Professional News

Staff Senate January Update

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2010) – Staff Senate Chair Bryan Back opened the Jan. 14 meeting by reporting that he and other leaders have been meeting with councils and departments across campus to inform them on the business of the senate. Back stated it is his hope that departments will let their staffs know the Staff Senate would like to collaborate with them on projects in order to provide better representation. The University Senate and Student Government representatives joined with the Staff Senate in agreeing that staff problems should be approached with a united front.

The Staff Senate and University Senate met to work on finalizing the reorganization of the Institutional Finance and Resource Allocation (IFRA) Committee. Representatives from both bodies will have major roles in governing the committee. In January's meeting, the Staff Senate approved changes to its by-laws that would allow for a new IFRA committee. By-law changes will go into effect July 1, 2010, but the solution is to form an ad hoc committee that would meet until then.  

An annual memorial service to remember faculty, staff and students has been approved, and Robynn Pease, director of Work-Life and staff representative to the Board of Trustees, agreed to coordinate the memorial with the assistance of a planning committee. The committee’s membership includes Melanie Elam, Catherine Masoud, Brenda Huffer, Sheila Brothers, and Lynn Hiler, representing staff;  Anne Hays, representing students; and Donna Farrar, university chaplain. Once the planning committee meets and approves the budget, expected to be minimal, a formal proposal will be sent to the Office of the President for approval. 

Members of the senate are also working to implement the CRISIS program that would assist staff who are experiencing serious financial hardships. Updates will be given on the group’s progress.

The senate agreed to an expression of gratitude for employees who work to keep the university running and the pathways free of snow and ice. 

Upcoming staff events are the election of the staff representative to the UK Board of Trustees and Staff Appreciation Day. Please check UKNow or the Staff Senate Web site for more information.