Staff Senate

COVID-19 Updates

Find up-to-date information at pacificu.edu/coronavirus. Staff Senate meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. All Staff Senate meetings in AY 2020-2021 will be held by Zoom. Two hours of meeting time are scheduled, but we will work to hold meetings to one hour if possible. Please email staffsenate@pacificu.edu to request the link for meetings. Guidelines have been drafted by the Provost’s Office in consultation with campus leadership and in consideration of our University Faculty and Governance Handbook. They are meant ensure we remain in compliance with internal and external governance requirements, but lighten the load on faculty and staff whenever possible to address the added workload of meeting student needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 2020-2021 Governance Recommendations

Quick links for Staff:

Staff Senate recommends all staff read the HR Return to Campus Guidelines for Faculty and Staff Document. In alignment with the messaging that has come from Pacific leadership, Staff Senate affirms that health and safety are a priority for students, staff, and faculty. If you have concerns about health and safety issues related to campus operations, please discuss with your supervisor or email tracy.king@pacificu.edu (HR) for more information about requesting workplace accommodations.
Tips and strategies for Zoom Access
Employee Wellness, including The Faculty and Staff Wellness Resource Guide

Shop and Eat Local

The Staff Senate has compiled lists of many local, small businesses in Forest Grove, Eugene, and Hillsboro to encourage our communities to support these local businesses. Although the majority of these businesses don’t provide Pacific employee discounts, we hope you’ll consider patronizing them when possible to invest in their continued success. Please double-check their website or give them a quick call to ensure they are still open, and what methods are available for shopping and pick up, as this may change from week to week. Thank you for helping our local business partners!

Winter 2020 FG SHOP LOCAL.pdf (company only)
Winter 2020 HILLS SHOP LOCAL.pdf (company only)
Winter 2020 EUG SHOP LOCAL Businesses.docx.pdf (company only)

Contacting Staff Senate

Staff Senate exists to serve you. We care about the quality of your life relative to campus and the larger global community. We are committed to openness, collaboration and inclusiveness. Any issues or concerns you have are welcomed by the Staff Senate. Email us any time at staffsenate@pacificu.edu or complete the form, here. **Important note - if you send suggestions through this contact form with no contact information to provide a direct response, Staff Senate responses to comments and questions will be logged in the Staff Senate minutes.

Diversity & Equity – 2019 Campus Climate Survey Results Available

Key Findings & Recommendations prepared by University Diversity Committee, October 2020, are now available. Click the link to access documents, a video presentation, and PowerPoint deck with information on the results. https://pacificu.box.com /v/DECCS-2019-findings

Free, Confidential Support Resources

The Employee Assistance Program by Cascade Centers provides a variety of free, confidential support resources that range from 24/7 crisis counseling to home ownership assistance. Cascade Centers has also created a customized list of dependent care resources specifically for the Pacific University community. Learn more about the Employee Assistance Program and how to access tools that fit you and your life today.

Employee Wellness Mini-Sessions

Taking conscious breaks can improve your overall well-being and productivity. These ongoing employee wellness mini-sessions are structured to allow employees to attend more easily with set transitions at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minute increments. Drop-in to get a quick tip, participate in a stress reduction exercise and/or chat about wellness topics that interest you. Visit the Employee Wellness webpage to find out more about these and other employee wellness resources.

Your Wellness Is A Priority

Though the holiday season brings an abundance of joy and celebration, it can also be the most stressful time of year for some people. Add other 2020 stressors, and this holiday season may deliver an extra dose of overwhelm. Be proactive about caring for your well-being. Take time to explore and access the services available to you through the Employee Assistance Program from Cascade Centers.

Discover other valuable resources at the Employee Wellness page.

Join the Pacific University Lunch Club!

Meals for staff and faculty can be bundled on your Boxer Card. 14 meals for $90. To add meals please stop by the Bon Appetit Business Office UC103 between 10-12:30 or 2:30-5 p.m. Debit/Credit card only please. Meal swipes can be redeemed in the Pacific Café or Express Window during all meal periods for the Boxer Card holder only (no guest swipes).

TIAA Financial Support

Confidential, one-on-one consultations are available to everyone with a TIAA retirement plan. Get tailored guidance for your specific financial circumstances, including insight on investment options, budget approaches, and retirement planning. TIAA also offers a variety of webinars on an ongoing basis. Find out more on the Retirement Planning webpage.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program helps you access a wide range of wellness and counseling resources to support you and your family through life's varied journeys - from moments of crisis and grief to phases of personal empowerment and career growth. The service can also assist with locating child and elder care resources in your area. Visit the Employee Assistance Program webpage to get more details.

Staff Emergency Fund

Ten employees received grants from the Pacific University Staff Emergency Fund in the month of June to assist with financial emergencies due to COVID-19. Thanks to those who added additional funds to this effort. If you wish to make a donation for future needs, you can find information on making a gift here. If you have an emergency need in this season, please reach out to Human Resources to inquire about applying for a Staff Emergency Fund grant.

Mindful Moments

Join Suzy Kropf, MSW Program Coordinator and Yoga Instructor for a Zoom-based mindfulness exercise on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:40-10:55 a.m. In these sessions, we mindfully explore embodiment practices such as breath work and grounding techniques. Take a break with us to increase your sense of peace, self-composure, and calm. Contact Suzy Kropf for the Zoom Link.
Mindful Moments .pdf poster for printing.

Pacific University Virtual Yoga

Mallory Hiefield, Interim Director of Intramurals and Recreation, hopes to have a virtual yoga opportunity every Monday and is going to measure interest on an ongoing basis. May classes will take place from 5:30-6:30. Faculty, staff, and students who are interested in attending, please email Mallory (mhiefield@pacificu.edu) for details and Zoom login information.

Health & Wellness Opportunities

Regular classes and Fitness Center Hours have been impacted due to COVID-19 restrictions. We will post an update on this page as we get closer to fall 2020. Please contact Mallory Hiefield, Interim Director of Recreation and Intramurals for more information.

Staff Senate Approves Themes for AY 20-21 - Approved at the 8/19/20 Staff Senate Meeting

Build community and connection amongst the staff by supporting efforts to create a culture of health and wellness including physical, mental, and emotional health.
Promote programs and opportunities for professional growth, life/work balance, and safety in the workplace.
Encourage responsible stewardship of university resources through innovation, process improvement, and the adoption of technologies.
Strive to serve, speak, and act in a way that honors every person in the Pacific University community and actively pursues Pacific’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Send Your Suggestions to the Staff Senate

The Staff Senate serves as the official representative body of the University staff community by actively participating in campus governance. The Staff Senate shall foster a spirit of unity and cooperation, providing representation of non-faculty personnel in coordination with the faculty and student governing bodies. The Staff Senate shall also provide a forum for the exchange of information between members of the staff, administration, faculty and students.