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Staff Senate

Next Meeting:

November 6th, 2024 at 1:15pm Location: College of Business BU 8

Join us via Zoom: https://uwyo.zoom.us/j/91384048008

News:

Staff Senate News

Message from the President Join Us  Staff Scholarships Stay Connected:Listserve Ask a Question

About Us

Welcome to the Staff Senate at the University of Wyoming – the representative body for UW staff employees, devoted to enhancing the university community and fostering a collaborative environment. Established in 1977 and governed by UW Regulation 1-3, the Staff Senate plays a crucial role in connecting the administration, faculty, students, and trustees to collectively contribute to the University's advancement. 

Our Mission

At the core of our mission is a commitment to uphold the values of unity, pride, professionalism, and integrity. With dedication to honest and open communication, the Staff Senate serves as an advisory body, providing a platform to facilitate positive and meaningful dialogue among staff, faculty, students, and the administration.

Key Functions

  1. Communication Advocacy: We actively encourage communication, serving as a liaison between staff and the university's decision-makers. Our aim is to create a transparent and accessible channel for sharing ideas, concerns, and suggestions. 

  2. Staff Development: Advocating for staff development is paramount. The Staff Senate is committed to supporting opportunities that enhance the skills and knowledge of our staff, contributing to their personal and professional growth. 

  3. Decision-Making Participation: As a vital part of the decision-making processes, we actively participate to ensure that the staff's perspectives and interests are well-represented. Our goal is to be a responsible and influential voice for the University of Wyoming staff. 

  4. Enhance Employee Morale and Engagement: We strive to promote a culture of recognition and appreciation while building camaraderie and enhancing organizational reputation.

 

 

 

A group of people smiling and posing for a photo in front of a building on the UW campus.

In essence, the Staff Senate is dedicated to fostering a positive, collaborative, and inclusive culture within the University of Wyoming. Through open communication, advocacy for staff development, and active participation in decision-making, we work towards the betterment of our university community. Join us as we strive to make a meaningful impact, embodying the spirit of unity and pride at the University of Wyoming. 

Staff Senate meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except for July) at 1:15 p.m via Zoom. Guests are welcome to attend! 

 

 

Message from the President


Welcome to the University of Wyoming Staff Senate website! At the University of Wyoming, our staff plays a pivotal role in the success and vibrancy of our institution. The Staff Senate is committed to representing staff and tirelessly advocating for your well-being. Our meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, and we encourage all staff members to attend.  Your presence and input are invaluable, and we reserve time for open discussions at the end of each meeting.  This is your opportunity to engage, share your perspectives, and actively contribute to the betterment of our workplace. On this website, you will find essential information about your Staff Senators, including ways to contact them. Communication is key, and we want to ensure that your concerns and ideas are heard. Your Senators are here to represent your interests, and their contact details are available for you to reach out.

 

Have you considered joining the Staff Senate? We welcome your interest and participation! If you are curious about the process, please see the "Join Us!" section of the website for detailed information on how to get involved.

 

Thank you for your dedication to the University of Wyoming. Together, we can foster a supportive and inclusive community that enhances the experiences of our staff and contributes to the overall success of our institution.

 

Best Regards,

Adam Comeau

Staff Senate President

Adam Comeau

Adam Comeau, Staff Senate President

acomeau@uwyo.edu

sspresident@uwyo.edu

 

Join Us!


Join Us and Make a Difference!

Become a vital part of the University of Wyoming community by joining the Staff Senate – where your voice matters, and positive change begins. As a Staff Senator, you'll serve as a representative of your peers on campus, bringing their concerns and ideas to the forefront of discussions with the UW administration. 

 

Advocacy and Communication: Staff Senators actively participate in policy discussions and advocate for issues that impact staff members. Serving as a bridge between administrative units and UW staff, we ensure an open line of communication. This two-way street allows us to bring important information to our peers and convey their perspectives back to the decision-making table. 

Time Commitment: Committing to the Staff Senate comes with a minimum of 8 hours of release time, allowing you to dedicate yourself to the betterment of the university. Our monthly meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month (except for July) and last approximately 2 hours.  Each Senators will also serve on one committee. Committee responsibilities and meetings are approximately 2 hours monthly.  Staff Senators are expected to play a leading role in key events such as Staff Recognition Day and our flagship fundraiser, the Holiday Market held every December. 

Experience the Impact: Serving on the Staff Senate is not just an opportunity; it's a journey towards personal and professional growth. Senators make new connections across campus and with their peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. By actively participating in the Senate, you contribute to positive change, gain insights into the workings of the university, and help improve the overall University of Wyoming experience. 

Why Join? Staff Senate is your gateway to involvement on campus. It's a chance to be part of something bigger, where your ideas and efforts shape the future of the university. Make a positive impact, broaden your horizons, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the University of Wyoming.

New districting model incorporates all staff

Staff Senate was established in 1977 to provide classified staff representation in the university's shared governance system. In the 2024 revision of our Bylaws, we now ensure that Staff Senate encompasses administrative professional staff and contract staff in addition to classified staff. With this revision, we have grown from 40 districts to 43. Roughly 1/3 of the districts are up for election each year. The districts below take effect July 1, 2024.


Academic Affairs Division (16 districts)

District 1 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Jesse Grosinger

  • Academic & Student Programs, Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Energy & Petroleum Engineering, Engineering & Physical Sciences Deans Office 

District 2 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Michala Drum

  • College of Arts & Sciences Deans Office, Office of Online & Continuing Education, Office of the Registrar, Provosts Office, School of Graduate Education Deans/VPs Office

District 3 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Tai Baker

  • Communication Disorders, Kinesiology & Health, Medical Education Administration Division, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, Social Work, WWAMI Medical Education Program, Wyoming Institute for Disabilities WIND

District 4 (2025, 2028, 2029) - Senator Meghan Monahan

  • Anthropology, Communication & Journalism, Criminal Justice & Sociology, English, Faculty Senate, Geology & Geophysics, History, Mathematics & Statistics, Politics Public Affairs & International Studies, Psychology, VP of Global Engagement

District 5 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Tanya Wheeler

  • Agricultural Experiment Station, Agriculture & Applied Economics, College of Agriculture, Life Sciences & Natural Resources Deans Office

District 6 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Li Teng

  • Ecosystem Science & Management, Family & Consumer Sciences, Veterinary Science, Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center

District 7 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator J.C. Archer

  • Air Force ROTC, Albany Community Health Clinic, Animal Science, Army ROTC, College of Law Deans Office, Molecular Biology

District 8 (2024, 2027, 2030) - VACANT

  • American Heritage Center, Early Care & Education Center, Fine Arts Outreach, Music, R&E Center Laramie, School of Computing, Theatre & Dance, Transfer Relations, University Art Museum

District 9 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Carissa Bjorklund

  • Family Medicine Residency Programs Casper, Rural Health, UW Casper

District 10 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Mollie Hand

  • College of Health Sciences Deans Office, Ellbogen Center for Teaching & Learning, Law Library, LeaRN Programs, Libraries Deans Office, Libraries Education & Research Services, Libraries Resource Discovery Management, Libraries User Services

District 11 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Christopher Weber

  • Admissions, AVP of Enrollment Management, Student Educational Opportunity

District 12 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Steven Lupien

  • Advising Career & Exploratory Studies, COB Centers for Excellence, College of Business Deans Office, Management & Marketing, MBA & Professional Graduate Programs, Student Success Center

District 13 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Laura McGinley

  • Atmospheric Science, Civil & Architectural Engineering & Construction Management, College of Education Deans Office, College of Education Student Success Center, Counseling Leadership Advocacy & Design, Mechanical Engineering, School of Teacher Education, Science & Math Teaching Center, Wyoming School University Partnership

District 14 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Ann Roberson

  • R&E Center Sheridan, Seed Certification, State Seed Lab, UW Extension

District 15 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Josef LeBeau

  • Enhanced Oil Recovery Institute, UW Medical Residency

District 16 (2025, 2028, 2031) - VACANT

  • Family Medicine Residency Programs Cheyenne, R&E Center Powell, R&E Center SAREC, Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory


Budget & Finance (5 districts)

District 17 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Tori Henderson

  • Accounting Office, Budget Office, Business Enterprises, Catering and Events, Copy & Print Center, Financial Affairs, Financial Affairs Support Team

District 18 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Nikki Fifield

  • Housing, Scholarships & Financial Aid

District 19 (2025, 2028, 2031) - VACANT

  • Human Resources, Office of Institutional Analysis, Office of Sponsored Programs, Payroll

District 20 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Phebe Pavelka

  • Residential Campus Dining

District 21 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Skylar Thimens

  • Retail Campus Dining, Student Financial Services, Systems & Institutional Effectiveness, University Procurement Services, University Store, Vending Services

 

Operations (7 districts)

District 22 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Rebecca Sorber

  • Building Automation, Business Services, Central Energy Plant, Central Scheduling, Custodial Services - last names A-C

District 23 (2025, 2028, 2031) - VACANT

  • Controls Shop, Custodial Services - last names D-H, Electrical Shop

District 24 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Jim Lafleiche

  • Custodial Services, Equipment Services, Facilities Construction Mgt, Grounds Services

District 25 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Jacob Marquez

  • Custodial Services - last names O-S, Facilities Engineering, Facilities Management, Jacoby Golf Course, Lock Shop, Material Services

District 26 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator John Core

  • Custodial Services – last names T-Z, University Police, UW Safety Office

District 27 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Joseph Baker

  • Plumbing Shop, Postal Services, Preventive Maintenance, Real Estate Operations, Recycling, Shipping & Receiving, Staff Senate, Stores, Structural Trades, Technical Services

District 28 (2026, 2029, 2031) -Senator Colby Gull

  • Transportation Services, Utilities Management, UW Safety Office, VP for Administration Office

 

General Counsel, Governmental Affairs & Community Engagement, Office of the President and Internal Audit Division

District 29 (2026, 2029, 2031) - VACANT

  • All staff in these divisions

 

IT (2 districts)

District 30 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Curtis Harnish

  • Academic Technology Services, Applications & Customer Relations

District 31 (2026, 2029, 2031) - Senator Todd Lubbers

  • Enterprise Infrastructure, Office of the CIO

 

Institutional Advancement (2 districts)

District 32 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Jessica Jochems

  • Last names A-H

District 33 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Austin Jackson

  • Last names I-Z

 

Intercollegiate Athletics Division (4 districts)

District 34 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Colter Linford

  • Athletic Training Table, Athletics Business Office, Athletics Facilities, Audio & Visual Services, Compliance, Concessions, Cowboy Joe Club

District 35 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Kaleigh Beaty

  • Equipment Room, Football Sports Performance, Game Management, Intercollegiate Athletics Directors Office, Marketing & Branding, Media Relations, Men's Basketball

District 36 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Debbie Allred

  • Men's Football, Men's Swimming & Diving, Men's Track & Field, Men's Wrestling, Office of Academic Support Athletics, Olympic Sports Performance, Rodeo

District 37 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Seth Holmquist

  • Sports Medicine, Ticket Office, Trademark

 

Research & Economic Development (3 districts)

District 38 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Jane Crayton

  • Advanced Research Computing Center, AVP for Economic Development Office, Biodiversity Institute, Center of Innovation for Flow through Porous Media, Core Research Facilities, EPSCoR/IDEA Office, High Plains American Indian Research Institute, IMPACT 307, INBRE Program, Manufacturing Works

District 39 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Connor McCracken-Flesher

  • Office of Preaward Services, Research Compliance Office, Science Initiative, Small Business Development Center, UW AMK Institute, VP for Research & Economic Development Office

District 40 (2025, 2028, 2031) - Senator Brenda Cossitt

  • Wyo Natural Diversity Database, Wyoming Public Media, Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center

 

Student Affairs (2 districts)

District 41 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Adam Comeau

  • Campus Recreation, Center for Student Involvement & Leadership (CSIL), Dean of Students Office, Multicultural Affairs, Residence Life Resident Education, Student Health Services

District 42 (2024, 2027, 2030) - Senator Gwen Dailey

  • Alumni Relations, ASUW, Student Media, Student Success & Graduation, Union, University Counseling Center, University Disability Support Services, Veterans Services Center, VP Student Affairs Office

 

School of Energy Resources (1 district)

District 43 (2025, 2028, 2031) -  Senator Frankie Vogt

  • All staff in SER

 

 We welcome Senators to serve outside of their district and move into their district when an opening comes. If you are interested in joining, please contact Governance Committee Chair Mollie.Hand@uwyo.edu

Staff Scholarships

Investing in Your Growth: UW Staff Scholarship Program

Staff Senate believes in fostering continuous learning and supporting the educational aspirations of our valued staff members. Established in 2017, the Staff Senate proudly presents the UW Staff Scholarship Program, designed to provide financial assistance to eligible full-time administrative professional, classified, and contract employees pursuing further education. Scholarships are $100 and awarded to ten eligible staff members in the Spring and Fall semesters. 

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the UW Staff Scholarship, applicants must meet the following three criteria:

  1. Full-time Staff Employee: Applicants must hold a full-time administrative professional,classified or contract staff position at the University of Wyoming.

  2. Completion of Probation Period: Eligible applicants should have successfully completed their probationary period.

  3. Enrollment in a Course: The course for which the scholarship is sought may or may not be a requirement for the applicant's current position at UW. Must be enrolled in at least six credit hours.

  4. Previous Recipients Exclusion: Individuals who have received the  UW Staff Senate Scholarship in the previous semester are excluded from the current semester.  Previous recipients become eligible to participate in the subsequent semester.

Application and Selection Process:

  • Application Call: Each semester Staff Senate announces the opening of the scholarship application period, inviting eligible staff members to apply by filling out a Qualtrics survey.

  • Screening for Eligibility: The submitted applications undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they meet the established eligibility criteria.

  • Verification of Employment and Enrollment: Human Resources collaborates closely with Staff Senate to verify the employment status of applicants.

  • Lottery Selection Process: In instances where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the available scholarships, recipients are selected through a lottery system. Notably, individuals who received the scholarship in the previous semester are excluded from the lottery, promoting fairness and equal opportunity. These individuals become eligible again in the subsequent semester.

Investing in Your Future: The UW Staff Scholarship Program is not just about financial support; it's a testament to our commitment to the growth and development of our staff. By providing this opportunity, we aim to empower our employees to pursue educational paths that align with their aspirations and contribute to their professional journey.

Join us in celebrating education, growth, and the spirit of continuous improvement. Apply for the UW Staff Scholarship and take a significant step towards realizing your educational goals. Your success is our success, and together, we build a stronger and more empowered University of Wyoming community.

Congratulations to the following Staff on being selected for a $100 Staff Senate Scholarship! We hope this scholarship will be a meaningful contribution to your academic journey.

Spring 2024 recipients:

  • Andrew Stephens
  • Amyntas Hinckley
  • Simon Alexander
  • Rachel Griess
  • Gwynn Lemler
  • Christie Wildcat
  • Abby Lozano
  • Cameron Peete
  • Jenny Boysen
  • Hailey Sanderson

 

Stay Connected: Join Our Staff Listserve!

We value open communication and community engagement, and our staff Listserve is a central hub for sharing information, updates, and fostering connections among staff and faculty.

uwstaff-l@uwyo.edu: General Staff and Faculty Listserve

  • Purpose: This Listserve serves as a dynamic platform for staff and faculty to communicate with each other, sharing important updates, announcements, and fostering a sense of community within the University of Wyoming.

How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe: You are welcome to join the uwstaff-l Listserve to stay in the loop or manage your subscription preferences. Follow the directions in the Knowledge Base to subscribe or unsubscribe.

 

staff-senate@uwyo.edu: Staff Senators and Office Associate Listserve

  • Purpose: Exclusively for Staff Senators and our Office Associate, this Listserve is dedicated to communicating important Senate business with all staff. It serves as a streamlined channel for sharing critical updates, announcements, and discussions related to the Staff Senate's initiatives.

  • Exclusive Access: Access to this Listserve is reserved for Staff Senators and our Office Associate to ensure efficient communication and collaboration on matters that directly impact the University's staff.

Join our Listserve community, stay informed, and be part of the conversation at the University of Wyoming. Your active participation contributes to the vibrant exchange of ideas and strengthens our sense of community. Subscribe or unsubscribe today to tailor your experience and make the most of our communication channels.

Ask a Question

Staff Senate invites you to ask questions about the University of Wyoming or your employment here. We will do our best to discover the answers from the experts on campus and get back to you. Please note that as UW employees we must report any identifiable information that comes to us regarding harassment or other inappropriate behavior.
 

Contact Us

UW Staff Senate
Merica Hall, Room 320
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3413
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-5300
Email: staffsen@uwyo.edu
Staff Senate President, Adam Comeau: sspresident@uwyo.edu