Staff Council is an elected body created to “expand the voice of the staff in steering the university.” As noted in the first and second segments of this three-part series, staff from across the university elected the second cohort of members in July. The 18-member Council is in discussions with university leadership about a variety of staff issues, including work schedules and improving communication on matters that have a direct impact on staff.
To add your voice to ongoing discussions about WPI’s remote and flexible work policy and practices around summer work schedules, attend one of the upcoming staff listening sessions. Join in person on Tuesday, December 12 in Salisbury Labs 115 at 9 a.m. or via Zoom on Wednesday, December 13 at 1 p.m.
Below, three of the newest Staff Council members share in their own words why they got involved and what they hope to achieve.
Nicole Luiz, Energy & Sustainability Manager (Campus Planning & Facilities Management)
Why did you want to run for Staff Council?
I am a relatively new staff member at WPI, having started just a little over a year ago, and I want to become more engaged and help create positive change across campus. I am also a recent WPI alumnus (2018), so I am hoping that my perspective can aid the Council.
What are the top three things you hope the Council will be able to accomplish?
- I would like the Staff Council to help facilitate a positive work environment where we can highlight staff successes.
- I hope to help develop a strong foundation for the Staff Council, such that it can be successful long term.
- I want to ensure the Staff Council provides an equitable system for collecting, reviewing, and addressing staff concerns and suggestions.
How do you think WPI as a whole will benefit from having a Staff Council?
The staff make up a significant portion of the community and this Council will help ensure that the voices of staff are heard and considered in decision-making at WPI.
Kristin Marengo, Instructional Technologist (Office of Graduate Online & Professional Studies)
Why did you want to run for Staff Council?
I have been with WPI since 2005. In my time here, I have met some inspiring people who have molded my path and my career. Many of these people have been at WPI for a long time, but over the last few years staff retention has become an issue. I want to have an impact on discussions about employee retention, help make the voice of the staff members heard, and serve in a positive way to improve communication at all levels of the university.
What are the top three things you hope the Council will be able to accomplish?
- Bring staff concerns to Talent &Inclusion’s leadership and advocate for staff suggestions.
- Highlight staff opportunities and staff successes.
- Network with and create more engagement opportunities for staff.
How do you think WPI as a whole will benefit from having a Staff Council?
WPI is allowing the voice of the staff members to be heard and to bring the voice and concerns of the staff to the attention of the Board of Trustees, the president, and other leaders.
Elena Morganelli, Assistant Director (Admissions)
Why did you want to run for Staff Council?
I wanted to run for Staff Council to both get to know more members of the WPI community and represent newer members of the staff.
What are the top three things you hope the Council will be able to accomplish?
I hope that the Council will be able to increase campuswide communication, make sure everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions and ideas, and better the work-life balance.
How do you think WPI as a whole will benefit from having a Staff Council?
WPI will benefit from having a Staff Council because a streamlined method of communication between staff and the rest of campus will hopefully encourage staff to voice their ideas.
