Staff Council FAQs
Staff Council FAQs
How big is the WPI Staff Council?
The Staff Council will be comprised of 18 members; 14 elected by the community and 4 appointed members, with the goal of equitable representation across departments, employee classes, and demographics. Each member represents all eligible staff. Appointed members will be approved by majority vote of Staff Council.
How long do Staff Council members serve?
How will the WPI Staff Council represent the staff?
How will the WPI Staff Council be organized?
The Staff Council will be led by a chair, vice-chair, treasurer, communication and public relations officer and a secretary. Members may serve on internal committees. These committees may include, but are not limited to:
· Talent & Inclusion: Policies and Equity
· Community Engagement: Town Halls, Tabling, and Small Milestone Celebrations
· Professional Development and Training
· University Issues and Policies
What will Staff Council members do?
The Staff Council will work with senior leadership in Talent & Inclusion and will also collaborate with several groups or committees on campus led by T&I (e.g., the Fringe Benefits Committee). In the Administrative Policy Group, the Staff Council will be represented by two of its members. One member will serve in the Joint Coordinating Council and at Board of Trustees meetings, as deemed appropriate. As topics relevant to their areas of oversight/responsibility arise, the Staff Council may also maintain a regular cadence of meetings with the president and other campus senior leaders.
What if I am nominated and prefer not to join the Staff Council?
Why should I consider serving on the Staff Council?
Serving on the Staff Council has professional and personal benefits. Members will develop leadership, organization, and communication skills while collaborating with colleagues from various divisions, departments, and offices. Members will learn about important issues affecting the university and its employees and help make recommendations for specific improvements. As they become advocates for WPI staff, they'll help drive change in areas important to the employee experience at WPI.
How can I stay informed and engaged with Staff Council initiatives even if I don’t serve?
The Staff Council will have a webpage and regular correspondence to reach staff constituents. Through the website and other communication avenues, the Staff Council will effectively collect and disseminate valuable information, documents and publish meeting minutes, and increase awareness of initiatives.
Who is not able to serve on the Staff Council?
There are a few set parameters to ensure the success of the Staff Council and to be sure the university meets its priority to have well-represented and inclusive participation in the selection and appointment process. To help promote equal representation and encourage broader perspectives and input, union members (as they have voting rights or representation by means of another university group), faculty, and members of the President’s Cabinet are not eligible to vote or to serve on the Staff Council.
Does the Staff Council create policies for staff?
Why are there two appointments on the staff council for each election?
I understand that the Staff Council approves of appointees by majority vote but who recommends the appointees?
University leadership and Talent & Inclusion may provide input as to possible appointees. The Staff Council may approach nominees who were not elected or may identify others outside the election process entirely. The Staff Council's approach may vary, depending upon the current composition of the council. Appointed members will be approved by majority vote of Staff Council.
Can any campus members participate in standing/ad-hoc committees or only eligible campus members as defined by the Staff Council Bylaws and Constitution?
What will be the mechanisms or formal methods for employees to bring issues or concerns to the Staff Council to discuss?
The Staff Council is currently working to create a mechanism for staff to submit concerns. Until a process is in place, please email the Staff Council at staffcouncil@wpi.edu.