{"id":449,"date":"2020-12-21T20:12:43","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T20:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/?page_id=449"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:44:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:44:04","slug":"initiatives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/initiatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”238.4px” custom_padding=”26px||0px|||”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Elected Positions” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ border_color_all=”#592C88″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”||||false|false” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Current and Past Initiatives” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Current and Past Initiatives
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#c1a875″ divider_weight=”4px” disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”40px” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||10px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||515px|false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#8585bd” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.9em” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”16px” header_4_line_height=”1.9em” animation_style=”zoom” animation_intensity_zoom=”6%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Throughout the year, Staff Senate focuses on different campus-wide initiatives.<\/h4>\n

The initiatives are determined by keeping a pulse on the trending topics within our campus, system, and nationally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Initiatives 2025-2026″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Initiatives 2025 – 2026
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#c1a875″ divider_weight=”4px” disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”40px” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||10px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||515px|false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Communication is Key!” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px||18px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Communication is Key!” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

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Staff Senate is committed to fostering clear, consistent, and accessible communication across campus. As part of this year\u2019s initiatives, we aim to enhance the visibility of Staff Senate activities by regularly sharing updates, resources, and opportunities for engagement. By maintaining thorough documentation of committee work, events, and monthly proceedings, we strive to create a transparent and informative environment where staff members feel connected and informed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to improving internal communication, Staff Senate seeks to serve as a central hub for staff-related resources through our website. By streamlining access to information and promoting cross-campus partnerships, we hope to empower staff with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive\u2014reinforcing our role as a trusted and responsive advocate for the WCU staff community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Promotion of Transparency and Understanding Context” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px||18px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ admin_label=”Promotion of Transparency and Understanding Context”]<\/p>\n

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In the spirit of transparency and shared understanding, Staff Senate is dedicated to deepening staff awareness of the structure and nuances of higher education\u2014particularly within the UNC System. Our senate has the unique opportunity to engage directly with members of the Executive Council during our monthly full-body meetings. These conversations provide valuable, first-hand insights into policy developments, institutional updates, and strategic priorities from both WCU and the broader UNC System.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By fostering access to this level of dialogue, we aim to immerse staff in the inner workings of our university and its governing system. Gaining clarity on the rationale behind policies and decisions cultivates a culture of informed engagement, mutual respect, and commitment to our shared mission. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to elevate the voice of staff across campus\u2014ensuring they are not only heard but empowered to contribute meaningfully to the university\u2019s continued growth and success<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Staff Engagement” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px||18px|false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” admin_label=”Staff Engagement” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

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Staff Senate is committed to empowering staff members to discover their purpose\u2014their \u201cwhy\u201d\u2014by promoting different pathways for meaningful engagement. Through these efforts, we aim to inspire individuals to explore the many ways they can find fulfillment and joy within our campus community.<\/span> Recognizing that each staff member brings unique interests and perspectives, Staff Senate <\/span>seeks<\/span> to foster connections that help individuals find their own sense of belonging. By encouraging exploration and community-building, we hope to enhance staff morale and contribute to greater retention across our organization.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider color=”#c1a875″ divider_weight=”4px” disabled_on=”on|on|off” admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”40px” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||10px|0px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||515px|false|false” animation_style=”zoom” animation_direction=”left” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

Initiatives 2024 – 2025
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Evaluate Internal Staff Senate Committees and Areas of Focus” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Staff Senate plans to take a close look at each of our internal committees this year to ensure we are splitting up the work load more equitably among committees and making the best use of everyone’s time. It has been a while since we looked at the role of each committee and the campus has changed quite a bit. We will look at the role of each committee to ensure we are still providing the highest level of service in a way that lines up with the mission of WCU.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Identify Innovative Ways to Approach Scholarship Fundraising Efforts” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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While Staff Senate has done an excellent job raising funds in the past, we believe it is time to find new innovative ways to raise funds. We will be keeping some of our fundraising efforts, such as the beloved ornament sale, but will be looking for new and fresh ways to raise funds as well. Some ideas that have been passed around recently are a pickleball tournament and a cooking competition.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Help Our Camps Community Find Their Purpose in Ensuring the Highest Level of Service to Our Students” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Everyone has a reason for doing what they do. Staff Senate will work with staff across campus to help them either discover or remember their purpose. Why Western? Why the particular office they work in? Why higher education? Staff Senators will be sharing their story throughout this fiscal year that tells their why and encourage other staff across campus to do the same. Everyone has a story and we want to hear it! We hope by encouraging others to tell their story, the passion for serving the amazing students at Western Carolina University and this great institution will spread across campus.\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

Initiatives 2023 – 2024
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Help make WCU the preferred place to work for individuals looking for a staff position” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Knowing that much of recruitment and retention of quality employees is related to the culture and personality exhibited by the employer and location of employment, Staff Senate seeks to further present WCU as an exemplary place to work. Through our interactions across the state, WCU Staff Senators have established the healthy perspective that WCU is, if not the greatest, one of the best institutions in the UNC system when it comes to the quality of work life for our employees. Understanding our own limitations and weaknesses is important in improving upon the qualities which make our institution so wonderful to work at, but we also recognize we can improve on how we speak about our own experiences and expectations when communicating with our peers across the system. Further, we can reflect on where we, both as an institution as well as a guiding body can improve and work to enhance these areas.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Review and revamp our fundraising practices and goals to better serve WCU staff and their dependents” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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During the 2022-2023 fiscal year the WCU Staff Senate was able to raise >$9000 to put toward our scholarship which can be utilized by the dependents of WCU Staff members to ease the cost of an education at our great institution. While $9000 is not a small sum, we recognize we have done better in the past, and hope to do better in the future. Unexpected side effects of COVID and our outstanding fundraising events from 2021-2022 resulted in Staff Senate running into unexpected obstacles, limiting our ability to raise funds to the level we had in the past. For the 2023-2024 fiscal year we hope to review, and strengthen our practices, and partnerships to improve on the funds raised during the past year. This includes coming up with new ideas to pursue new fundraising avenues, as well as strengthening and leaning into our established programs with the purpose of having a greater pool of funds to draw from to offer the dependents of our staff the assistance they need to pursue their dreams.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Evaluate how our senators are elected while assessing the trends relative to who is nominated and who chooses to run for a delegate position” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Continuing the initiative started during the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Staff Senate will evaluate our current elections process and review proposals on how to improve our senate makeup to best represent our staff. The continued alterations in staff position classifications along with current trends across the industry are creating a need to modify how a diverse and representative pool of senators can be elected to best speak for and represent the staff they serve. With the participation of multiple past Staff Senate Chairs, we hope to review a proposal for new election practices prior to the 2024-2025 Staff Senate election cycle.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

Initiatives 2022 – 2023
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Connecting to Staff Across Campus” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Rooting in our role in shared governance” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Re-visiting the make-up of Staff Senate” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

Initiatives 2020 – 2021
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Celebrate and Increase Local and Regional Impact” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Staff Senate has worked extremely hard to enact and organize community service initiatives.\u00a0 Through partnerships with the Center\u00a0<\/span>for Community Engagement and Service Learning<\/span>\u00a0(CCESL)<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>the Division of Advancement<\/span>, and other campus partners,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>along with Senate\u2019s creation of a dedicated\u00a0<\/span>community<\/span>\u00a0service\u00a0<\/span>liaison<\/span>, we have seen the tracking and overall adoption of\u00a0<\/span>s<\/span>ervice as a means of\u00a0<\/span>engagement<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>increase.\u00a0 We believe that we can grow these efforts and support a more robust and comprehensive approach to\u00a0<\/span>community engagement.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>We also believe\u00a0<\/span>Staff Senate is uniquely positioned to work campus-wide to track\u00a0<\/span>and celebrate\u00a0<\/span>the impact of<\/span>\u00a0the<\/span>\u00a0WCU community engage<\/span>ment\u00a0<\/span>within our region.<\/span>\u00a0 To this end, our initiatives for the upcoming year include:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Expand the\u00a0<\/span>S<\/span>taff\u00a0<\/span>S<\/span>enate community service initiative to include concerted efforts with Faculty Senate and SGA.\u00a0 In collaboration<\/span>\u00a0with CCESL<\/span>\u00a0and WCU Human Resources<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 develop system to<\/span>\u00a0track and report on\u00a0<\/span>comprehensive\u00a0<\/span>WCU<\/span>\u00a0impact related to community service.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Additional internal stakeholders could also include WCU economic development leaders.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Identify <\/span>new\u00a0<\/span>and expand\u00a0<\/span>existing\u00a0<\/span>partnerships within the Jackson Co \/ WNC community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Operational Excellence” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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    We will build<\/span>\u00a0on\u00a0<\/span>the Senate<\/span>\u2019s work<\/span>\u00a0to enhance\u00a0<\/span>staff excellence and\u00a0<\/span>collaboration across campus<\/span>. This includes partnerships with HR<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0especially related to\u00a0<\/span>new employee o<\/span>rientation and on<\/span>\u2013<\/span>boarding. Staff Senate believes we can serve a<\/span>\u00a0role in the orientation process to communicate the\u00a0<\/span>role of the Senate and the\u00a0<\/span>shared values of diversity and inclusive excellence at WCU.<\/span>\u00a0 To this end, our initiatives for the upcoming year include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • The SHARED EXPERIENCE for\u00a0<\/span>WCU\u00a0<\/span>staff<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 engagement with new employee orientation<\/span>\u00a0and focus on WCU Diversity Plan<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • C<\/span>ontinue Senate work on training and onboarding consistency for all employees<\/span>\u00a0with a plan for deployment<\/span>\u00a0an<\/span>d promotion<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Support efforts of the University to work with supervisors and employees on remote work arrangements, flexibility, <\/span>defined<\/span>\u00a0outcomes, schedules, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Employee Wellness” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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      The Senate\u2019s purpose, per its bylaws, is \u201c\u2026to facilitate communication\u2026<\/span>concerning<\/span>\u00a0general employee interest and\u00a0<\/span>concerns<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u2026<\/span>and to encourage the \u201cdevelopment of constructive suggestions for more efficient operations\u201d<\/span>.\u00a0 The Senate is uniquely positioned to serve as an advocacy body on items related to employee mental health and wellness.\u00a0 This year, we seek<\/span>\u00a0to support research and data collection in order to better inform stakeholders about the mental health<\/span>\u00a0and wellness concerns<\/span>\u00a0of staff members<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0 To this end, our initiatives for the upcoming year include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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      • I<\/span>dentify o<\/span>pportunities for\u00a0<\/span>partnership<\/span>\u00a0with Faculty<\/span>\u00a0and Students\u00a0<\/span>(<\/span>ie<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>P<\/span>rogramming<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>data collection<\/span>, campus wide norming efforts)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Assist in providing educational tools to supervisors and staff members to aid in conversations about mental health and wellness.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Ongoing Senate Focus” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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          \n
        • Employee Reward & Recognition<\/span>\u00a0\u2013 individualized celebration for going above and beyond<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Full utilization of the professional development allocation\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Staff Senate Scholarship fundraising and award process<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Further refine and document internal Staff Senate procedures and continuity of operations planning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>ie<\/span>. Teams, bylaws review and election procedures.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”261.2px” custom_margin=”12px||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”24px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

          Initiatives 2019 – 2020
          <\/span><\/h2>\n

          [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Employee Reward and Recognition” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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          In response to the feedback from the UNC Employee<\/span>Engagement Survey, the Staff Senate will focus on employee reward and recognition, an area\u00a0<\/span>that the campus has identified as a growth opportunity. The Senate has secured a recurring\u00a0<\/span>allocation to address improvement strategies in this area. The Senate has drafted a proposal\u00a0<\/span>about how to allocate those funds to address the topic. A draft of ideas, including this and\u00a0<\/span>others, follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Use new allocation to improve years-of-service recognition, and increase staff awards<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Staff Senate will need to be involved in the development of the event and plaques recognizing years-of-service honorees.Development of this plan, through a partnership with HR, Creative Services, and Special Events, will be especially time consuming the first year.<\/li>\n
          • Employee recognition in the newsletter<\/li>\n
          • Informal employee recognition, generated by programming from the Senate<\/li>\n
          • Sharing best practices for employee recognition across the divisions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Professional Development” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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            The Staff Senate has identified a need to provide a pool of\u00a0<\/span>centralized funds that is used to support staff training and development campus-wide. The need\u00a0<\/span>for this funding has been supported through an exploratory survey. One-time funding has been\u00a0<\/span>requested.\u00a0<\/span>If secured the Senate will need to develop and execute a strategic approach to:<\/span><\/p>\n

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                \n
              • Marketing the program to all areas of staff at the university<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Reviewing applications and awarding money in a timely and equitable manner<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Exhausting available funds<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Spreading the funds across the institution<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Making sure that employees and departments benefit appropriately from this investment<\/li>\n
              • The first year will be especially critical and time-consuming, as this will lay the groundwork for\u00a0<\/span>future funding requests and program management strategies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Orientation and On-boarding” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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                The way the university on-boards new staff is crucial to their\u00a0<\/span>successful integration into the institution and their ability to be effective and efficient in their\u00a0<\/span>new roles. While orientation for staff has improved in recent years, this continues to be an area\u00a0<\/span>that could benefit from enhancements, and one that staff routinely mention as a suggestion for\u00a0<\/span>improvement. Examples of activities related to this are:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

                  \n
                • Re-orientation programs for existing employees<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Advocating for the development of improved resources for new employees (manuals,\u00a0<\/span>training, documentation)<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Socials and other special invitations for new employees<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Reworking the Senate\u2019s \u201cWelcome to Western\u201d communication<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Improving the campus perception of orientation at WCU<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”12px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” border_color_all=”#592C88″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#7272ff” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||20px|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” header_font_size__hover=”30px” header_font_size__hover_enabled=”30px” header_letter_spacing__hover=”0px” header_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”0px” header_text_shadow_style__hover=”none” header_text_shadow_style__hover_enabled=”none” header_text_shadow_color__hover=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)” header_text_shadow_color__hover_enabled=”rgba(0,0,0,0.4)”]<\/p>\n

                  Initiatives 2018 – 2019
                  <\/span><\/h2>\n

                  [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Fundraising\/Endowment” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                  Achieve sustainable funding for annual Staff Senate Scholarships by growing the endowment to $100,000.<\/p>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Professional Development” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                  Identify professional development needs for staff related to current roles and responsibilities, or anticipated changes. Advocate for creation of a campus wide professional development fund.<\/p>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Diversity\/Inclusion” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                  Strengthen and foster an inclusive environment for staff on campus by engaging in the WCU Campus Community.<\/p>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Wellness Initiatives” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                  Advocate and model the way to build a healthy, positive and thriving WCU Campus Environment. Empower staff by providing educational opportunities to take ownership for their own wellness.<\/p>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=” Community Service Initiatives” open_toggle_text_color=”#592C88″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#592C88″ title_font=”|700|||||||” custom_margin=”|18px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                  Organize and manage community service opportunities for WCU employees as a way to support the local community, cultivate partnerships, and create meaningful engagement.<\/p>\n

                  [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Current and Past InitiativesThroughout the year, Staff Senate focuses on different campus-wide initiatives. The initiatives are determined by keeping a pulse on the trending topics within our campus, system, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3094,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-449","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/449","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3094"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=449"}],"version-history":[{"count":40,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/449\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13108,"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/449\/revisions\/13108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/staffsenate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=449"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}