Staff Newsletter

Staff Senate

Message from Outgoing President Jim Logue

As my term as Staff Senate President wraps up, I am gratified by the works of the Senate over the past year.  It was an interesting year to be sure, but as staff normally do, the Senate went about the business of keeping UW rolling along.  

If you judge the body by the volume of legislation we appear lackadaisical.  I contend, however, that the works of the Senate lie within our committees and much progress has been made.  We are proud sponsors of the Employee of the Quarter award as well as all the other awards presented at the Staff Recognition Day event.  Our holiday food drive was another success – we were able to assist eleven families this December with the generous donations we received from the UW community.  We also sent 40 pounds of treats to our National Guard unit in Bahrain as part of the effort.  I am heartened to see this level of support!  

The Senate has been active in monitoring and advocating the staff viewpoint in regards to compensation and benefits.  We are pleased with the establishment of the Employee Assistance Program and have voiced concern to all who will listen regarding salaries and performance assessments.  We are preparing legislation to solidify the Senate’s advisory role to the University President and have passed a resolution to investigate salary step increases for employee achievements in education, certifications, licensure and longevity.  Our Staff Relations Committee is hard at work on other matters of compensation, benefits, and employment practices – stay tuned!  

The rest of our standing committees keep the Senate running and provide valuable service to the University.  Now that the dust is settling in Old Main, I feel satisfied that the Senate has established a more open and honest line of communication with the administration and that can only benefit staff and the University as a whole.  Please consider serving on the Senate – I have found it to be an excellent means to contribute to the welfare of the staff and the University in general. As the first off-campus president, it was a special honor to be selected to represent staff to Old Main and the Board of Trustees and I hope I did so well.  Best of luck to President-Elect Rachel Stevens and the incoming senators this July!