I. Purpose and Objectives
The CAS Staff Council provides an ongoing and transparent platform for staff to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. The council focuses on addressing issues that impact both staff and the college, offering recommendations to the Dean on staff-related matters, and collaborating with faculty, students, and administration to support the overall success of CAS.
The council will review its goals and objectives annually to ensure they remain aligned with its purpose.
II. Membership and Attendance
The CAS Staff Council will consist of at least ten members, including volunteer staff from across the College of Arts and Sciences. We strive for representation from the following areas: Office Support, Business Support, Technical Support, Lab Support, and Advising/Outreach.
Eligibility: Any regular full- or part-time member of the CAS staff (Office Service and Managerial Professional) is eligible to join the council.
Membership Responsibilities: Council members will serve two-year terms, beginning July 1 each year. After completing a term, members must sit out for one year before being eligible to serve again. Each member is expected to actively participate and/or lead aspects/duties related to events and programming.
Attendance: Regular attendance at monthly meetings is expected. Absences may be excused if the CAS Staff Council President is notified in advance. Members who accumulate more than three consecutive unexcused absences or six total absences within a 12-month period may be removed from the council to ensure active participation.
III. Officers
The CAS Staff Council will have a President and Vice President, with each position serving a one-year term.
Officer Elections: At the end of the President’s term, the Vice President will automatically assume the President role. The Vice President will be elected by the council, with elections held each September to give new members time to acclimate. Candidates for Vice President must be first-year council members. New officers will begin their terms no later than the October meeting.
Officer Duties: The President will schedule and lead all council meetings (including sending out invites and zoom links). The Vice President will step in for the President as needed and assist with other tasks as directed by the President or the Council.
Collaborative Leadership: The President and Vice President will work closely together to ensure that the goals of the council are met. The Vice President will assist in setting the agenda and planning council activities and will step into the President’s role in their absence.
IV. Meetings
The CAS Staff Council will meet at least once per month, or more frequently if necessary.
Meeting Records: Minutes will be recorded at each meeting to document discussions and decisions. These minutes will be distributed to all members and made available to the CAS staff upon request.
V. Decision-Making Process
Decisions will be made by majority vote, with each council member having one vote. In the case of a tie, the President will cast the deciding vote.
VI. Engagement with the Dean and Other Groups
The council will engage with the Dean’s Office at least once a year to discuss staff-related matters. Additionally, the council will periodically collaborate with faculty, students, and administration to ensure alignment and support of CAS priorities.
VII. Communication and Transparency
The council will regularly update the CAS staff on its activities, including meeting summaries and any recommendations made to the Dean’s Office. These updates will be shared via email.
VIII. Conflict Resolution
In the event of a conflict within the council, members should attempt to resolve the issue through open dialogue. If necessary, the council may seek assistance from a neutral mediator or the Dean’s Office.
IX. Amendments
Any changes to these Rules of Order or Council Governance must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the council members.