Staff Senate Committees
Staff Senators are required to serve on at least one standing committee and attend all committee meetings to which they are assigned, unless excused by the committee chair. Committee members shall be appointed at the first meeting of the term. Committee members will be appointed by the President or presiding Chair. Standing Committees will meet on opposite months of the full Senate unless otherwise noted. Standing committees include the Bylaws Committee, the Communications Committee, the Elections Committee, the Executive Committee, the External Affairs Committee, the Internal Affairs Committee, the Liaison Committee, the Recognition Committee, and the Workplace Culture Committee.
Bylaws Committee
Purpose
Review of and make recommendations for amendments of the bylaws and the Staff Senate policies and procedures.
Duties of the Bylaws Committee:
Serve as a resource for the Executive Committee and the Staff Senate regarding potential amendments to the bylaws
Review proposed amendments to ensure they are consistent with the current bylaws and bring proposed amendments to the Staff Senate at the next regular meeting for a vote of approval
Compile the approved amendments and present the amended bylaws to the Executive Committee at the last meeting of the year
Act as a parliamentary advisor during Staff Senate meetings
Committee Chairs
Dave Long
Jon-Michael McDaniel
Bylaws Committee Members
Communications Committee
Purpose
Create and maintain communications for the Staff Senate
Duties of the Communications Committee
Promote the Staff Senate's work and opportunities for staff engagement
Establish and increase awareness of the Staff Senate's role to advocate for and impact staff-related concerns and issues
Highlight applicable messaging from campus partners via Staff Senate's newsletter and website
Update the Staff Senate website
Support remote attendance of Staff Senate meetings by managing Zoom call and multimedia functionality (microphones, video, etc.)
Committee Chair
Lydia Coulson
Communications Committee Members
Elections Committee
Purpose
Oversee and help coordinate Staff Senate and officer elections along with the Executive Secretary
Duties of the Elections Committee
Solicit candidates for open seats in the Senate, prioritizing candidates are representative of staff job categories and diversity
Organize elections in accordance with Section X.3.3
Maintain records of election results and terms of office
Evaluate the composition of each electoral constituency to ensure proper representation and provide a report to the executive committee prior to each election
Propose the apportionment of Senate seats according to established guidelines every other year at the October meeting
Committee Chair
Joan Kunzman
Co-Chair
Scott Evans
Election Committee Members
Executive Committee
Purpose
The Executive Committee shall consist of six (6) members, including the President, the Vice President for Internal Affairs, the Vice President for External Affairs, Executive Advisor, the Secretary, and the Executive Secretary.
Duties of the Executive Committee
Meet at least once per week, or more frequently as needed.
Act on behalf of the staff between meetings of the Staff Senate and the Assembly.
Meet with the Chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at least once each semester, unless both parties agree to waive the meeting.
Advise and assist the Chancellor in carrying out the duties and administrative functions outlined in Section 2.8.2 of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents Bylaws.
Report to the Staff Senate on meetings with the Chancellor.
Receive guidance and direction from the Staff Senate regarding staff positions and concerns related to University operations.
Meet with the Chief of Staff at least monthly, unless both parties agree to waive the meeting.
Advise and assist the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff in carrying out the duties and functions described in Section 1.2.2.3 of the UNL Bylaws.
Serve as a liaison between staff leadership and University administration to support communication and governance.
Staff Senate President
Jerri Harner
Executive Committee Members
External Affairs Committee
Purpose
Monitor executive, judicial, and legislative activity and communicate relevant updates that may impact University staff.
Duties of the External Affairs Committee
Monitor local, state, and federal government activities impacting staff
Identify and report potential legislative issues affecting staff
Monitor and assess non-legislative governmental actions that may affect the campus community
Provide analysis to help with understanding implications
Committee Chairs
Casey Seger-Franklin
External Affairs Committee Members
Internal Affairs Committee
Purpose
Provide an avenue for the regular exchange of ideas on personnel policies, employee benefits, and other staff-related matters
Duties of the Internal Affairs Committee
Review current benefits and personnel policies
Make policy-related recommendations that affect staff
Propose new policies and/or benefits that would benefit staff
Report regularly to the Staff Senate body on recommendations
Committee Chairs
Jaime Mastera
Matthew Boring
Internal Affairs Committee Members
Liaison Committee
Purpose
Oversee the appointment of Senate members to liaise with other campus committees and bring issues or important information to the attention of the full Senate.
Duties of the Liaison Committee
Coordinate representation of Staff Senate members with organizations and commissions both within and outside of campus
Recommend who will serve as representatives on organizations and commissions
Find and recommend replacements for liaisons as seats become available
Compile committee reports to present during Senate meetings
Review and update annually a list of Senate and other campus-wide standing committees
Committee Chair
Corrie Svehla
Erin Hanas
Liaison Committee Members
Recognition Committee
Purpose
Recognize and reward staff for exemplary service to the University or community
Duties of the Recognition Committee
Determine what campus-wide awards are available and propose new staff awards
Call for nominations for the awards each spring
Review submissions in terms of requirements
Notify nominees and recipients
Notify appropriate University offices and work with Communications Committee to publicize outcomes
Plan and implement an annual Staff Celebration Day
Committee Chairs
Raul Ochoa
Lauren Kruger
Recognition Committee Members
Workplace Culture Committee
Purpose
Work toward creating a healthy, collaborative, and professional work environment for all staff.
Duties of the Workplace Culture Committee
Promote a healthy workplace culture
Foster staff engagement, development and connection
Monitor and report on workplace trends in higher education
Regularly report recommendations to improve workplace cultures
Committee Chairs
Zee Cronin
Annalisa Davenport
