March TUSS News for Staff

Published by on March 21, 2023 12:00 am Comments Off on March TUSS News for Staff in General

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:

  • Stratus: Travel simplification for faculty/staff is in production; next up is student travel. Feedback has been positive. Foundation reports for reimbursement have also been released. Be patient with the backlog. Consultants are still here through the fiscal year, someone has been hired to support reports, and the search is still open for a single point of contact role for the campus. Please continue to provide specific feedback: https://www.towson.edu/financialsystems/stratus/submit-issue-request.html.
  • Budget: The legislative process in Annapolis is continuing. Our first capital hearing testimony was on March 14. We remain optimistic about funding for College of Health Professions building and Smith Hall renovations. Now that it is mid-March, year-end messaging will begin. Expect deadlines to be similar to prior years.
  • Fulbright: Six TU students have been selected as semifinalists for the 2023–24 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the most in TU history. Congratulations!
  • Diversity Awards: Keep an eye on TU Today during March 17 – April 7 for announcements relating to Diversity Award nominations. Faculty, academic departments, administrative departments, staff and graduate students are eligible.
  • Retreat for Social Justice: This will be held on March 31. Please forward to students. Learn more: https://tutoday.towson.edu/2023/03/16/retreat-for-social-justice-applications-are-up-3-31-2-2-2/.
  • CBE Dean search: The search continues and open forums with candidates will be held March 28 – 31. Learn more: https://tutoday.towson.edu/2023/03/15/save-the-date-open-forums-with-cbe-candidates/.
  • Staff Recognition: The 2023 Faculty & Staff Recognition Event conducted by the office of Human Resources will be held on the morning of Friday, April 21, 2023. Keep an eye on TU Today to register.
  • Benefits: A presentation about TU benefits was shared at the TUSS meeting. Much of this information is also included in HR 101. Check out the next session! See: https://towson.my.salesforce-sites.com/events#/list?category=Human%20Resources.
  • Armory: TU has closed on the purchase of the Armory! Read more: https://www.towson.edu/news/2023/historic-armory-purchase.html.
  • Staff Appreciation Week: TUSS Events and Engagement Committee is planning a Staff Appreciation Week for the week of June 12th. Stay tuned for more information.
  • Sustainability: Paddy Watson and Meghan Bennett presented on sustainability initiatives and processes at TU. Learn more: https://www.towson.edu/about/sustainability/.
  • SuiTUp: Support the SuiTUp program by donating items and guiding students to this resource. Learn more: https://www.towson.edu/careercenter/students/searchskills/suitup.html.
  • Admin & Finance: As previously reported, the university comptroller (Cathy Mattern) is retiring! A replacement has already been hired, which should result in a smooth transition.
  • Council of University System Staff (CUSS): The CUSS Chair met with the Chancellor, Board of Regents and University Presidents. She shared that the push for expanded collective bargaining may be indicative of gaps in shared governance, and that a salary study is needed to make progress system-wide because not all campuses have done their own studies.
  • Staff Senate Representation Review: TUSS divisional senators can be up to two of either classification type. Ratios for at-large senator representation are appropriate at this time.

QUESTION FOR STAFF:

TUSS is planning a Staff Appreciation Week in June. What types of activities and indicators of appreciation would you like to see included as part of this initiative? Some ideas include coffee hours, food trucks, goat yoga, professional development workshops, and things that help you do your job better. Please send responses to TUSS@towson.edu.

REMINDERS:

AWARDS:

TU Impact Award

Nominations are now open for the TU Impact Award! To nominate an exceptional staff member or group/team of staff, submit the nomination form by 8 p.m. on April 17, 2023. More information can be found at the TU Impact Award webpage.

The TU Impact Award recognizes impactful contributions from staff employees to Towson University, the community, and beyond. Award categories include exceptional contribution; outstanding service to students; extraordinary public service; effectiveness and efficiency; inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice. Recipients receive a recognition certificate and a $500 stipend per award.

Top Tigers

Top Tigers receive a recognition certificate and a lunch credit in honor of their work in making TU a great place! If you have received exceptional service from a staff member, please nominate them for the monthly Top Tiger Award. This award is designed to recognize staff excellence. TU faculty, staff and students can nominate TU staff members by submitting the Top Tiger Nomination Form: https://www.towson.edu/about/administration/staff-senate/staff-awards/top-tiger-award.html.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

TUSS Meeting: April 19, 2023, 1 p.m.
Zoom Direct Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/98702752003?pwd=N05Id3JZTEhxM2Z4ZUNBRk5OSDAvUT09
Meeting ID: 987 0275 2003
Passcode: TUSSZoom

SENATOR SPOTLIGHT:

Dan ToddThis month features At-Large Non-Exempt senator Dan Todd, HVAC Mechanic II in Facilities Management.

How long have you worked at TU?
I have been a staff member for over 10 years, and I am about to get my 10-year certificate. I started here as a student athlete and member of the football team in 1997. After college I went to trade school and a 5-year apprenticeship with the Local 486 Plumbers and Steamfitters. I was so excited when the opportunity to come back to Towson presented itself.

Additionally, needing just 9 credit hours to complete my degree, I have reenrolled as a current student. I completed one class in the fall, I am currently taking EMF 311 and after my final course next fall, I will walk across the stage to finally receive my degree. I am very proud of myself for that.

I also have 2 daughters: Dani, a freshman on the soccer team, and Payton, my youngest daughter, who will be here next year to study and play soccer as well. I am, we are, Towson Tigers through and through!

What is your department and what does your position entail?
In the HVAC Department, we plan, design, construct, maintain and operate Towson University’s HVAC equipment. We are responsible for approximately six million square feet of space in 57 buildings on 329 acres. Our goal is to serve the diverse needs of the campus community, focusing on responsive and reliable customer service.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
My day begins at 6:00 a.m. as we prioritize any open work orders or projects in relation to any new and or urgent needs. We have a diverse set of skills which allows the techs in our department to handle any call that may arise.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
I absolutely love the people I work with and around. I love this campus and helping to run, maintain and grow this campus and campus life for current and future Tigers gives me a great sense of purpose and pride.

What is your favorite place to eat on or around campus?
I love to eat at West Village. We have enjoyed going to what is now $8 Friday to eat together. Unfortunately, for some reason they are now not starting that special until 11:30. Our lunch break does not allow enough time to make this possible anymore. It would be great if they would allow for a time adjustment. Fellowship, especially during a lunch break, is a great way to communicate and bond with your team members.

What do you do to relax?
I work 7 days a week between the HVAC department here as well as coaching soccer for Pipeline Soccer Club. When I get the chance to really relax, a nice glass of bourbon in my hand and my dog named TRULY by my side is hard to top.

If we were to create a TU playlist, what song would you want to include and why?
Chasin’ You by Morgan Wallen, or anything by Morgan Wallen for that matter. The music speaks for itself.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a certified forklift operator (that’s a TikTok joke, those who know will know).

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?
I wish I would have known that some of my friendships wouldn’t be able to last forever. If so, I would have spent more time.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?
I really, really want to learn how to play the guitar.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
I’m proud of every step of my journey. Each and everything I have gone through is important but there’s not one thing that I can put my finger on and say, “That is my greatest achievement. That’s my proudest moment.” That’s so tricky to me.

Why did you decide to get involved with the TUSS?
I want to be as involved in shaping the future of Towson University as possible. It’s one thing to talk about what should or could be done. It’s a whole other thing to do something. I heard the calling and I answered. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Describe what you have learned (or hope to learn) during your time in TUSS?
I have learned that no matter where we work, what we wear or what we do, we are all Towson Tigers. We all are part of something great. I hope to meet as many of my fellow staff, faculty and students as possible. Please say hello if we ever cross paths, you will certainly make my day.

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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 Arnold, Ashley