August TUSS News for Staff

The Towson University Staff Senate (TUSS) is the advocate body for all university staff employees. All TU staff are general members of the senate and are encouraged to attend meetings. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted to TUSS SharePoint.

Highlights from the recent TUSS Meeting:

  • Presidential Schatzel shared remarks, including a huge thank you to all staff for our support, which was also echoed by the ex-offIcio VPs at the meeting.
  • Budget: The capital budget hearing went well, and TU is positioned well.
  • Mail: A pilot program is starting soon for administrative buildings to have one maildrop location.
  • Parking: Shifting to restricting garages to valid OneCard access after 11pm.
  • Pay Study: HR has refreshed their data, received updates from CUPA and is now working on prioritizing adjustments in conjunction with available funds.
  • Stratus: Stratus module leaders were present to share successes and common speedbumps. TUSS appreciates their time and for making themselves available to help staff. More Stratus reports are being launched in the coming weeks. If you or your unit needs specific support, be sure to reach out to stratusfinancialsteam@towson.edu. The campus will be successful in this transition if we work together.
  • TUSS: Due to winter commencement dates, the December TUSS meeting has been shifted to December 14, 2022.

Reminders:

  • Support each other and provide feedback to Stratus and TechHelp teams as the new systems are established.
  • Don’t forget to register for the President’s PreGame Party on September 10 by September 2!
  • TEDxTowsonU speaker application is open to the campus until September 12. Learn more and apply to speak at https://www.tedxtowsonu.com/.
  • Board of Regents Staff Awards nominations will open this fall. Start thinking now about exceptional staff members to nominate. Self-nominations are accepted.
  • The new TUSS Events and Engagement Committee is open to all staff. If you’re interested in joining, reach out to tuss@towson.edu.
  • Affinity groups are ways to connect with other staff and faculty. Learn more at https://www.towson.edu/inclusionequity/diversity/groups/. Any staff interested in leadership roles should contact LaVern Chapman.
  • USM training is posted at https://www.usmd.edu/training-and-development/ .
  • Next TUSS meeting is September 21, 2022. Send agenda items to TUSS@towson.edu before September 13, please.

Awards:

Top Tigers

Join us in congratulating recent Top Tiger Award recipient:

  • Vernon Mitchell, Parking and Transportation Services

TU faculty, staff and students can nominate TU staff members by submitting the Top Tiger Nomination Form. Help us shine a light on a deserving colleague today! Top Tigers receive a certificate along with a OneCard credit for lunch on TUSS.

Mark Your Calendar:

TUSS Meeting: September 21, 2022, 1 p.m.
Zoom Direct Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/98702752003?pwd=N05Id3JZTEhxM2Z4ZUNBRk5OSDAvUT09
Meeting ID: 987 0275 2003
Passcode: TUSSZoom

Notify TUSS@towson.edu by Monday before the meeting if you need to attend in person, please.

USM Professional Development Week: October 17-21, 2022
Learning tracks include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Personal Leadership Mastery, Workplace Productivity, and Workplace Wellness. Learn more at https://www.usmd.edu/learning-and-talent/.

Senator Spotlight:

Keisha is woman with short dark hair. She is smiling and wearing hoop earrings and a burgundy blouse

 

 

This month features Division of University Marketing & Communications Non-Exempt senator Keisha Bownes (she/her/hers), who is the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Division of University Marketing and Communications.

 

How long have you worked at TU?
18 years

What is your department and what does your position entail?
I am part of a wonderful team in the division of University Marketing and Communications. I am the Executive Admin to the Vice President of the division. I am the magical office unicorn that keeps the VP on track and makes things happen for my team members and I am usually good for some comic relief, if needed. I handle the VP’s ever-changing calendar, scheduling and coordinating division-wide meetings and events, ordering supplies, answering phones, greeting visitors and guests of the division, and being the face of the division in many ways since I’m usually the first person people see when they enter our area.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
I don’t think that any admin can say “typical” in their line of work. It honestly depends on what’s happening on and around campus. My VP and team are the branding for the university and the voice behind the scenes when things are happening. The driving force behind the beautiful website we have. The signage around campus. The visuals you may see at the airport or on 83 or 95. The brains behind the beautiful TU magazine. So, there are constantly projects, events, designs, etc., that will always be in motion. I’m just here to help make something, anything, easier for the team to get it all done.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
My team! They are the best bunch to work with. Super collaborative and overall fun and caring.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?
I would love to be able to sing. Growing up, I loved Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey and always wanted to be a singer when I grew up because of them.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
Having my mom see me graduate from Towson.

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Please visit our website for more information about TUSS, details about upcoming meetings, the list of senators, and details about staff awards: https://www.towson.edu/tuss.

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This post was written by Sorensen, Heather