UM Staff Senate: Enhancing Communication and Collaboration for a Stronger University

1. Staff Senate The University of Montana

2. The University of Montana Staff Senate facilitates communication and cooperation between the administration and the non-academic staff of The University of Montana. We promote and work for improved working conditions and the professional welfare of UM's staff - the Heart of the Grizzly.Staff Senate comprises 30 members. Each elected senator represents staff members in the following employment categories: Professional, Technical, Clerical, Crafts, and Service.Senators are elected to two-year terms.

3. Staff Senate Involvement • Monthly meetings • KUDOS • Fundraising for Scholarships • Staff Caring for Staff • Committee participation • Newsletter • Board of Regents meetings • MUSSA-Montana University System Staff Association • Staff Recognition Awards

4. Committee Participation • Numerous committees • Diversity Advisory Council • Strategic Plan • Accreditation • Search Committees – faculty, staff, adm • Board of Regents Meetings • Day of Dialogue • Staff Appreciation • 4 Day work week • Staff Work Group for Retention • Charitable Giving Campaign

5. Strengths • New hiring of half-time Administrative Associate: • Newsletter • Scholarships • Kudos • Visibility • Communicating our goals, mission, and activities

6. Recent Survey Results Total staff responses to survey: 547 (509 on-line) • What category best describes your role at UM: Role Count Percent Professional 256 46.8% Technical 87 15.9% Clerical 123 22.5% Skilled Crafts 14 2.6% Service Workers 49 9.0%

7. Survey. . . How long have you worked for the University? Role Mean Years Professional 10.6 Technical 8.3 Clerical 8.4 Skilled Crafts 11.0 Service Workers 11.1 Overall 9.9

8. Out of 547 respondents, 358 or 65% reported working a second job or attending school. A large number report involvement in volunteer work.

9. 2012-2013 Goals per 2011 Survey Results • Communication/Visibility • Outreach • Professional Development • Job Performance Recognition • Salaries/benefits (65% of UM Staff report working a second job or attending school)

10. Montana University Staff Senate Association (MUSSA) • The University of Montana • The University of Montana College of Technology • The University of Montana—Western • Montana Tech of The University of Montana • Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana • Montana State University—Bozeman • Montana State University—Billings • Montana State University—Billings, College of Technology • Montana State University—College of Technology Great Falls • Montana State University—Northern

11. Shared Governance • Staff have a voice in mission of the University and Strategic Plan • Appreciation for, and better understanding of, students and faculty • Collaborate on campus issues • Search Committees • Accreditation • Create a more cohesive, unified, and productive campus community