Who are “staff?”
Staff at UCA are all full-time, non-faculty employees and permanent, part-time non-faculty employees.
What is the University of Central Arkansas Staff Senate?
The UCA Staff Senate is a representative body composed of UCA staff members from various administrative divisions. Its purpose is to provide a forum to allow the non-faculty employees of the university an opportunity to participate constructively in the efforts to promote university progress.
Who is eligible to participate in the Staff Senate?
All full-time UCA staff who do not hold faculty rank are eligible to be elected to the Staff Senate. However, all staff members are encouraged to attend Staff Senate meetings and to communicate with Staff Senators on matters of concern and interest.
How is the Staff Senate organized?
Staff Senators are elected once a year by secret ballot. They are elected to represent the administrative divisions of the university in accordance with the provisions of the Staff Senate Constitution. Administrative divisions include all departments under the jurisdiction of the President and/or a vice president of the University of Central Arkansas. Staff members must be employed by the university for six consecutive months prior to the start of elections. (In the case of vacancies/lack of interest, Staff Senate officers reserve the right to assess and review an employee’s eligibility to serve). One non-voting, ex-officio member is appointed by the Staff Senate for a one-year term. This position is traditionally held by the outgoing president of Staff Senate, but can be extended to a former president in the event the outgoing president can not serve.
The scale used for election of division senators is based on how many staff are employed within that division.
- 50 or less staff = 2 senators
- 51-90 staff = 3 senators
- 91-199 staff = 5 senators
- 200-299 staff = 8 senators
- 300+ staff = 10 senators
How are senators elected?
During March of each year, the Staff Senate Election Committee sends out nomination ballots to all staff with a listing of university employees grouped by division to identify staff members eligible for election. After the nomination period, an election by secret ballot is held virtually. Senators serve three-year terms, and the senate year begins in July and runs through June of the next year, in accordance with the university’s fiscal year.
Are staff members required to participate?
Participation in campus activities, whether sponsored by the Staff Senate or not, is encouraged for all staff who desire to:
- interact professionally and socially with other staff members;
- keep informed of current issues affecting staff;
- voice their opinions, suggestions, and concerns;
- take an active part in the quality of campus life.
When and where does the Staff Senate meet?
The Staff Senate meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month at 10:00 a.m. Any UCA staff members are welcome to attend when duties allow.