Now entering its third full year as a governing body, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Staff Senate is working toward improving workplace culture and establishing more equitable policies across all staff classifications.
The Staff Senate formed following recommendations from an exploratory committee for staff governance established by the N2025 Strategic Plan. The first 57 senators were elected in November 2022 and met for the first time in January 2023. Senators are elected from eight districts and serve three-year terms.
In its 2024-25 mid-year progress report, the organization noted 16 accomplishments, including developing more staff development opportunities, aiding in the adoption of a motorized scooter policy to keep pedestrians safer, and adoption of several awards to recognize staff for excellent work and service to the university.
The top accomplishment in the report was the establishment of the Task Force on Workplace Culture and Engagement that aims make the university a preferred employer, and is an important step in retaining and attracting top talent, said Jordan Gonzales, president of Staff Senate.
We want staff to feel fulfilled by their work, and know that they’re making an impact on not only our students and the institution, but the state of Nebraska as whole.
“We've heard Chancellor Bennett say on multiple occasions that as an institution, we want to be an employer of choice, and we couldn't agree more,” Gonzales, senior director of alumni engagement at the Nebraska Alumni Association, said. “Gallup has several studies, and there is a wide body of evidence that the more positive the workplace culture and environment are, the more productive employees are, and they stay longer. We want staff to feel fulfilled by their work, and know that they’re making an impact on not only our students and the institution, but the state of Nebraska as whole.”
The task force has identified nine goals, which are the top priorities for the Staff Senate for the next two years:
- Enact a modern and equitable family medical leave policy
- Ensure competitive salary and benefits across all job classifications
- Implement a workplace harassment and bullying prevention policy
- Provide resources and support for staff mental health and well-being
- Establish a standardized and transparent promotional equity process
- Increase staff equity in leadership representation
- Increase staff recognition and awards
- Coordinate accessible professional development opportunities for staff
- Improve the talent management experience
Though the senate is still a relatively new group, Gonzales has been energized by the interactions senators have had with colleagues and with the support from administration.
“I really appreciate the dramatic increase in staff voices that have been represented at the decision-making table,” he said. “For example, for the first time in the institution’s 156-year history, Staff Senate has a presence at the Chancellor's leadership cabinet meetings. That was something that Staff Senate advocated for, and that, graciously, Chancellor Rodney Bennett was able to provide, and he frequently asks for our opinions. Not a whole lot of institutions have that relationship.”
Gonzales is also enthusiastic for the organization’s future, based on the current nominations process for the March election, and from the feedback received from across campus.
“We’ve had an incredible response to our call for nominations,” he said. “A lot of people have raised their hand and said, ‘yes, I’ll volunteer for that,’ and I think that’s really impressive.
“I think more staff are aware of the Staff Senate, they have seen our impact, and people want to be part of that positive momentum.”
Additionally, those who are interested in advancing the work of the Staff Senate, but aren’t elected, or can’t commit to a three-year term, have an opportunity to serve on one of the senate’s seven committees. University staff also are welcome to share ideas with the Staff Senate at any time. Aside from contacting your senator, ideas, questions and concerns can be shared through an online form.
The Staff Senate produces a quarterly newsletter, and staff can subscribe here. The next election will take place in March. Nominations are open until Feb. 14.
