Be represented.

Letter from our New Chairs

Gena Welk — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 02:01:51 +0000

Letter from our New Chairs Gena Welk Tue, 09/15/2026 - 20:01

Hello Staff and Research Faculty,

Welcome to the start of a new semester! Fall is always a busy and exciting time on our campus, and we hope the semester is off to a great start for you. As we begin a new Staff Council year, one of our primary goals is to strengthen the connection between Staff Council and the more than 7,500 staff and research faculty we represent. We want Staff Council to be increasingly visible, accessible, and responsive to the people we serve, and we want to make it easier for you to know what we are working on and to tell us what matters most to you.

To help us better advocate for your needs, we encourage you to share your feedback on our website and take a few minutes to complete this newsletter’s survey. Throughout the year, Staff Council representatives will also be working to strengthen communication within the areas they represent so that we can develop a more consistent feedback loop between our constituents, Staff Council, and campus leadership.

Our priorities this year include advancing conversations around staff and research faculty compensation; helping our community understand and provide input on issues related to collective bargaining; strengthening faculty-staff relationships in partnership with the �Ǹ�Թ� Faculty Assembly; continuing our work related to the Resolution to Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community; and ensuring that staff and research faculty perspectives are represented in our conversations with campus leadership and other shared governance groups.

Just as importantly, we want to continue strengthening how Staff Council approaches this work. We are committed to constructive advocacy, meaningful collaboration, and building productive relationships across campus while remaining a strong and independent voice for staff and research faculty. We believe Staff Council can have the greatest impact when we bring both the concerns of our constituents and thoughtful, actionable ideas to the table.

We also want Staff Council to be easier to engage with throughout the year. In addition to our monthly full Council meetings, look for opportunities to connect with representatives at campus events, participate in surveys and listening opportunities, and learn more about campus issues through Staff Council programs and conversations. We always encourage your feedback on how Staff Council can better serve staff and research faculty, so please don’t hesitate to reach out via our website or join us at a full Council meeting.

Finally, to all staff and research faculty, thank you for everything you do—both seen and unseen, acknowledged and behind the scenes—to support students, collaborate with colleagues, advance the university’s mission, and make CU �Ǹ�Թ� a better place to work and learn. We hope you have a wonderful fall.

Warmly,

Leah McDaniel Parvez
Lauren Way
Chris Marelli
Co-Chairs, CU �Ǹ�Թ� Staff Council

Welcome to the start of a new semester! Fall is always a busy and exciting time on our campus, and we hope the semester is off to a great start for you.

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Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:54:56 +0000

Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:54

The Staff Council Awards, Service, and Recognition (ASR) Committee is proud to recognize CU �Ǹ�Թ� staff and research faculty for their years of dedicated service to our campus community. In 2025-26 alone, we recognized 725 staff and research faculty for reaching service milestones and contributing to the success of CU �Ǹ�Թ�.

Many employees may not realize that Staff Council is the only campus group that formally recognizes years of service for staff and research faculty. Currently, individuals are recognized at every five-year milestone with a personalized certificate signed by the Chancellor and a letter of appreciation from the Staff Council Tri-Chairs. Beginning at 15 years of service, recipients also receive an Amazon gift card, with the value increasing every five years, from $25 at 15 years of service to $150 for those with 35 or more years of service.

We know that meaningful recognition can have a positive impact on employee engagement, connection, and sense of value at work. As we evaluate our years of service recognition program, we want to ensure that the recognition we provide is meaningful and reflective of what staff and research faculty truly value.

Because Staff Council administers this program independently, we are limited in the types of recognition we can provide. While we continue to advocate for equitable compensation and benefits for staff and research faculty, we are not authorized to provide additional compensation beyond the recognition program itself. However, we are interested in learning what forms of recognition would feel most meaningful and impactful to you.

We invite all CU �Ǹ�Թ� staff and research faculty to share their feedback through our Years of Service Recognition Survey by October 1. Your input will help guide future enhancements to the program and ensure we are recognizing our colleagues in ways that better reflect their contributions to our campus community.

Thank you for helping us shape a recognition program that celebrates the dedication and impact of CU �Ǹ�Թ� staff and research faculty.

The Staff Council Awards, Service, and Recognition (ASR) Committee is proud to recognize CU �Ǹ�Թ� staff and research faculty for their years of dedicated service to our campus community.

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ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:51:35 +0000

ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:51

The Experience and Elections (ExEL) Committee is excited to begin another year of supporting Staff Council, overseeing our elections, and strengthening member engagement and representation.

The ExEL Committee is responsible for organizing and convening the elections of Staff Council representatives, delegates, and officers. The committee also manages updates to the Staff Council Bylaws, Elections Code, and Standing Rules to help ensure our governing documents remain clear, current, and effective. In addition, ExEL develops materials and processes that support internal membership development, enhance member experiences, and promote engagement within Staff Council.

This committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visitors across the CU �Ǹ�Թ� community are welcome.

Over the coming months, this committee will establish its priorities for the year. One key focus will be to reassess representation areas for voting purposes to ensure they continue to reflect our staff community and organizational structure. We will also continue our work to codify practices for various election situations, to create greater consistency, transparency, and clarity in election processes.

We look forward to a productive year and invite staff to follow our progress, share perspectives, and join us in supporting an engaged and representative Staff Council.

Do you have questions or are you interested in learning more? Contact the ExEl Committee Co-Chairs:
Ginnie.Hershbarger@colorado.edu
Michael.D.Williamson@colorado.edu

The Experience and Elections (ExEL) Committee is excited to begin another year of supporting Staff Council, overseeing our elections, and strengthening member engagement and representation.

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Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy

Gena Welk — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:39:30 +0000

Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy Gena Welk Mon, 09/14/2026 - 19:39

The Research Faculty Special Committee is excited to begin a new year of connecting with and advocating for Research Faculty across CU �Ǹ�Թ�. As Staff Council continues its work to represent and support our diverse campus community, this committee looks forward to strengthening communication, increasing engagement, and ensuring Research Faculty perspectives are heard and understood.

This committee serves as a bridge between Staff Council and Research Faculty by enhancing outreach and education efforts about Staff Council initiatives and opportunities. A key part of this work is helping Research Faculty understand how Staff Council efforts affect Research Faculty constituents and helping to make council activities more accessible and relevant to the Research Faculty community.

To encourage conversation and connection, the Research Faculty Special Committee hosts monthly drop-in office hours on the first Monday of each month from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Research Faculty and other members of the CU �Ǹ�Թ� community are welcome to join, ask questions, share feedback, or learn more about the committee's work.

Drop-In Office Hours Zoom Link:
https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/92776122702?from=addon

Over the coming months, this committee will be establishing its priorities for the year, including identifying the most effective ways to connect with and engage Research Faculty across campus. We recognize that Research Faculty work in a variety of departments, centers, and institutes, and we welcome ideas on how Staff Council can best communicate with and support these individuals. If you have suggestions for outreach strategies, engagement opportunities, or topics the committee should explore, we encourage you to contact the committee co-chairs via email.

Questions, ideas, or interested in learning more? Contact the Research Faculty Special Committee Co-Chairs:
Ginnie.Hershbarger@colorado.edu
Kate.Cochran@colorado.edu

The Research Faculty Special Committee is excited to begin a new year of connecting with and advocating for Research Faculty across CU �Ǹ�Թ�.

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Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library

Eryn Van Poole — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:28:35 +0000

Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library Eryn Van Poole Mon, 09/14/2026 - 09:28

CU �Ǹ�Թ�’s Staff Council recently held its annual summer retreat and amongst all the planning for the year, the retreat featured an exciting addition to the agenda – a ribbon cutting to launch an on-campus Little Free Library. Organized by Staff Council’s Belonging, Equity, Accessibility and Mattering (BEAM) Committee, the library offers books centered on diversity, equity and inclusion for all ages, with a current focus on LGBTQIA+ experiences. The library provides interested readers with opportunities to extend their knowledge and perspectives through on-going book sharing across the campus community. The Little Free Library is designed to be mobile with the hope that buildings and offices across campus will host the library indoors at their location throughout the year.

Launching this month at the ARCE building on East Campus, Staff Council is excited to see where the little library can roam. Please check the Staff Council website for the library’s current location. Staff Council would like to add special thanks to Scott Cusack, Professional Research Assistant in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, for his help with the construction of the library.

If you are interested in hosting the Little Free Library in your building, please reach out to: staffcouncil@colorado.edu

Staff Council is excited to launch the first ever Little Free Library on campus.

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Tri-Chair Letter - June 2026

Eryn Van Poole — Wed, 27 May 2026 21:58:17 +0000

Tri-Chair Letter - June 2026 Eryn Van Poole Wed, 05/27/2026 - 15:58

Hello Staff and Research Faculty, 

We hope your summer is off to a great start following a successful Spring semester.

We want to acknowledge your hard work in moving the university through another academic year. We also want to highlight some of the ways that Staff Council is representing you in campus-wide initiatives and hiring committees.

The Tri-Chairs are greatly appreciative of campus leadership, who have ensured shared governance is included in these committees and processes, as well as the Staff Council members who have taken on additional responsibilities by serving on these hiring and strategic committees.

Here are a few of the committees we have been invited to serve on:

AI Strategic Steering Committee (representative: Jonathan Marenus), which “assists with the creation of resources and guidance to campus users as well as the formation of an AI community of practice.”

Signature Event Working Group – MLK Convocation (representative: Leah McDaniel Parvez), which advises on programmatic content and goal setting for the annual Convocation event.

Space Management Task Force (representative: Jessica Sandoval), which is tasked with “update[ing] our space guidelines, policies, and infrastructure to support effective use of space on the �Ǹ�Թ� campus.”

Campus Shared Values Authoring Committee (representative: Crystal Cyr), which is “charged with developing a draft set of campus values and definitions that are inclusive, actionable and grounded in community input.”

VC Communications, Marketing, and Social Media search committee (representative: Christopher Mellott). The Tri-Chairs also participated in shared governance interviews for the finalist candidates.

VC Information Technology search committee (representative: Jessica Sandoval)

These invitations to serve demonstrate how we have strengthened our partnerships across campus, and we look forward to continuing and expanding our service next year.

Finally, as Staff Council’s year ends, we want to give a huge thank you to all of the Staff Council representatives and officers who are rolling off at the end of June. This year has been full of advocacy, partnerships, and employee recognition (check out the Committee accomplishments article). Thank you for your service and dedication to the employee experience here at CU �Ǹ�Թ�!

We wish everyone a rejuvenating summer, and we’ll see you in the fall!

We want to highlight some of the ways that Staff Council is representing you in campus-wide initiatives and hiring committees.

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2025-2026 Staff Council Committee Accomplishments

Eryn Van Poole — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:26:48 +0000

2025-2026 Staff Council Committee Accomplishments Eryn Van Poole Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:26

Awards and Staff Recognition Committee (ASR)

The Awards and Staff Recognition Committee of Staff Council honored 1,003 CU �Ǹ�Թ� university staff, classified staff, professional research assistants, and research associates for their milestone years of service. The committee also recognized the four Chancellor’s Employees of the Year and the two University of Colorado Staff Council Staff Excellence Award recipients with gift bags. In addition, 18 Brightest Buff Awards were presented.

Committee for Belonging, Equity, Accessibility and Mattering (BEAM)

🌈 1. Advancing the Resolution Supporting Transgender, Intersex & Non‑Binary Employees 

Main accomplishment: BEAM ensured ongoing follow‑through and implementation of the Staff Council–adopted resolution titled “Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, and Non‑Binary Community.” 

Originally presented to Staff Council on April 16, 2025 
Co‑authored by Kathleen Stutzman and Rose Smith 
Now moving into implementation with campus leadership

Project management leadership: Carla Anthony (Assistant Vice Chancellor for Employee Relations, Compliance & Performance Management) is coordinating four sub‑working groups: 

Name Change Working Group
- Advising the ongoing OIT-led project to improve the name change process across campus. 
Training Working Group
- Working to ensure campus-wide professional development trainings are welcoming to all. 
Insurance Benefits Working Group
- Working with the CU Systems Benefits Office to ensure our health insurance is serving our community effectively and equitably.  
Data Privacy Working Group
- Working with Athletics and OIT to ensure data collected through CU platforms is being collected and used responsibly.

 📚 2. Launching the Little Free Library (LFL) 

This year, BEAM will launch the first Little Free Library on the CU �Ǹ�Թ� campus, filling a major gap in accessible LFL locations in the area.  We will start the LFL off with books that celebrate and affirm our LGBTQIA+, transgender, intersex, and non‑binary communities. A ribbon‑cutting is planned for the inaugural location.

🧭 3. Mentorship Project Progress 

We continued development of the Staff Council Mentorship Project, originally created to strengthen connection and support among council members .

Blood Drive and Community Service Committee

Through our 4 blood drives hosted in partnership with Vitalant over the academic year, we welcomed an impressive 194 first-time blood donors. The university collected an average of 52 units per day across the four drives, contributing to an impressive 619 units of red cell and whole blood donations. When including plasma and additional red cell units, the total climbed to 654 units for the academic year.

Thanks to the CU �Ǹ�Թ� community’s involvement in these blood drives, 1,962 individuals in �Ǹ�Թ� County will receive the lifesaving blood products they need. The ripple effect of these drives is lives changed, families supported, and hope restored.

In recognition of these efforts, CU �Ǹ�Թ� received Vitalant’s Leadership in Giving Award, which members of the Blood Drive & Community Service Committee accepted on behalf of the university on Wednesday, April 29.

In addition to 4 successful blood drives, the Blood Drive & Community Service committee hosted a fall coat drive where we collected 220 coats that were sent out into the community through Coats for Colorado and Streetscape.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the incredible contributions from students, staff, faculty, and the CU �Ǹ�Թ� community.

Communications Committee

The Communications Committee published four newsletters this year, with each newsletter sent out to over 6300 people. Each newsletter typically included over 25 articles. Newsletters on average received 1,440 total clicks and 212 survey responses.

Through dedicated partnership with committees, we revitalized the Staff Council website by meeting with groups individually and hosting breakout sessions at full council meetings. In total, 52 representatives across eight committees collaborated to modernize and elevate content that had remained largely unchanged for a number of years.

The Communications Committee also reached out to other Staff Council committees to find ways to support events. One example of an event we supported was Take Your Kids to Work Day. We publicized the activity on the Event Calendar and also posted details on the Staff Council website.

Experience and Elections Committee (ExEl)

This year marked an exciting evolution for this committee, as we expanded the committee's traditional focus on elections to take on a broader role in shaping the experience of Staff Council representatives. This shift created new opportunities to build community, strengthen institutional knowledge, and enhance the effectiveness of Staff Council.

One of the highlights was working with Rose Smith, Staff Council representative, BEAM Co-Chair and Observatory Manager at Sommers-Bausch Observatory, to host an event for Staff Council representatives and their families. Rose and her team welcomed us and shared deep knowledge of the observatory's work, operations and teaching activities, and gave us a glimpse of incredible objects in space.

The committee initiated important efforts towards improving continuity and transparency by working to document election-related processes not currently in the Elections Code. Additionally, the committee developed in-depth position descriptions for Staff Council officer roles. These provide greater clarity around expectations and responsibilities, and help to better prepare candidates, support current officers and strengthen overall leadership effectiveness. We are excited to continue this work in years to come, and continue contributing to more consistent experiences, strong transitions from year to year and leadership development for the future of Staff Council.

Front Line Staff Committee

The Front Line Staff Committee had a productive and impactful year, partnering closely with Central HR to support Front Line Staff participation in the QuickStart program and ensure employees received the guidance and resources needed for success.

In addition, the committee provided support for language services initiatives and initiated discussions with the Office of the Provost regarding the expansion of language services at the campus level.

Outreach and Events Committee

This year, the Outreach and Events Committee successfully hosted Take Your Kids to Work Day, the Staff Appreciation Breakfast, and our newest Treat and Greet events. Thank you to all staff who participated and made these events fun places to mingle with coworkers! These events will be back next academic year after the summer break. Keep an eye on the Staff Council newsletters for how to sign your department up for Treat and Greet sessions.

Payroll, Benefits, Retirement and Legislative Committee (PBRL)

PBRL’s work this year centered on strengthening its strategic role, deepening partnerships, and advancing several major policy initiatives. The committee made meaningful progress toward redefining its identity by exploring a potential name and charge update. It advanced the staff sabbatical initiative through extensive benchmarking, multiple draft proposals, and collaboration with University of Colorado Staff Council (UCSC) for feedback. PBRL also built a stronger relationship with HR, sharing survey findings, advising on performance‑management improvements, and supporting the development of focus groups and change‑management strategies. The committee completed and analyzed the PBRL Staff Survey, using the results to inform HR discussions and identify themes around supervision and communication. Additional accomplishments included engaging with the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) on faculty–staff relations, monitoring policy impacts such as HB25‑1002, and raising the issue of Tuition Assistance Benefit gaps (particularly for CU on Coursera).

Research Faculty Special Committee

Monthly Office Hours: Launched in December, held monthly on the first Monday as a forum for Research Faculty to raise questions and concerns (e.g., career pathways, visa/funding impacts).
Newsletter Communications: Distributed two newsletters, improving communication and visibility of Staff Council resources, in partnership with Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC).
Campus Partnerships: Ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and connections supporting Research Faculty, including through meetings with HR and RIO personnel.
Advocacy in Campus Conversations: Representing Research Faculty in discussions on budgeting, time & labor changes, and policy/technology updates.
Campus Engagement: Participation in outreach events with focus on Research Faculty and their associated units.

Staff Council Committee Accomplishments for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

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Staff Council election results: Meet your new 2026 representatives

Eryn Van Poole — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:17:38 +0000

Staff Council election results: Meet your new 2026 representatives Eryn Van Poole Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:17

Staff Council is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 - 2027 CU �Ǹ�Թ� Staff Council elections, as well as announce our new officers. We are deeply grateful to all the candidates willing to take the time and make the effort to be involved!

If you were not elected or were unable to run but are still interested in volunteering your time with Staff Council, we encourage you to contact Staff Council directly. Any CU Staff, Research Associate, or Professional Research Assistant employee can participate and can benefit from networking opportunities, event volunteering, and professional development through committee work. No prior experience or specific time commitments are required.

Elected Representatives

The following representatives were elected by popular vote during our election cycle by you, the CU �Ǹ�Թ� Staff, Research Associates, and Professional Research Assistants. In the event that the top elected candidate is unwilling or unable to fulfill their duties, a runner-up (if available) is named in their place.

Area-specific

These are staff members elected by popular vote to represent a specific "area" of campus. If you are unsure what area your position is covered by, visit our Area Breakdowns page or our Representatives page.

Area 1: Lauren Way
Area 2: Marysia Lopez
Area 3: Amy Drury
Area 4: Claude Masson
Area 5: Megan Varra
Area 6: Leah McDaniel Parvez
Area 7: Vacant - please reach out if you are in Area 7 and interested in being a representative!
Area 8: Alexa Holland-Plum
Area 9: Sarah Seibold

Elected At-Large

Elected At-Large representatives are staff members elected by popular vote to serve the entire CU �Ǹ�Թ� campus, rather than a specific area.

Charles Ferrer
Jessi Follett
Janelle Henderson
Alexis McClain

Appointed Representatives (At-Large)

These are staff members appointed by the Staff Council Experience and Elections committee to serve as representatives for a 1-year term. Appointed representatives are selected by current Staff Council representatives from candidates who were not elected in the initial area/campus popular votes.

Alisha Stewart
Carly Pruiett
Christopher Mellott
Jan Owens
Nicole Morris
Yasmine Ortuno

Officers

Officers are nominated and elected by CU �Ǹ�Թ� Staff Council representatives after the general elections are complete. The majority of these positions are 1-year terms.

Tri-Chairs

Leah McDaniel Parvez, continuing a 2-Year Term
Lauren Way, 2-Year Term
Chris Marelli, 1-Year Term

Co Vice-Chairs

Christopher Mellott
Clara Smith

Treasurer

Kathy Stutzman

Secretary

Cameron Brooks

Parliamentarian

Jonathan Marenus

UCSC Elected Delegates

Megan Varra
Alisha Stewart
Yasmine Ortuño
Alternate: Jessica Sandoval

Staff Council is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 - 2027 CU �Ǹ�Թ� Staff Council elections, as well as announce our new officers.

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Staff Council History - Celebrating 64 Years of service

Eryn Van Poole — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:04:11 +0000

Staff Council History - Celebrating 64 Years of service Eryn Van Poole Tue, 05/26/2026 - 13:04

The Article was originally shared in 2013

The �Ǹ�Թ� Campus Staff Council (BCSC) hosted a reunion of past and current members on April 18 to celebrate 50 years of service. Margaret Kneebone had the distinction of having the earliest service date, starting at CU in 1969 and beginning her service on Staff Council a few years later. She served on council one elected year and 26 additional years in a non-elected support role. Later in her career, she was honored as an honorary lifetime member of staff council.

What began as a celebration evolved into an educational session where current Staff Council members could learn from their predecessors’ experience. In addition to Ms. Kneebone, 27 other past members attended the reunion where they shared numerous and inspiring experiences and memories. Some recounted memories of rallies held to expand staff rights, while others talked about Staff Council’s role in educating staff on how to contact legislators and advocate for themselves. Everyone reminisced about the pride they felt regarding the accomplishments during their time serving staff.

What type of person volunteers to serve on Staff Council?

This past year, �Ǹ�Թ� Campus Staff Council officers were invited to participate in a research project regarding shared governance. As it turns out, many different types of employees chose to serve. The research showed that no defined length of service, type of occupation or gender predetermines a council member. Rather, the defining quality is desire to make a difference on the campus via researching and contributing ideas that can improve work life and streamline work processes. Staff Council members have different backgrounds, experiences and talents. What has brought them together is the common goal to use these talents to ensure the university continues to grow and evolve, and that staff positions also continue to grow and evolve.

Was it worth adding the role of council member on top of regular work duties?

The 28 past council members said “yes” over and over again as they shared their experiences and the bonds they formed with their fellow Staff Council members. As current members listened to the experiences, it felt like a family reunion where the older generations told of the good ‘old days, with a slight hint of hyperbole to get the next generation to wish they had been there. Staff Council is currently developing a pamphlet with a timeline of the first 50 years of accomplishments and hopes to have this ready for issue in the fall of 2013.

Highlights from the University of Colorado Staff Council’s first decade:

Staff Advisory Council’s (SAC) only statutory authority was as an advocacy group for staff. To effect change it needed to influence administration regarding the issue being discussed. Some early accomplishments involved:

updating the personnel manual;
reviewing benefits within an overall budget and recommending changes based upon staff surveys;
researching of compensation within comparable universities and advocating for increases to both administration and the legislature;
joining CU Presidential Search Committees;
serving as delegates within campus committees and further expanding the voice of staff, and;
representing staff at Board of Regent meetings.

SAC’s advocacy added another voice along with the student and faculty councils that were already in place. Staff were a critical, and until this time overlooked, voice.

In 1962, the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) was created and authorized by the Board of Regents to represent the staff of the University of Colorado’s �Ǹ�Թ� campus. The primary purpose was to improve productivity by alleviating the frustrations due to cumbersome bureaucracy, gathering ideas for streamlining processes, eliminating inefficiencies and being the conduit for improved communication between the staff and administration. The goal was to improve morale by allowing staff to have a voice within the administration. The secondary purpose was to review the personnel manual and to recommend changes regarding general policies and benefits to the personnel department.

SAC stabilized through the 60s, transitioning from the founders to newly elected members, updating and enforcing bylaws in order to remain a strong advocacy group. Other campuses formed similar staff councils but ran their resolutions through the �Ǹ�Թ� SAC until the Board of Regents formed the CU System Council in 1972. At that time the University of Colorado Denver, what is now the Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Colorado Colorado Springs requested their staff councils become autonomous from the �Ǹ�Թ� campus Advisory Council. The campus staff councils formed a committee to recommend guidelines and implementation and the result is the current system-wide organization. Each campus council, in addition to the System Council, elects three representatives to the University of Colorado Staff Council (UCSC). This 15-member council reports to the Board of Regents and works with the University of Colorado System’s Human Resources Department.

After 50 years, how does �Ǹ�Թ� Campus Staff Council represent staff today?

By serving as a viable communication conduit between staff and administration. BCSC surveys provide representatives with valuable insights that are shared within campus ad hoc issue committees, Chancellor’s Executive Cabinet, State-wide Liaison Council and more. Because of the increased speed of business, there is now an increased need for quick but informed decision-making by administration. Throughout the year, BCSC reps that are serving as staff delegates on committees are asked to provide insight on how staff might react to a campus committee decision.
By staying informed on shared governance issues impacting the campus. Being informed takes research and training. As needed, speakers are invited to monthly meetings to keep the council up-to-speed. Council members are encouraged to broaden their perspective to the campus and System level, while representing their geographic area on campus.
By enhancing campus morale through hosting annual staff appreciation events such as the Fall Welcome, Winter Breakfast, Spring Luncheon and Years of Service recognition.
By hosting or lending support to events that promote the personal and professional development of staff such as the Bullying in the Workplace workshops, diversity events, Women in Leadership events, healthy workplace fairs and more.
By advocacy for issues that affect staff. This advocacy includes supporting the continuance of the University Benefits Advisory Board (UBAB), lobbying to improve the tuition benefit, stressing the importance of supervisor training and review to make sure evaluations are consistent with CU goals and advocating to allow �Ǹ�Թ� campus employees to purchase equipment at auctions.
By writing articles to keep staff informed regarding what BCSC is working on to support them, and also articles to recognize the staff accomplishments.

You do not need to be elected to the �Ǹ�Թ� Campus Staff Council to serve on our committees! Please check out our website if you are interested in our work. www.colorado.edu/staffcouncil or send an email to scouncil@colorado.edu.

The Article was originally shared in 2013 regarding the �Ǹ�Թ� Campus Staff Council (BCSC) hosting a reunion of past and current members on April 18 to celebrate 50 years of service.

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Staff Council Elections Are Open! Make Your Voice Heard!

ancr9609 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:42:34 +0000

Staff Council Elections Are Open! Make Your Voice Heard! ancr9609 Tue, 03/03/2026 - 14:42

Staff Council elections are underway, and we encourage all Research Faculty to take a moment to participate by voting for at-large representatives.

While there are no elections specific to Area 10 (Research Faculty) this year, the at-large representatives play an important role in shaping Staff Council priorities and advocating for issues across campus that affect you. Your vote helps ensure that Research Faculty perspectives are represented in Staff Council.

Voting is open through March 27. You should have received a unique voting link via email. If you have not received the email or are having trouble accessing your ballot, please contact staffcouncil@colorado.edu for assistance.

Taking part in the election is a simple but meaningful way to support shared governance at CU. Thank you for lending your voice!

Staff Council elections are underway, and we encourage all Research Faculty to take a moment to participate by voting for at-large representatives.

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Be represented.

Letter from our New Chairs

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Your Service Matters: Tell us How We Should Recognize It

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ExEL Committee Kicks Off an Exciting Year

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Research Faculty Special Committee Looks Ahead to a New Year of Engagement and Advocacy

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Staff Council Launches Mobile Little Free Library

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Tri-Chair Letter - June 2026

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2025-2026 Staff Council Committee Accomplishments

Awards and Staff Recognition Committee (ASR)

Committee for Belonging, Equity, Accessibility and Mattering (BEAM)

🌈 1. Advancing the Resolution Supporting Transgender, Intersex & Non‑Binary Employees

📚 2. Launching the Little Free Library (LFL)

🧭 3. Mentorship Project Progress

Blood Drive and Community Service Committee

Communications Committee

Experience and Elections Committee (ExEl)

Front Line Staff Committee

Outreach and Events Committee

Payroll, Benefits, Retirement and Legislative Committee (PBRL)

Research Faculty Special Committee

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Staff Council election results: Meet your new 2026 representatives

Elected Representatives

Area-specific

Elected At-Large

Appointed Representatives (At-Large)

Officers

Tri-Chairs

Co Vice-Chairs

Treasurer

Secretary

Parliamentarian

UCSC Elected Delegates

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Staff Council History - Celebrating 64 Years of service

The Article was originally shared in 2013

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Staff Council Elections Are Open! Make Your Voice Heard!

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🌈 1. Advancing the Resolution Supporting Transgender, Intersex & Non‑Binary Employees 

 📚 2. Launching the Little Free Library (LFL) 

🧭 3. Mentorship Project Progress 