Staff Council is an elected group of 20 employees who represent the support staff of USI. Its purpose is to support the University and assist in making the managerial process more effective by:
- Encouraging the enhancement of the work environment and work life of employees.
- Fostering staff involvement in University matters.
- Upholding and strengthening the mission of the University of Southern Indiana.
Overview and History
The USI administration approved the formation of a staff council in the fall of 1989. An Ad Hoc committee was formed to develop a mission statement and set of bylaws. The first official meeting was held in July 1990.
The Council has an executive committee consisting of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Immediate Past Chair. The Council has the following standing committees:
- Economic Benefits and Communications - The mandate for this committee, as stated in the bylaws is that it "shall, in consultation with the administrative staff, review and study matters with economic impact and make recommendations to the council."
This committee also researches and documents information presented by the Staff Council chair during the university budget meetings held each spring.
Employee Relations - The mandate for this committee, as stated in the bylaws is it "shall address the appropriate matters and other concerns of the Staff Council."Our initiatives include:
- Archie's Food Closet Drive.
- Fall Decorating Contest.
- The Giving Tree.
- Student Worker Appreciation Week.
- Support Staff Recognition Award.
Members also participate or consult on the following University Committees:
- President's Council
- Equal Employment Opportunity Appeal & Hearing Board
- Search Committees for administrative positions, including the Office of the President for the University of Southern Indiana
- Wellness Fair Committee
- Development Committee
- Safety Committee
- Traffic Appeals Committee
Staff Council provided significant input and/or support for the development of the following:
- Conflict Resolution Policy
- Procedures for filling vacant positions
- Evaluation process, including development of employee self-evaluation form
- Fall and Spring University meetings for support staff
- Inclusion of merit pay in annual salary increases
- Revision of classification structure for support staff
Staff Council also sponsored/coordinated the following:
- Initiated the Support Staff Recognition Award.
- Initiated Student Worker Appreciation Week.
- Archie's Closet Donation Drive (Aug/Sep)
- Pumpkin Decorating Contest (Oct)
- Inclement Weather Information Process and Card.
- Sponsor the annual USI Giving Tree project (Nov/Dec)
- Sponsor weekly bible study during the academic year.
Staff Council is involved in making:
- Presentations to the Board of Trustees as requested.
- Presentation to the President at the annual budget hearing.
Other areas of involvement:
- Sponsor and/or assist at blood drive.
- Assist at Employee Wellness Fair.