Kent State University Launches Staff Council
Plans for a new employee relations program are being developed here at Kent State. The Kent State University Staff Council (KSU-SC) provides a formal framework for classified and unclassified staff to share ideas, information, and communicate on issues and topics that affect staff and the broader University community. KSU-SC will serve as an advisory body to the President of Kent State University and the President’s Cabinet. The Staff Council is not intended to negotiate any subject that relates to wages, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment.
KSU-SC provides a formal framework for classified and unclassified staff to share ideas and information and communicate on issues and topics that affect staff and the broader University community. KSU-SC will serve as an advisory body to the President of Kent State University and the President’s Cabinet. The Staff Council is not intended to be a forum for purposes of negotiating or dealing with any subject that relates to wages, benefits or other terms and conditions of employment.
The University Cabinet recently approved the adoption of a Staff Council process. This is intended as a way for classified and unclassified staff to engage in information-sharing and advice with the senior administration. Among other things, the Staff Council will act as a forum for the expression of questions, concerns and suggestions – and as a formal means for discussion of related issues.
The deadline to apply for membership is Fri., Dec. 20, 2019. To apply, please visit the website at www.kent.edu/staff-council and click on the application link.
Introduction
The establishment of a Staff Council aligns with the university’s strategic road map, ULI 2.3. or to” Implement a “Great Place Initiative” that prioritizes attention to the diverse human element of the university.” It is intended to be congruent with initiatives being developed as a result of the 2016 Climate Study, particularly as it relates to communications between employees and managers/supervisors.
KSU-SC provides classified and unclassified Kent State employees with opportunities to impact KSU workplace culture and support the goal of making Kent State University a great place to work. Employees impact on their workplace can manifest itself in the following ways:
- Providing employees with additional opportunities to connect with the University’s mission, vision and Strategic Road Map.
- Providing employees with opportunities to gain knowledge and develop professional skills which can enhance their ability to contribute to the success of the University.
- Providing employees enhanced opportunities to innovate and collaborate to accomplish positive outcomes for the University and the University community.
- Acknowledging and recognizing our employees’ outstanding work and unique contributions.
- Creating an atmosphere of empowerment, developing leaders and creating a bridge between employees.
Mission of the Kent State University - Staff Council
The Kent State University Staff Council (KSU-SC) provides a formal framework for classified and unclassified staff to share ideas, information, and communicate on issues and topics that affect staff and the broader University community. KSU-SC will serve as an advisory body to the President of Kent State University and the President’s Cabinet. Visit the Staff Council Website.
Purpose of the Kent State University - Staff Council
The Kent State University Staff Council accepts the responsibility and challenge of taking its place alongside faculty, administrators and students in working toward a better University community. Through collaboration, the Kent State University Staff Council will enable the administration to establish better channels of communication and to draw upon the best ideas of Kent State staff and provide staff with leadership experience. To that end, the purposes of the Kent State University Staff Council are as follows:
- To serve as the advisory group for classified and unclassified staff, regardless of race, gender, and age
- To act in an advisory capacity to the University administration on existing and emerging policies, that affect staff and the broader university community
- To appoint and/or recommend staff representation to other University committees, as appropriate
- Promote communication and engagement among staff, University administration, Faculty Senate and Student Government
- To provide a forum for the exchange of information between staff and other University groups
- To foster a spirit of respect, dignity, unity, and cooperation among staff
- Provide staff with an effective way to ask questions, express concerns, and provide suggestions to the university administration
- To provide referrals for individual concerns and problems to appropriate University resources.
- To share the responsibility with the administration, students and the University community in attaining the goals in Kent State Strategic Roadmap.
Membership of the Kent State University - Staff Council
All full- and continuing part-time classified and unclassified staff from all campuses. Members must have at least two years of service and have received at least "meets expectations" on their most recent performance evaluation. Classified and unclassified staff in supervisory roles are limited to a managerial level of 6 or lower. When possible manager/supervisors should not serve on the Council at the same time as their direct reports.
The Kent State University Staff Council shall consist of the following members:
- Thirty (30) members from across the university system, with the goal of having representation from each division and Regional Campus when possible. Divisional representation shall be proportionate to the number of eligible staff within each division. Regional Campus representation shall reflect the number of full-time equivalency employees for each Regional Campus. Assignment of membership between the various University divisions and campuses shall be re-evaluated every two years. The Executive Committee shall determine the proportions and present to the Council as a whole for approval. No more than 5 of the 30 members shall be made up of continuing part-time staff.
- Each Council member shall have an alternate.
- The Council will include two liaisons appointed by the President’s Office. The liaisons, one from the Division of Finance and Administration and one from the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will serve in an administrative designee role. The President liaisons shall not have the right to vote.
- A call for new members and alternates shall be conducted annually at the end of the outgoing session and prior to the election of Executive Committee. The Vice President and Deans lacking representation on the current Staff Council will be formally notified of such by the Council Chair. This allows the opportunity to encourage candidates from those areas to run for election.
Term of Office of the Kent State University - Staff Council
- Members and Alternates shall serve two years. Terms shall begin on June 1 and end on May 31.
- In the first year of Council, half the membership will serve a (2)-year term and the other half a (3)-year term.
- Members and alternates shall be elected by Council members. The election of Council members shall be made using either a paper or electronic ballot (i.e. remotely). Should there be more applicants running for office than open seats in Council for the following year, the applicant(s) with the greatest number of votes will become a Member. In the event of a tie, a coin will be flipped by the Council Chair.
- A Member may be appointed to serve no more than two consecutive terms and shall have full voting privileges.
Appointments and Elections of the Kent State University - Staff Council
- Supervisors, Vice Presidents, and Deans of the University will be notified and must approve participation of the members and alternates elected as indicated in Article IV (Membership). Notification of election to Council will provide general guidelines such as meeting times, committee structure, and other relevant information to indicate employee commitment. Employees attending pre-scheduled Council meeting will be considered performing university business.
- Elections of officers within the Kent State University Staff Council shall be conducted in accordance with the Kent State University Staff Council Operating Regulations.
- Appointment of Standing Committee chairs shall be conducted in accordance with the KSU Staff Council Operating Regulations.
The deadline to apply for membership is Fri., Dec. 20, 2019. To apply, please visit the website at www.kent.edu/staff-council and click on the application link. Email questions to staffcouncil@kent.edu.
Kent State Geauga Geology Professor Makes Observations at Welton’s Gorge
Kent State Geauga Associate Professor of Geology, Dr. Sue Clement, has conducted observations in the bedrock of Welton’s Gorge in Geauga County that may change assumptions about the geological age of this region of Ohio. Dr. Clement also discovered a 300-million-year-old, 10-foot Sigillaria tree fossil preserved in the gorge’s sandstone. Learn more.
College of Podiatric Medicine Adjunct Professor Awarded for Poster at Fall Conference
Windy Cole, DPM, adjunct professor and director of Wound Care at the College of Podiatric Medicine, recently received an award for a poster at the fall meeting for the Symposium of Advanced Wound Care in Las Vegas. Read the full story.
Gattozzi named co-chair of Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee
The Greater Akron Chamber today named Nick Gattozzi, Kent State University’s Executive Director for Government and Community Advocacy, as co-chair of its Government Affairs Committee.
The Government Affairs Committee advises and informs the chamber board and its members on community and legislative issues and provides opportunities for interaction with elected officials, candidates and government representatives. The committee creates and recommends policy and legislative changes and advocates those positions on behalf of the regional chamber’s membership.
In his role at Kent State, Gattozzi oversees the university’s governmental and community engagement at the federal, state and local levels and guides legislative policy creation and advocacy on behalf of the eight-campus university system.
Women’s Success Series Announces 2019-20 Speakers
Three professional, inspiring, and exceptionally driven women are being featured during the 2019-20 Women’s Success Series at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. Learn more.
Kent State Participates in Annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
For the third consecutive year, Kent State University is participating in the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, an annual program that draws attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness with a series of educational, service, fundraising and advocacy events.
Kent State events are sponsored by various offices across campus, and include a winter coat and clothing drive, food drives, a Can Sculpture competition, a volunteer Day of Service, a documentary screening on the movie “This is Hunger,” and a discussion about hunger and homelessness throughout the Kent State community. Learn more.
Sign Up Now for Your Electronic W2
If you have not already elected to receive your W2 electronically, please consider doing so prior to Jan. 15, 2020.
Consider the following about receiving your W2 electronically:
1. Earlier access, employees will not have to wait for it to be delivered in the mail.
2. The electronic copy only shows the last 4 digits of your SSN (unless specific steps are taken to print all 9 digits).
3. Employee’s sensitive personal information will not be sent through the mail.
4. Natural resources are saved by not printing the forms.
5. University cost savings by not printing and mailing the forms.
Employees who wish to take advantage of this opportunity are required by federal regulations to give their consent. This can be done online any time.
To sign up follow these instructions:
• Log into FlashLine
• Go to the Employee Dashboard
• Look for the Top Employee Resources
• Once select Tax Forms
• Then select Electronic W-2 and 1095-C Consent
• Check the box indicating consent and then click Submit.
If you are a full-time benefit eligible employee, you may also consent to receive the form 1095-C electronically. This form, available in late February, is informational only and not required to file federal taxes.
If there is already a check mark in the box next to either of these forms, you have previously given consent and do not need to consent again. Anyone who does not elect to receive an electronic version by Wed., Jan. 15, 2020, will receive a printed W-2 that will be mailed to the address on record no later than Jan. 31.
Questions should be directed to the Payroll Department at 330-672-8640, or email payroll@kent.edu.
I-X Center Christmas Connection
Kick-off the Christmas shopping season Nov. 22 – 24, at the I-X Center in Cleveland. The biggest Christmas show in the Midwest will showcase more than 725 booths filled with unique gift ideas, crafts, specialty foods, home décor, jewelry and much more.
The weekend-long event, Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., will feature 140 new vendors to shop, complimentary gift wrapping and some of Cleveland’s most talented performers entertaining on two stages daily. $12 ticket. No service fees. Visit the IX Center Website. Use promo code Kent19.
An Evening with Mitch Landrieu
On Tues., Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., Kent State University will present “An Evening with Mitch Landrieu” at the Kent Student Center Ballroom.
A former New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu gained national prominence for his powerful decision to take down four Confederate monuments in New Orleans, which also earned him the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
In his New York Times best-selling book, “In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History,” Landrieu recounts his personal journey confronting racism, and tackles the broader history of slavery, race relations and institutional inequalities that still plague America.
This event is free and open to the public. A ticket is required for admission. For a free ticket and event information, please visit ksuevents.universitytickets.com.
Dates to Remember:
Nov. 28 & 29
Thanksgiving Holiday weekend (Campuses closed)