The University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 5-20
(Voting Units: All)
“University Senate in New Employee Orientation”
Presented by: Professional Staff Policy Committee
Bryant Weathers (A), Sean Brown (S), Joan Hoffman (A), Rachel Jones (S), Karen Siekas (S)
Background:
A survey of the Senate professional staff constituency in Spring 2019 indicated that only 5% of professional staff members know who their Senator is, 12% have brought an issue to their Senator’s attention, and 79% have never watched or attended a meeting. While 79% were aware the Senate represents them, most felt detached from the Senate and did not know if it represented their concerns. Professional staff members do not seem to fully understand the scope and importance of the Senate, though it represents them on a number of vital issues. This lack of understanding leads to disengagement and dissatisfaction among Senate constituents.
Proposal:
Beginning in January 2020, new employee orientation shall include a component informing new employees about the University Senate. This segment will include the scope, roles, and responsibilities of the University Senate as well as a path for contacting your Senator and getting involved in the Senate yourself. New employees will be provided examples of proposals and common issues that are regularly discussed by the University Senate. The exact contents will be agreed on by the University Senate Executive Committee and presented to the body for approval. The content should be delivered to Human Resources no later than November 2019.
Introduced to Senate: September 25, 2019