Staff Senate Elections: Nomination Period Open
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 1, 2021) — Are you a University of Kentucky staff employee interested in influencing the policies that directly impact you and your staff colleagues? If so, please consider joining the University of Kentucky Staff Senate.
As a staff senator you will be a part of enacting changes to the university’s policies. Past Staff Senate activity has resulted in the shared leave pool, additional days off for holidays and work-life policies that have positively influenced staff throughout the university.
The nomination period opens April 1 and closes April 20. All prospective candidates must self-nominate by completing the online nomination form, and receive support from their supervisor. Voting will take place May 10-21 on myUK and the announcement of election results will be made May 26.
The mission of the Staff Senate is to represent the interests of staff in order to strengthen relationships at the University of Kentucky and foster a climate that promotes and empowers all university employees and students to participate in the decision-making process.
“We are the voice for affecting policy at UK,” said Jon Gent, chair of Staff Senate. “We've helped select provosts, vice presidents, and yes, even the president. We also serve on university-wide committees that shape the future of this campus.”
Staff Senate comprises staff from all UK colleges and units, who gather monthly to hear from UK’s leadership and discuss issues relevant to the university.
“Staff Senate is a powerful way to connect with the campus community and become a better employee and leader,” Gent said.
According to UK President Eli Capilouto, having more people involved with Staff Senate will result in a better understanding of the issues facing campus. “Please consider becoming a staff senator," he said. "We need your help if we are going to live up to our aspirations as the university for Kentucky.”
Still have questions about becoming a staff senator? Join Staff Senate from noon–1 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, for a meet and greet! Staff Senate Elections Committee and Staff Senate Chair Jon Gent will be present to answer any questions and offer encouragement. To RSVP, click here.
For more information, please visit the Staff Senate website or contact coordinator Caitlin DiBiasie.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.