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University Staff Senate
University Staff have the opportunity to participate in shaping decisions made by the governance groups and administration at UWRF, a privilege not afforded to University Staff on all Universities of Wisconsin System campuses. This privilege is made possible through the University Staff Senate (USS). Created in 2011, USS promotes ongoing education, professional development activities and communication between University Staff and the broader university community.
Senate members serve as advisers to the Chancellor and university administrators when campus decisions are being made. USS provides a forum for all University Staff (represented, non-represented, temporary and project appointment), encouraging interactions with members of the university community, including faculty, staff and students.
Membership
USS serves on behalf of all permanent represented and non-represented University Staff, temporary employees and project appointment employees at UWRF. All members of the represented and non-represented University Staff and recurring temporary employees are eligible for membership in USS.
There are nine elected University Staff Senators and elected members serve a three-year term beginning in June. Release time to participate in shared governance is granted by the chancellor.
Members and Term Expiration
- Michael Woolsey Chair, 2028
- Lesley Dame, Vice Chair, 2026
- Rachael Buckallew, Secretary, 2028
- Matthew Westby, Treasurer, 2027
- Kim Mariana, 2027
- Lisa Lee, 2026
- Ashley Wang, 2027
- Corey Raverty, 2028
- Jody Pederson, 2026
Calendar
All University Staff are invited to attend the meetings. Agenda items may be submitted to universitystaffsenate@uwrf.edu. View USS agendas and meeting materials.
All meetings are typically held on the second Thursday of the month. Meetings will be held virtually and in the Chippewa River Room of the University Center.
Executive Board
The Executive Board meets one week prior to the senate meeting. The executive members are the chair, vice-chair, treasurer and secretary of the USS. View the Standing Agenda.
Meetings occur on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., in UC 333 (Apple River Room).
Phone: 1-262-771-0470 (conference ID 924 627 335#)
Online: Join meeting
Most recent agendas and minutes
Agendas and minutes for older meetings are available on the shared T: drive (T:\Collaboration\University Staff Senate).
Committees
- Bylaws Committee
- Members: Kris Jones (chair), Helen Spasojevich
- Duties: Annually reviews USS bylaws and proposes changes to USS as necessary.
- Committee on Committees
- Members: Lesley Dame (chair), entire University Staff Senate
- Duties: Makes recommendations for university staff membership on standing committees and faculty/administrative committees
- Elections Committee
- Membership: vacant (chair), Lesley Dame, Greg Wertheimer
- Duties: Conduct university staff senate elections according to our bylaws
- Employee Development Committee
- Membership: Robert Rust (chair), Rachael Buckallew, Lisa Lee, Becky Pribnow
- Duties: To organize various activities for University Staff
- Impartial Hearing Officer Pool
- Membership: not disclosed
- Duties: The IHO Pool is made up of University Staff called upon to review grievances.
- Networking Luncheon Committee
- Membership: Lisa Lee (chair), Kris Jones
- Duties: plan and implement annual university staff networking luncheon
- Sally Margis Award
- Membership: Brian Montpetit (chair), Greg Wertheimer, Lisa Lee
- Duties: Solicit nominations and recommend award recipient
- Webpage
- Membership: Robert Rust, Lesley Dame
- Duties: maintain University Staff Senate website
Non-Senate Committees with University Staff representation
- Academic Plan Committee (Faculty Senate Ad-hoc)
- Membership: vacant (1 seat)
- Affirmative Action Advisory Committee (Faculty Senate)
- Membership: vacant (1 seat)
- Chancellor's Task Force on Inclusivity and Racism
- Membership: (HOLD) (1 seat)
- Co-Curricular Assessment Committee
- Membership: vacant (1 seat)
- Competition Review Committee
- Membership: Sally Bender (1 seat)
- Disability Advisory Committee (Faculty Senate)
- Membership: Lesley Dame
- Diversity and Inclusivity Committee (Faculty Senate)
- Membership: Becky Pribnow (1 seat)
- Land Acknowledgement Action Committee
- Membership: Becky Pribnow (1 seat)
- Performance Management Committee (Faculty Senate Ad-hoc)
- Membership: Kris Jones (2 seats)
- Representative to Academic Staff Council
- Membership: vacant (1 seat)
- Representative to Faculty Senate
- Membership: 1 senator
- Representative to Parking Appeals Committee
- Membership: Kris Jones (1 seat)
- Safety Committee
- Membership: Lisa Lee (1 seat)
- Strategic Plan Steering Committee (Faculty Senate Ad-hoc)
- Membership: Becky Pribnow (1 seat)
- Strategic Enrollment Steering Group (Admin Committee)
- Membership: vacant (1 seat)
- Student Conduct Hearing Board
- Membership: Sally Bender (1 seat)
- University Budget Advisory Committee (UBAC)
- Membership: Greg Wertheimer (2 seats)
Employee Development Grant
The purpose of the grant is to support participation in employee development opportunities that would have a direct impact on the enrichment and career satisfaction of University Staff.
Deadlines: October 15, February 15 and May 1. Complete the application.
Grants are awarded up to a maximum of $500 and should be used to cover career-related interest opportunities. Examples for use of the funding would be a Fred Pryor seminar, Skillpath, Goskills, ed2go, New Horizons, continuing education courses through CVTC or Northwoods, or other training of your choosing.
Applications must be submitted in paper format after all required signatures are obtained and must be received by Robert Rust (Chair of the University Staff Employee Development Committee) by 4:30 p.m. on the deadline. Hard copy applications can be delivered in person or via campus mail to Robert in 160 Davee Library. Applications that are not submitted following these directions will not be considered.
Deadlines to apply is 4:30 p.m. on the following dates throughout the year: October 15, February 15 and May 1.
Expense reimbursement must be completed on or before June 1 of the fiscal year, or within 90 days of actual expense occurrence, whichever comes first. Any person who does not submit expenses relative to the University Staff Employee Development Grant within these timelines runs the risk of not being reimbursed.
University Staff Handbook
The University Staff Handbook is Chapter VII of the Faculty and Staff Handbook. The online version is a pdf generated from the official document.