June TUSS News for Staff

Published by on June 24, 2025 12:00 am Comments Off on June TUSS News for Staff in General

The Towson University Staff Senate (TUSS) serves as the advocacy body for all university staff. All TU staff are considered general members of the Senate and are encouraged to attend our meetings. These meetings are opportunities to engage in institutional planning and ensure that staff voices are heard. Join us! 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE RECENT TUSS MEETING: 

  • Summer dining options include Glen Dining Hall, Dunkin’, and 7720 Café. Support summer dining at TU—$6 Fridays will continue through Summer 2025!  
  • Thank you for accepting the challenge from your TUSS Chair – Staff giving during Big Give 2025 increased by over 50% compared to 2024, totaling nearly $81,000! 
  • Senior VP Steve Jones recognized staff in Event and Conference Services and Campus Operations (Parking Services, Facilities Management, Public Safety) for their outstanding support of 30 separate ceremonies over 12 days, including TU Commencements and Baltimore County high school graduations held at SECU Arena, navigating weather challenges with professionalism and care. 
  • Congratulations to Roy Prouty (UMBC), elected Chair of the Council of University System Staff. 
  • TU is on track to welcome approximately 19,500 students in Fall 2025.  
  • The University System of Maryland Board of Regents has approved tuition and fee increases for 2025–2026. 
  • Towson University will implement a 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), effective July 1, 2025, for faculty and staff (including Contingent II, adjunct faculty, and lecturers). TU will forgo merit increases to maintain financial stability and avoid personnel actions. The President’s Cabinet will defer their COLA to support student aid. 
  • Inclusion & Institutional Equity confirmed there are no current plans for departmental name or function changes. For questions, contact VP Tricia Bradley. 
  • The pilot program of increased telework in the Office of Technology Services will be analyzed this summer. 
  • TU’s Secondary Employment Policy received final approval. Human Resources and the Office of the General Counsel will soon release implementation guidelines.  
  • The Personal Mechanical Conveyance policy will begin implementation on August 1.  
  • A Central Payroll Bureau processing issue resulted in some employees seeing extra pension and/or parking deductions. TU Financial Services is working with CPB to resolve it. 
  • Staff are encouraged to bookmark the HR website for news and announcements. 
  • The Post Office window in the University Union will observe summer hours from June 23 to August 16: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
  • Taking classes at TU? If you are a staff member, check your record—you should not be paying duplicate fees. 
  • TUSS Committee Charters were reviewed and accepted by the majority vote of Senators. 
  • The TUSS Events and Engagement Committee aims to launch Professional Development Mini-Grants in FY26. 
  • Senators completing service were recognized: Barbara Czajkowski, Dan Todd, and Deniz Erman 

QUESTION FOR STAFF:  

TUSS advocated for expanded summer dining to better serve staff. If you’ve visited a summer dining location—even once—please take a moment to share your experience and whether you plan to return. Your input helps guide improvements and supports our advocacy efforts. Send feedback to TUSS@towson.edu or submit anonymously via our feedback form.      

AWARDS: 

Top Tiger 

Nominate an individual or group who makes TU a great place to work! Top Tigers receive a certificate and gold pin in recognition of exceptional service. TU faculty, staff, and students can nominate TU staff members or groups by submitting a Top Tiger Nomination Form. 

Congratulations to all our Top Tigers this year! 

TU Impact 

The TU Impact Award recognizes impactful contributions by staff to Towson University, the community, and beyond. 

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients: 

Extraordinary Public Service 

Allison Frey, Director of Student Services, TU Northeastern Maryland 

Inclusion, Multiculturalism, and Social Justice 

Chris Truong, Staff Psychologist, Coordinator of Neurodiversity-Affirming Services, Counseling Center 

Outstanding Service to Students 

Tramell Anderson, Administrative Assistant II, Student Success Programs 

Exceptional Contribution to the Institution 

Central Payroll Integration Project Team 

  • Shal Aderonmu, Sr. Information Security Solutions Analyst  
  • Willem Bosma, Manager Application Administration  
  • Darren Curry, Director, Enterprise Application & Analytics  
  • Lakiya Emerson, Senior Project Manager  
  • Steve Kettinger, Associate Director, Production & Project Support  
  • Debbie Larney, Senior Application Developer 
  • Dena Barnwell, Change Management & Training Specialist 
  • Reid Guanti, Manager, Solutions Engineering 
  • Boris Kiselev, EAA Database Administrator 
  • Olimpia Dunca, Jr Payroll Analyst  
  • Tracy Holden, PeopleSoft Payroll Analyst  
  • Kandyce Pinder, Payroll Manager  
  • Millie McMillan, Applications Administrator  
  • Natasha Zhalkovsky, Director of HR Systems & Services 

USM Board of Regents Staff Awards 

The University System of Maryland Board of Regents Staff Awards are the highest honors for exempt and non-exempt staff across USM institutions. The timeline for these awards is changing! Nomination information will be released this summer. Be ready to nominate yourself or a colleague.  

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: 

TUSS Meeting: August 13*, 2025, 1 p.m.
*off-matrix meeting one week earlier
Zoom Direct Link
Meeting ID: 987 0275 2003
Passcode: TUSSZoom 

  

Please visit our website for meeting details, senator listing, staff award information, and more. 

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This post was written by Primrose, Greg