Staff Advisory Council updates leadership on its work

In the months since its official February launch, the JHU Staff Advisory Council has established process, determined its areas of focus, set up subcommittees that meet regularly, and had several get-togethers with top university leaders.

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the council—which represents the university's 12,000 staff members—gathered in Levering's Great Hall on the Homewood campus for lunch and conversation with President Ron Daniels; Laurent Heller, executive vice president for finance and administration; and Meredith Stewart, interim vice president for human resources.

It was an opportunity for the council to share what it has accomplished and to have a dialogue with leaders about steps the university might take to better support and expand opportunities for staff.

"We walked away feeling energized as our ideas were recognized," said Jane Chase, executive assistant in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, following the meeting. "Leadership is using this discussion to take action to make staff seen and supported in their work. We are eager to continue to provide input and see upcoming initiatives launched."

Image caption: Meredith Stewart, interim vice president for human resources, and President Ron Daniels

Image credit: WILL KIRK / JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Chase and SAC Vice President Peter Pan, associate director of Professional Development at SAIS, started the discussion by highlighting the progress of the five subcommittees:

• Employee Experience
• Facilities and Workplace Environment
• Government and Membership
• Policies, Procedures, and Practice
• Engagement and Recognition

The subcommittees, they reported, have been looking at the status of their areas of interest, identifying relevant subject matter experts, pinpointing issues of concern, and establishing goals and proposed solutions. As part of their process, some groups have been looking into how similar matters are handled at peer institutions.

"The committee appreciated spending time with our university leaders to have this dialogue," Pan said. "We shared our progress with our proposals and opportunities to make staff feel supported at the university. We feel optimistic about the strategic goal in Hopkins' Ten for One that it seeks to become a national employer of choice that recognizes, celebrates, and supports our staff."

Image caption: Laurent Heller, executive vice president for finance and administration

Image credit: WILL KIRK / JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Later this fall, the SAC will be turning its attention to the next round of nominations and elections. Though members are elected for two-year terms, half of the inaugural council's membership was randomly selected to serve for one year so that terms could be staggered; additional seats opened when members left the university to pursue other professional opportunities. A self-nomination period for those interested in running for open seats will begin in mid-November, with voting taking place in January and new members being seated at SAC's February meeting. More information will be shared soon.

Would you like to contact your council representative with concerns or to offer feedback on staff initiatives? You can find the members' names listed by division here.