Due to COVID-19, fall governance meetings will continue to take place over Zoom. A decision if spring semester meetings will be able to be held in person, will be made in late fall 2021 based on current/projected health and safety protocols. Find the most up-to-date COVID-19 information at pacificu.edu/coronavirus.
Staff Senate
Staff Senate meetings are held monthly on Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., by Zoom video conferencing. 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 meeting link. Please allow 24 hours for a response.
Staff Senate Themes for 2021-2022
- Build community and connection amongst the staff by supporting efforts to create a culture of comprehensive health, wellness, and resiliency.
- Promote programs and opportunities for professional growth, life/work balance, and safety in the workplace.
- Commit to responsible stewardship of university resources through innovation, forward-thinking, 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 pursue Pacific’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Recognize the challenges and changes of the past year, celebrate the perseverance of the staff, and take time to center the goals and commitments of the Staff Senate.
Sponsored Events and Announcements
Meet Your New 2022-2024 Senators
Thank you to all who voted in the recent Staff Senate elections. We are pleased to announce the following nine new staff members who have been elected for a two-year term to the Staff Senate which begins June 15. Congratulations to the new senators!
Austyn Allie, Hillsboro
Rita Barton, Forest Grove
Dave Dewberry, Hillsboro
Wanda Frazier, Forest Grove
Kira Hein, Forest Grove
Mallory Hiefield, Forest Grove
Violet Madrid, Forest Grove
Sarah O'Doherty, Forest Grove
Todd Tracewell, Forest Grove
Event Staff Needed at May 21 Commencement
With just a few days until Commencement, there are still openings for event staff to lend a hand on this special day. Sign up for all day, or either the morning or afternoon ceremonies.
June 14 All Staff Conference
This year's conference, sponsored by Staff Senate, will recognize the challenges and changes over the last two years, celebrate the perseverance of Pacific's staff, as well as centering the goals and commitments of staff members. Block off your calendar for this all-day event.
April 13 All-Staff Meeting Recording
If you were unable to attend the All-Staff Meeting or you would like to view the slides again please click here. The meeting included updates from UIS, Student Affairs/OEDI, HR, the Business Continuity Plan, Accreditation, Commencements, Facilities, Staff Senate Elections, and Pacific's budget.
Resources
OEDI Lending Library – More Titles Added!
The Staff Senate recently donated $2,000 to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to further expand its anti-racist lending library. Twenty-two different types of books, with multiple copies of each, were purchased from Third Eye Books, a local Black-owned bookstore in Portland. These books are available just in time for summer reading! Feel free to reach out to Jennifer Teeter at teeterj@pacificu.edu to set up a time to stop by or for more information.
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!
Forest Grove SHOP LOCAL.pdf (company only)
Hillsboro SHOP LOCAL.pdf (company only)
Eugene SHOP LOCAL Businesses.docx.pdf (company only)
Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid is a training — like regular First Aid or CPR — designed to give people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Through funding from the Human Resources Department and a grant from Nonstop Wellness, the training is being offered free to Faculty and Staff on an ongoing basis. Visit the Employee Wellness webpage for more information and to sign up.
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.
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 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.
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.
— from the University Handbook
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 submit a suggestion.