by Erin Brannon
Over the past year, the Staff Advisory Council has become a more visible and vocal group on the UWG campus. From benefits and mentoring to diversity and recognition, Staff Advisory Council works closely with the university's strategic planning committee, policies committee, office of the president and many others to ensure the perspectives and best interests of staff are considered in decision-making across the university.
Employees celebrate Staff Appreciation Day, held by SAC, on an annual basis.
I believe in the past year, we have worked to gain voice for staff, ensuring we are heard by upper-level administration. We are fortunate to have the support of President Marrero, who often comes to us to discuss topics, review ideas and consider action.
The Staff Advisory Council consists of 28 representatives and four officers; representatives are nominated for a two-year term and appointed by their respective Vice President while officers are elected by the Council. Council members meet twice per semester in the fall and spring and hold an open-forum all-staff meeting each fall, spring and summer.
In addition to acting as an advisory body to the university president, UWG's council is part of the University System of Georgia Staff Council. I, along with Ashley Lewis, vice chair, attend the annual USGSC meetings as well.
We find that many of the same issues we discuss at UWG are part of a larger USG conversation. We're able to bring back information from these meetings and share with council representatives and across campus.
This year, the Council organized the UWG Toy Drive which donated hundreds of toys to Toys for Tots and wish-list items for 15 local teenagers through the Division of Family and Children Services. In conjunction with UWG's Human Resources, the Council organized the annual Staff Appreciation Day which, due to growth and popularity, had to be relocated to the Coliseum. Fifty staff members received service pins and seven were recognized with staff awards.
More information about Staff Advisory Council, including a list of current representatives, can be found online at www.westga.edu/sac.
Erin Brannon is the chair of the Staff Advisory Council and is the administrative manager in the College of Social Sciences Dean's Office.
