New Staff Council establishing direction

As chair of the new UNT Staff Council, I'd like to let you know who we are and what we've been up to during our first year.

As with any new organization, our first year has involved establishing an identity and a direction. You haven't seen many dramatic accomplishments, but much of the groundwork for the future success of the council is being laid. We will be distributing a survey to ascertain the issues on which to focus our attention.

If you are among our more than 1,500 staff members, you are represented by one of the 33 Staff Council members, each of whom represents about 50 constituents. This fall, your representative will communicate with you via e-mail. You may be asked to help with various university committees on which staff will now be represented along with faculty representatives. New staff members will receive a visit from a council member in their work category to be welcomed and informed about the council.

You will be able to pull up our web page this fall to view our meeting agendas and minutes. Perhaps you'll decide to attend one of our meetings.

At most major university events, you will see representatives from the council serving, assisting and representing you as staff leaders. You will see our pictures in several display cases throughout campus.

We are requesting more awards throughout the year for staff members, as well as larger monetary awards. You already have seen the staff challenge the faculty and students in the UNT blooddrives - and win both times.

As you read this, the election forms to vote for new members should be available. Please take this opportunity to vote within your work category. If you are not on this year's ballot, consider running next year. Get involved with your new, active Staff Council. Our goal is to make UNT a better place to serve students and to work.

Elisabeth Warren (warren@hsl.unt.edu) is director of housing and residence life and chair of the UNT Staff Council.

Other featured articles in this issue:

• UNT celebrates
• State senator to address graduates
• Professors use Texas Tobacco Lawsuit Settlement grant to design smoking prevention CD
• New design makes debut
• Employees recognized for generosity
• Nelson Hartman appointed
• Art professor earns fellowship at Yale Center
• Program encourages high school athletes
• UNT again named 'Best College Buy'
• Professor Ana Cleveland honored
• Faculty Senate sets meeting
• Fashion design students to show creations