April TUSS News for Staff

Published by on April 24, 2023 12:00 am Comments Off on April 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 general meetings. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted to TUSS SharePoint.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RECENT TUSS MEETING:

  • Interim President Perreault addressed the senate, fielded questions, and thanked the senate for their participation in shared governance. Campus groups can engage the President by submitting the Presidential Appearance Request form at https://www.towson.edu/about/administration/president/meet/appearancerequest.html.
  • Big Give: The Big Give will be held on April 26, 2023. TU Staff Senate challenges all staff to participate at https://give.towson.edu/.
  • Commencement: Sign up to be a volunteer at commencement! Learn more and sign up at https://www.towson.edu/academics/commencement/volunteers.html.
  • Telework: Annual telework agreements are reviewed during the end of the annual performance review cycle. As we continue to refine our program at TU, the office of Human Resources (OHR) team is looking for feedback on the policy and procedures. Feedback can be sent to OHRcompliance@towson.edu.
  • Comptroller: Duka Donaghy, the new university comptroller has started and hit the ground running. Welcome!
  • Stratus: Reports continue to improve, including a report listing spreadsheet, and better organized training on running reports. Learn more at https://www.towson.edu/financialsystems/stratus/.
  • OIIE: VP Patricia Bradley reminded us to check on friends and colleagues during challenging and difficult times. June will be a busy month for the Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity (OIIE), including potential changes based on the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action and new Title IX regulations. VP Bradley was named one of twelve honorees of Greater Baltimore’s 2023 Leaders in Diversity Award: https://www.medamd.com/news/greater-baltimores-2023-leaders-in-diversity-award-honorees-revealed/. Congratulations!
  • Legislative session: Katie Maloney presented a fantastic wrap-up of the legislative session and how TU was impacted. TU has a fantastic reputation in the general assembly and Staff Senate is grateful for the many TU alum and Marylanders that understand TU and want to help us. Operating snapshot: $807 million operating budget for TU, which is a bit of an increase; some extra funding for CHP recruitment of Latinx students into the health professions; the Leadership Institute received $200,000 to continue their work. Capital snapshot: received almost $68 million in capital construction funds (last of CHP building and full funding for Smith Hall renovation); received unexpectedly $3.5 million toward Soistman Academic Achievement Center for student athletes. Staff Senate plans to invite Katie back in October.
  • Compliance: Compliance training was not at 100% participation by the deadline. Staff must complete the required training. Participation affects federal funding for the campus.
  • Performance reviews: The performance review cycle will be wrapping up soon. Remember that performance review is ongoing and should not be approached exclusively in the days before due. Be sure to connect with your supervisor to schedule time. Don’t be hesitant to remind them of the great work you do at TU!
  • Dining: Aramark will provide new dining options, concessions and catering. The contract with Chartwells ends June 30, 2023. Student Affairs is working to ensure a smooth transition. Learn more at https://www.towson.edu/news/2023/dining-services-aramark.html.
  • Menstrual products: The menstrual products distribution project on campus continues. Working to identify the optimal dispenser, and then they will be installed in first floor restrooms – in all-gender restrooms, or both men’s and women’s restrooms if there is no all-gender restroom in that location.
  • Academic Senate: The TU leadership assessment administered by the Academic Senate is targeted specifically to faculty. The TUSS Executive Board is committed to continuing discussions in shared governance leadership meetings about the possibility of a 360 review that includes staff input as well. The Chair stated that shared governance is stronger than ever, and she appreciates the collaboration.
  • Construction: 401 Washington’s TU sign has been installed – check it out! The Smith Hall renovation construction fence is expected to go up around mid-June to acclimate the campus early.
  • TUSS Election: Election ballots for available senate seats will open on Thursday, April 27. Mark your calendar! The senate passed a motion for this election season providing for all staff to vote for at-large senators while staff in divisions vote for their divisional senators. The senate also passed the election timeframe.

QUESTION FOR STAFF:

Will you join us in the Big Give? TU Staff Senate challenges all staff to participate. Every donation counts regardless of the amount! Join us on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at https://give.towson.edu/.

REMINDERS:

AWARDS:

Top Tigers 

Join us in congratulating recent Top Tiger Award recipients:

  • Rebecca Walsh
  • Marcela Bender
  • Dena Barnwell
  • Mark Schroeder

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

TU Impact Award

Staff Senate received a record 22 nominations! Thank you to the campus for participating! The subcommittee has begun reviewing nominations and will be identifying award recipients later this semester.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

 

TUSS Meeting: May 17, 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:

Siobhan Keplinger

This month features Operations & Human Resources Non-Exempt senator Siobhan Keplinger (she/her), Business Support Specialist in Facilities Management.

How long have you worked at TU?
11 years

What is your department and what does your position entail?
My department is Facilities Management. I work in Support Services which means we manage the housekeeping, landfill/recycling/compost hauling, pest control, uniforms, walk-off mats contracts, etc.

What does a typical workday look like for you?
Mornings can be very busy with (hopefully) a little break in the afternoon until it ramps up again.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The colleagues I work with and that I get to interact with so many different people across campus in varying capacities. Also, learning new skills or things I may not have known unless I was working in my department.

What is your favorite place to eat on or around campus?
My desk. 😊

What do you do to relax?
Late 90’s music. Specifically Go-Go. Full Blast. Dance party!

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?
Embrace every single second of joy you can. It can be a major event or just standing outside and taking a deep breath. It’s hard to find joy or peace sometimes, but when you do it helps get you through the darker times.

If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?
To take pain away from others.

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
Pretty much anything my boys do, especially when it reflects who they are as young men.

Why did you decide to get involved with the TUSS?
I was approached by standing members and thought it would be a great learning experience and an opportunity to advocate for and support my colleagues.

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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