SAC to be more accessible to staff

CWRU's Staff Advisory Council is looking to improve its accessibility to University employees.

Ideas under discussion include a "mobile lunch" program, in which staff could bring their concerns to SAC members during open forums conducted at different locations around campus, and more frequent and consistent e-mail communications to employee constituents regarding council activities.

"We want staff to know that SAC is here to provide them with a voice in University matters. We have a group of dedicated people working on behalf of staff who are doing a lot of great things," said Kathryn Howard, vice chair of SAC and chair of the group's visibility committee, during the council's February meeting.

The council also is looking into ways to honor each staff member on the anniversary date of his or her hire, be it with a congratulatory letter, monthly party or random prize drawing, according to Howard.

"We want to generate more enthusiasm among and participation from staff members," Howard said. "Staff recognition is just one component. We also have working committees for community service, fringe benefits, staff policy and staff training and development, among others."

In addition to increasing its visibility among veteran staff members, SAC is making plans to improve its connections with new employees. Ideas being considered include greetings from SAC representatives at new staff orientation, welcome letters for new employees that list University resources and a mentoring program that would pair new employees with veteran staff members.

"Some people see SAC as being ineffective. But they don't realize what SAC has done and is doing for University employees," Howard said.

SAC is planning two major community service events for staff, one of which is likely to be a basket raffle like the one conducted last year in connection with the benefits fair. The raffle raised more than $1,600 for Providence House, Ohio's first licensed crisis nursery.

The council currently is accepting nominations for the President's Award for Distinguished Service, which annually honors up to three staff members who most exemplify outstanding University citizenship through excellence in performance, service and commitment.

SAC also is involved in ongoing discussions to ensure more timely employee evaluations, add an adoption leave policy, lower the cost of retiree health insurance and review paid time off packages. Tuition benefits for domestic partners, which have been supported by SAC since 1999, may be implemented this fall.

Also at SAC's February meeting, members of Campus Protective Services reviewed with the council current and future security services.

For more information on SAC, go to http://www.cwru.edu/president/sac/sac.html.

Return to the online edition of the 2-14 Campus News.