Staff Senate
Sponsored Events and Announcements
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.
The following 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
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.
Staff Senate Approves Themes for AY 20-21
Staff Senate Themes 2020-2021 – 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.
August 5th All Staff Meeting Videos and Resources
In place of a live meeting, content was pre-recorded by presenters and is available below. (PUN ID required to access materials.)
8/5/20 PowerPoint Deck (includes video links and presenter slides)
Video Links
Welcome and New Staff Introductions – Rudy Sanchez (3.5 min)
COVID-19 Task Force Update – Ann Barr-Gillespie (18 min)
Employee Wellness – Jamie Loken (10 min)
Student Affairs Update #1 – Narce Rodriguez (7 min)
Student Affairs Update #2 – Lindsey Blem (6 min)
Undergraduate Orientation – Video Update for Staff – Denise Giesbers (15 min)
UIS Update – Brandon Gatke (7 min)
Fall 2020 Elections – Morgan Knapp (8.5 min)
Student Worker Update – Stephanie Stokamer (4.5 min)
Bon Appetit and Catering – Ethan Davidsohn (3 min)
(This video was made for students but being shared here as a resource. Please see slides in PowerPoint for more information regarding available services for staff/faculty including catering.)
Athletics – Keith Buckley (11 min)
Announcements – Rudy Sanchez (7.5 min)
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.
Coping with COVID-19 and Beyond Live Webinar
Our daily lives have dramatically changed over the last few months. It is especially important during this time to care for your well-being and support the wellness of those around you. This June 23d webinar presented by Kaiser is available On Demand through September 20th. On-Demand Webinar
Discover other valuable resources at the Employee Wellness page.
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.
On-Demand Employee Wellness Workshops
The following wellness workshops are available on-demand via Cascade Centers. Want to know more about Cascade Centers and the Pacific University Employee Assistance program? Visit the Employee Assistance webpage for more information!
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Self Compassion Presented by Cascade Centers (Employee Assistance Program) 42 Minutes
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is an evidenced-based intervention that helps with numerous symptoms, including depression and anxiety. This seminar discusses some core MBSR skills to use for self-care and how self-compassion factors into effectively taking care of yourself.
Avoiding Job Burnout Presented by Cascade Centers (Employee Assistance Program) 38 Minutes
In this seminar, participants will learn the potential causes of job burnout and how to reduce their chances for burnout by better managing internal and external boundaries. Participants will also learn how to recognize the warning signs and assess their level of job stress and burnout.
New WholeLife Directions App
Life can feel stressful without a pandemic. Feeling added stress right now is a normal reaction to the current circumstances. It's important for you to take time to care for your well-being and support the well-being of those around you.
Human Resources is excited to announce that a new wellness support tool is now accessible to Faculty and Staff through the Employee Assistance Program. The WholeLife Directions App is a free, confidential resource that helps employees bring awareness to their current health status and provides easy-to-access digital self-use programs. The self-use digital programs include mental health tools and are designed to help you create meaningful change in your life. They are based on cognitive behavioral therapy and include mindfulness based resources. Employees can get more details about the WholeLife Directions App and other available support services by visiting the Employee Assistance Program webpage.
Employee Wellness Resources will be highlighted and updated on the Employee Wellness page.
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.
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 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.