Staff Senate
Sponsored Events and Announcements
Due to COVID-19, Staff Senate meetings are held by Zoom. Email staffsenate@pacificu.edu to request the Zoom link for upcoming meetings.
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.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion was established in 2017 with Narce Rodriguez as chief officer. Since then, the OEDI has helped Pacific evaluate priorities, establish protocols, advance professional development, directly support students and employees, and develop preliminary strategic plans.
In light of the events of May-June 2020, we recognize the importance of sharing the details of this work, though it is all a long-term work in progress. We recognize that institutions of higher education, including Pacific, have been complicit in advancing institutionalized racism for centuries. Our work did not just begin and it is nowhere near complete. We commit — every day — to taking steps to do better and be better.
We appreciate everyone who joined in the Virtual Vigil on June 4, 2020 to remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others murdered through police violence. Additionally, we feel the drive to be in solidarity with those who are targets of this violence. We stand with the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
For those interest in the work done at Pacific, or interested in ways your department can help dismantle systemic racism and support students, faculty, and staff, please reach out to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Trainings and professional development opportunities are offered on a regular basis. More information: pacificu.edu/oedi
Honors & Awards Announcement – May 6, 2020
Help us congratulate the 2020 Honors and Awards recipients. There will be no live ceremony this year but watch your email for an announcement of award winners and retirees as well as those marking years of service anniversaries. We encourage you to reach out to your colleagues to honor their achievements through calls, notes and virtual high-fives!
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.
Faculty and Staff Wellness Resource Guide
Human Resources recognizes that the COVID-19/Coronavirus situation can take a toll on employee well-being. They have created a Faculty and Staff Wellness Resource Guide that specifically focuses on caring for your wellness while navigating this life circumstance. From home office ergonomics to supporting elderly loved ones, the guide is not an exhaustive list of resources, but they hope there is something for everyone. The Faculty and Staff Wellness Resource Guide can be found on BOX. If you discover items that you enjoy, please feel free to bookmark the guide. The guide will have its first update at the end of May.
COVID-19 Updates
Find up-to-date information on Pacific's response to COVID-19 at pacificu.edu/coronavirus.
The Staff Senate is working to adjust our work to support staff during this time. Monthly Staff Senate meetings will be held via Zoom. Please email staffsenate@pacificu.edu to request the Zoom link for meetings.
Quick links for Staff:
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.
Staff Senate Themes for 2019-2020
The Staff Senate commits to the work of developing a positive environment for all employees, students and guests of Pacific University. The Staff Senate has chosen the following themes for their work during the 2019-2020 academic year:
- Encouraging responsible stewardship of university resources through innovation, efficiencies, process improvement, and the adoption of technologies that serve students and support our mission and vision with excellence.
- Striving to serve, speak, and act in a way that honors every person in the Pacific Community and acknowledges Pacific’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes broadening our personal and collective understanding of issues our students and employees face when they may be part of an under-represented demographic.
- Supporting efforts to create a culture of health and wellness within our community including physical, mental, and emotional health, and to lead by example by promoting programs and opportunities for professional growth, life/work balance, and safety in the workplace.
Health & Wellness Opportunities
Regular classes and offerings may be paused at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please contact Mallory Hiefield, Interim Director of Recreation and Intramurals for more information.
Fall Intramurals: Yoga, Zumba, Sand Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, Tennis, Spikeball
see goboxers.com/intramurals for specific dates/rooms
Fitness Center Hours (Stoller)
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
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.