What is Staff Council?
The Staff Council is an elected group of staff members who serve as representatives for the staff at PVAMU. The Staff Council acts as a channel of communication for the staff and the University Administration. The Staff Council keeps the President, and Administrative Staff advised of the needs and interests of the staff. The Staff Council strives to inform the staff about relevant issues at PVAMU. The Staff Council makes recommendations on specific institutional issues and on general grievance policies but does not act on individual grievance issues.
Authority and Purpose
The Staff Council may make recommendations on general grievance policies but does not act on individual grievance issues. The Staff Council may advise on specific institutional issues and otherwise act at the request of the President. The Staff Council has no authority to act outside the directives of these procedures. The Staff Council shall endeavor to keep staff members informed and, in turn, keep the President and administrative staff advised of the needs and interests of staff on issues and activities affecting them.
Staff Council Membership
The Staff Council representatives and alternates are elected in May every two years. Representatives serve a two-year term of office. They must be regular employees appointed one-half time or more for at least four and a half months and must have one year of continuous service with the University as of August 31st in the year elected. Eligible staff includes all employees with the exception of the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, Executive/Administrative Managerial personnel and members of the faculty. Classifications for representation are based on the Job Classification Categories (i. e. Professional (Non-Managerial, Non-Faculty), Clerical/Secretarial, Technical/Para-Professional, Skilled Crafts, Service/Maintenance). Faculty members are not eligible. Staff Council is divided into job classifications based on employee job titles.
How is Staff Council organized?
Officers are elected annually from the Staff Council representatives to serve one-year terms. The offices are Chair, Vice-Chair, Parliamentarian, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian. The Past Chair Serves as an advisor to the Staff Council and the Executive Committee for one year. Representatives interested in being nominated as officers are encouraged to contact one of the Staff Council members or officers prior to the May elections. Staff Council is made up of four Standing Committees plus Ad Hoc Committees appointed by the Executive Committee as needed. The committees and their responsibilities are:
- Executive Committee – composed of the officers and chairs of the Standing Committees.
- Communications – public relations, publicity, media liaison, and staff initiatives.
- Benefits – handles issues concerning staff benefits, makes recommendations, and refers items as necessary. The Director of Human Resources or delegate serves as an ex officio member.
- Staff Development – promotes staff training programs such as career and professional development, diversity training, and professional development. The Director of Human Resources or delegate serves as an ex-officio member.
- Outreach Committee – handles the service projects that offer PVAMU employees a volunteer opportunity.