Staff Senate's 10th Anniversary!

This month's activity to celebrate the Staff Senate's 10th anniversary is UK Appreciation Day.  This is the day UK takes time out to say thank you to staff, faculty and our families. 

Please click here for information on the event.  The UK Appreciation Day, formerly known as Staff Appreciation Day and Fun Day, is sponsored by the Office of the President, coordinated by the Staff Senate and brought to you by the Appreciation Day Commission. 

This year the University of Kentucky Staff Senate celebrates its 10th anniversary, a landmark event!  The Staff Senate is the official representative body of staff of the University and was launched in July of 2002.  As stated in Governing Regulation V, the mission of the Staff Senate is to “strive to create stronger bonds within the staff and encourage cooperation among staff, faculty, students, administration, and the Board of Trustees for the benefit of the University.   It shall provide an opportunity for all staff members at the University of Kentucky to have an interactive role in defining and maintaining a workplace that encourages input from all staff in creating a harmonious environment."

To boost awareness of the Senate’s existence and work, the organization is working hard this year on various public relations efforts.  The body is comprised of staff from various backgrounds from pharmacists to plumbers to 4-h agents to engineers that serve on eight diverse committees and is always seeking to increase membership.   The campus community is encouraged to browse the new website.  New features exist that allow one to like the Staff Senate on FaceBook and to follow the organization on Twitter.  Also new to the website is a search option, an events calendar and a contact/comment page.  Photos of staff senators will be added in the near future to assist readers in easily identifying representatives.

Staff Senator Michael Adams who is serving a second consecutive term as chair commented, “Although in the comparison to the life of a university 10 years does not seem much, the Staff Senate has come a long way in that relatively short time frame, due to the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice of those that have heeded the call to serve. I want to thank all of those who had the vision and foresight to start the Staff Senate.  I believe we, the Staff Senate, will continue to grow and be an integral part in securing the future of UK.” The Staff Senate is proud to have served in the following capacities over the years:      

  • Co-establishing the Staff Shared Leave Pool Program
  • Designing and co-establishing the Crisis Relief in Situations Involving Staff (CRISIS) Program
  • Coordinating UK Appreciation Day for staff, faculty and families
  • Establishing communication with senior administrators
  • Assisting UK Healthcare staff with being granted a floating holiday
  • Coordinating Breakfast with the President
  • Securing representation on University committees
  • Providing funding to assist with the first staff/faculty survey that resulted in changes to benefits
  • Co-sponsoring the Outstanding Staff Awards program with the President
  • Co-funding UK Remembers
  • Supporting student sponsorship of  the Governor’s Forum on campus

 

The Staff Senate has been supported by the Office of the President since inception, and a top priority is maintaining a healthy relationship with Administration through open dialogue and collaboration.  The Senate welcomes feedback any time and welcomes the entire University to take part in its celebration throughout the year.

STAFF SENATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SCHEDULE

NOV 2012 Staff forum featuring a panel of Senate officers and committee chairs.  W.T. Young Library auditorium, November 8, 1:00 p.m. Remote participation will be an option.

DEC 2012  God’s Pantry food drive.  Dates and locations to be announced.

JAN 2013  Staff survey and publication on history of the Staff Senate on UKNow.

FEB 2013  Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for an opportunity to win a UK t-shirt in time for March Madness.  Two winners will be randomly selected.

MAR 2013  Ice Cream Socials.  Campus and UK Healthcare.  Dates and locations to be announced.

APR 2013  Candidate debates for the Staff Representative to the Board of Trustees (Staff Trustee ) election.  Dates and locations to be announced.

MAY 2013  UK Appreciation Day for staff, faculty and families sponsored by the Office of the President.  Commonwealth Stadium, May 16, 1:00 p.m. 

JUN  2013  Meet and Greet for representatives of the college staff councils.  Date and location to be announced.

JUL 2013  Regular meeting of the first meeting of the new year.  W.T. Young Library auditorium, July 11, 1:00 p.m. Staff precincts will be invited to join the meeting in person and online when the Senate introduces its 2013-14 agenda.      

For more information on the 10th anniversary celebration, contact co-chairs Holly Clark and Misty Dotson at hclark@uky.edu and misty.dotson@uky.edu.