August TUSS News for Staff

Published by on August 21, 2023 12:00 am Comments Off on August 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 Perrault offered remarks. Highlights included: huge thank you to all staff for the year-round work we do in support of the campus; enrollment number updates – welcoming the largest incoming class in TU history; encouragement to get out and walk the campus; and she likes Coke products! 
  • New Director of Financial Systems and Technology — Gina Peach – will begin her new role on August 26, 2023. Congratulations, Gina! 
  • Stratus: More reports continue to be released. Single point of contact position has been filled and will be reaching out to campus areas. Open office hours are planned for drop-in support and on-demand training. Departments are expected to receive access to inventory records in Stratus in the coming months. 
  • Year-end Reports: The accounting team reminds everyone to CHECK your reports to be sure the fiscal year 2023 is accurate. That data feeds the campus-wide reporting, and it is essential to review.  
  • Office of Inclusion and Institutional Equity (OIIE): Vice President Bradley reported on department updates and shared the structure of Diversity Committees embedded throughout campus units. 
  • Referral Bonuses Program: Expected to roll out around mid-September. Be sure to watch the job board and encourage potential employees in your network to apply. TU is a great place to work, and you could earn bonus dollars! 
  • Area Gym Benefit: If you maintain health insurance through your job at TU, check your coverage for details — Blue365 through CareFirst/BlueCross/BlueShield; Renew Active through United Healthcare; ActiveFit through Kaiser Permanente. 
  • Smith Hall Renovation Fencing: As previously posted, a large area around Smith Hall has been fenced off in advance of the demolition work that will begin later this fall. The fencing is necessary for safe operations. There is no “pass through” option. For your own safety, do not enter the fence boundary. 
  • Package Lockers: Vice President Steve Jones reported that package lockers have been added in the University Union for student package pickup near the Post Office services window. Our campus will also soon welcome Amazon lockers in the Union Garage. 
  • Contingent I contracts are now fully electronic! HOORAY! 
  • Secondary Employment Policy is up for review this year and is expected to shift to a formal, electronic process. TUSS will have the opportunity to offer feedback.  
  • Academic Senate: Incoming chair Bart Debicki offered greetings to staff senators. Looking forward to working together! 
  • Shift of date for December meeting: Due to TU Winter Commencement dates, the December TUSS general meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. 
  • Council of University System Staff (CUSS): Senator Jennifer Walsh reported on behalf of the TU contingent on the latest meeting hosted by Coppin State University. Highlights included: President Jenkins offered welcome and remarks about their campus growth; ongoing conversations about ombudspersons at USM campuses; promoting telework as a green initiative; consideration of leave donation options; gearing up for USM Advocacy Day during the next Maryland Legislative Session by learning how to advocate; and CUSS is working to document and archive to alleviate the loss of knowledge and provide smoother transitions each term. 
  • Events & Engagement Committee: First TUSS Sponsored Workshop this season – HR Partner Panel Discussion was well attended and has garnered lots of positive feedback. Next up, as we continue investing in staff growth and success, will be Queering Professionalism to be held in October during LGBTQIA+ History Month. 
  • Motion passed for TUSS Executive Board to send a letter advocating for more dining options outside of the regular fall/spring semesters. (mini-mester, spring break, summer) 
  • TEDxTowsonU: Applications for speakers are open through Noon on Monday, September 11. Apply today! 

QUESTION FOR STAFF: 

Are you interested in more dining options during off-peak operations (mini-mester, spring break, summer)? Help us advocate by sharing how on-campus dining options affect you. Let us know your thoughts at TUSS@towson.edu.  

REMINDERS: 

AWARDS: 

Board of Regents Staff Awards 

Nominations for the annual Board of Regents Staff Awards will open in the fall. Know someone deserving of this highest-level recognition? Start planning your nomination letter now. Self-nominations are accepted. Learn more about categories on our website, https://www.towson.edu/about/administration/staff-senate/staff-awards/board-regents-staff-awards.html  

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 a Top Tiger Award. TU faculty, staff and students can nominate TU staff members by submitting a Top Tiger Nomination Form: https://www.towson.edu/about/administration/staff-senate/staff-awards/top-tiger-award.html  

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 

TUSS Meeting: September 20, 2023, 1 p.m.
Zoom Direct Link: https://towson-edu.zoom.us/j/98702752003?pwd=N05Id3JZTEhxM2Z4ZUNBRk5OSDAvUT09
Meeting ID: 987 0275 2003
Passcode: TUSSZoom 

USM Professional Development Week: September 18 – 22, 2023 LINK 

TU DEI Summit: Friday, November 3, 2023 

Council of University System Staff Meeting hosted at TU: April 9, 2024 

 

SENATOR SPOTLIGHT: Jennifer Walsh, Executive Division Senator 

How long have you worked at TU?  

5.5 years 

What is your department and what does your position entail? 

Accessibility & Disability Services which provides accommodations for students with disabilities. I mainly see students with mental health disabilities and my role is very focused on making Towson an inclusive environment for students who identify with mental health diagnoses. 

What does a typical workday look like for you?   

I have hundreds of students on my caseload so I meet or converse with students most of my day. 

What do you enjoy the most about your job?  

I have found Towson to be very friendly and I really enjoy connecting with people. 

What is your favorite place to eat on or around campus?  

Pasta Mista 

What do you do to relax?  

Downtime usually involves coffee. 

If we were to create a TU playlist, what song would you want to include and why?  

Twisted Sister, “We’re not Going to Take It” —reminds me of the NotatTU slogan and I appreciate Towson’s willingness to stand up and fight important issues. 

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?  

I’m writing a dissertation focused on the Opioid Epidemic, Naloxone in particular. 

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?  

So much more about confidence. 

What’s the proudest moment of your life?  

My kids are amazing! 

Why did you decide to get involved with the TUSS?  

I have admired the work I’ve noticed from them just being a staff member at TU and the individuals from TUSS I’ve interacted with previously I have found very inspiring.  

Describe what you have learned (or hope to learn) during your time in TUSS?  

Retention, I’m becoming increasingly worried about retention at TU so I’m hoping to be a part of some positive retention efforts. 

___________________ 

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. 

Categorised in:

This post was written by Primrose, Greg