishment 11:
Launched an initiative to increase staff representation in campus leadership opportunities, especially staff classified as office/service.
Accomplishment 12:
Established the Staff Senate Presidential Citation Award for Excellence, a new recognition for offices and departments for going above and beyond to advance the university.
Accomplishment 13:
Planned meetings between the Staff Senate and numerous Staff Councils within the academic colleges to collaborate more efficiently, facilitated by Senator Celeste Spier.
Accomplishment 14:
The launch of a blueprint for staff senators to engage more easily and intentionally with campus constituents and leadership, championed by CoChairs Derek McConnell and Alisa Smith and members of the Communications Committee.
Accomplishment 15:
Updated the Staff Senate website and provided periodic updates to better communicate and gather input from our over 4,000 staff members.
Accomplishment 16:
Discussed ways to make campus safer for pedestrians and students riding electronic scooters.