Author: lfetting

May 2022 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • Dr. Leingang talked about Department chairs are changing titles. Will be Assistant Dean’s.
  • Nicole Mikkelsen discussed how Market Salary Review will work and the time frame.
  • Voted on new officers for the next term that starts June 2022
  • Enrollment goals were talked about.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • Staff Senate will hold their elections for our upcoming year.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Elections have been conducted for the 2022-23 term. Senators will begin their term on July 1, 2022.
  • DSU will be hosting the North Dakota State Staff Senate face-to-face meeting in June.  We will be welcoming members from Staff Senate’s across the NDUS system.
  • DSU Staff Senate is hosting a Couch to 5K walking program.
  • DSU Staff Senate Fundraising Committee is preparing a fundraiser to raise money for the Staff Senate Scholarship, Professional Development sessions, and other Staff Senate activities. 

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Mayville State University held an Employee Recognition Banquet where they honored employees for their years of service. Special recognition was given to those serving 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service.
  • Staff Senate was able to honor an employee with the Orville Johnson Meritorious Service Award.
  • On May 17th, President Van Horn held a Town Hall Forum. He gave some budget updates and allowed some time to answer any questions from the attendees.
  • Academic and Student Senate Awards Program was held on May 2nd.
  • A Comet Kudos award winner was selected for the spring semester.

Update Provided By: Katy Allers

  • Congratulations to our April High Five Award Winner: Deb Ringham!
  • Our Staff Senate Raffle went over very well
  • We also held a silent auction in April. Proceeds from this auction went to Minot’s Second Story Club. Second Story Club is a social club for adults with developmental disabilities. It offers its members an opportunity to participate in social, educational and recreational activities, to acquire basic social skills, and provides experiences that promote independence and self-sufficiency to better integrate into the community.

Update Provided By: Leslie Shirek

  • NDSCS is hosting a Staff Senate retreat in June for incoming members. A chance to listen and learn from the outgoing senators on their years of service. We are also hosting a campus wide picnic the end of June as a thank you for a successful academic year.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • Elections were held at the May 4th Staff Senate Meeting.
  • Policy 325, Academic Freedom, has been updated to include language applying academic freedom to staff performing research.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost.
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Events: May 17, 2022, Coffee with Kathy was held at the Memorial Union, we had 11 people in attendance.
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards. UShine winner of the year was Elaine Erickson.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees and Staff Senate Committees.
  • New leadership is in place for the UND Staff Senate.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • Completed the VCSU Employee Award Banquet.
  • Looking for nominations for 2 professional and 1 TPOS position.
  • Elections for staff senators will take place in June Staff Senate Meeting.
  • Our event committee completed a Viking Swap ~ staff were encouraged to bring any old VCSU gear and office supplies to “swap” with other employees on campus.

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • Graduation was a success!
  • We will start our Summer Lunch BBQ’s on Wednesdays.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • Staff Senate is currently seeking nominations to fill the vacancies for the 2022-23 year. Nominations will close on Wednesday, May 25th, and an election will follow.

April 2022 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • Possible retreat date in June
  • Professional development training in June
  • Election will take place in May
  • Looking for new ideas for a welcome gift for new FT employee’s
  • May day baskets being sold by staff success com
  • Student enrollment #’s
  • Get your ducks in a row day April 27th
  • Working on bids for Polytech building
  • Commencement Friday the 13th of May

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • We have organized an employee appreciation week for 4-25-22 to 4-29-22. Our events are: Muffin Monday, Trivia Tuesday, Popping Over to Say Thank You Wednesday (free popcorn), Throwback Thursday (wear your favorite era of DCB clothing) and also includes a Thank You for Your Commit-Mint to DCB (peppermint patties), Bingo Friday with a luncheon and wearing a specific color representing your years of service.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Elections for the 2022-23 FY have gone out and the votes are being tallied.
  • Nominations for the 2022 Quarter 2 Above & Beyond Award can be submitted here.  Everyone, including students, are encouraged to participate and nominate a staff member for this award.  Please note that only DSU Staff will qualify for this award.  If you are unsure whether a person is classified as staff or faculty, please check the DSU directory. 
  • The Staff Senate Thoughts & Concerns Advisory Committee has revamped the Thoughts & Concerns Submission Form. Because we want to get back to you regarding your thought/concern, the name field on the form is required, but adding your email address is optional.  As the form says, if you wish, you can also contact any Staff Senate member and remain anonymous to the group.  A list of current Staff Senators can be found here. 
  • The Employee Development Committee is working on professional development offerings. Stress in the Workplace is the next session being offered.
  • The Staff Senate Fundraising Committee is preparing a fundraiser to raise money for the Staff Senate Scholarship, Professional Development sessions, and other Staff Senate activities. More information will be coming soon!

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Mayville State Education Division hosted the 2022 NDACTE Conference April 7-8.
  • Upcoming events: Employee Recognition Banquet and Annual Student Awards.

Update Provided By: Janese Lehman

  • Congratulations to our March High Five winner: Ashley Blake!
  • Chuck Kramer, owner of Minot’s IKeating, came and did a professional development session for employees on choosing positivity in a negative world.

Update Provided By: Leslie Shirek

  • The State Board of Higher Education has selected Rod L. Flanigan, Ph.D. as the 10th President of NDSCS. Dr. Flanigan has spent his entire career successfully building, leading and guiding organizations in industry, education, and non-profits. He will start no later than July 1, 2022.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • NDSU Staff Senators were encouraged to “bring a friend or colleague to staff senate,” and the April meeting began with information about serving on staff senate, and senators sharing thoughts about their experiences on senate.
  • A senator shared a suggestion to reach out to ND state legislators about the importance of retaining state employees. South Dakota recently passed a 6% cost-of-living increase for state employees, which the senator suggested using as a talking point.
  • Staff Senate sponsored a blood drive that was held on campus on April 7th.
  • The Student Voice Project’s most recent document, on student mental health, has been published on the Dean of Students website.
  • The Remote Work Ad Hoc Committee drafted a survey that was sent to staff and supervisors in April.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost.  
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.  
  • Events: Staff Senate held our Spring Fling in April. Held a Faculty and Staff Appreciation event at Archives Coffee House on April 21. This event was well attended, and we will look at doing this once each semester. Upcoming: May 17, 2022, Coffee with Kathy to be held at the Memorial Union.  
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards. Will be announcing in May who the UShine winner of the year will be.  
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees and Staff Senate Committees. 
  • Leadership is preparing for April election and new Officers to be on board by May 2022.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • VCSU Staff Senate is working holding elections in May. We are planning on our employee awards banquet for finals week in May.
  • VCSU is working on a telework policy. It is currently undergoing review from staff and faculty senate before going back to cabinet for review of changes.

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • We are in the process of voting on our Staff shout out for the year. We have some great staff members in the running for this award.
  • Staff is gearing up for graduation, and helping prepare the college for this special event.
  • Staff is currently updating WSC’s Staff Handbook.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • Congratulations to Dylan Rakoczy, CTSO Staff Senate Scholarship winner for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year! Dylan is the son of Michelle Rakoczy, Associate Director of Infrastructure and Operations at CTS.

March 2022 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • Dr. Mensah gave a report on the Community College Survey of Student Engagement
  • Student success committee had a St Patrick’s day party for Staff that was a success
  • Campus training will be in June, date is still being determined

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • Dakota College at Bottineau has a vendor show coming up on April 9th. We hold the event in our Woodshed (gym). Local artists and crafters sell their products. We raise money with the event by charging for a table space. The money raised is used for our student scholarship from Staff Senate.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • DSU Staff Senate hosted a St. Patrick’s Day themed potluck during spring break. It was a well attended event that provided an opportunity for fellowship amongst employees.
  • Staff Senate is looking for staff employees who are interested in assisting with committees.
  • An email for elections for the 2022-23 FY has gone out allowing staff members to opt-out of having their name on the ballot if they choose to do so.
  • Congratulations to the Quarter 1 Above & Beyond Award Recipients:
    • Kayla Noah – Dean of Students, Student Affairs
    • Tammy Krebs – Budget/Accounting Specialist, Business Affairs
    • Todd Hauf – Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services
  • This month’s Staff Spotlight was Jaci Kolm, Transfer Evaluation Specialist for Academic Records. Some fun facts were shared about Jaci in the monthly newsletter.

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • NDUS Chancellor Dr. Mark Hagerott visited our campus as part of his Executive Engagement Program. He met with various representatives from our campus as well as held an open forum with all faculty, staff and students.
  • Mayville State hosted an Active Shooter Simulated Event which included local Emergency Response Teams.
  • Staff Senate put on a potluck during Spring Break week which was well attended.
  • A food drive was organized by Staff Senate before spring break for our Campus Pantry.
  • There was Stress Relief Fair held on campus. Staff and Faculty had the opportunity to participate in a self-defense course, puppy yoga, and a gardening class.

Update Provided By: Janese Lehman

  • Harold Rose, local Papa John’s franchise owner, came and gave an engaging professional development session on Customer Service for our employees!

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • The NDSU Day of Honor was held on February 16. The event was recorded, and the video is available at the Day of Honor website. This is the first time the employee event was held in conjunction with the student event, and indications were that the event was a success.
  • NDSU Staff Senate welcomed one new senator.
  • The Staff Development Committee offered a Financial Check-Up session on March 23rd.
  • Two “Ask Me Anything” events are planned ahead of the upcoming Staff Senate election, one in March and one in April. These events will be hour-long sessions in which experienced senators provide information and answer questions about serving on staff senate.
  • The Campus Engagement committee has organized a blood drive to be held in April.
  • In response to concerns about the ongoing lack of clarity regarding remote work, an ad hoc committee has been formed to research this issue and develop recommendations to be shared with NDSU’s incoming president.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost: discussed employee recognition, mask mandate recission.
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Events: Next “Coffee with Kathy” is scheduled for May. Staff trivia night postponed. Dinner with the Armacosts will be April 12. “Spring Fling” event for staff April 7, includes lunch or breakfast for various staff shifts. Faculty and Staff social at Archives Coffee House set for April 21, 2022.
  • Tuition Waiver Committee mtg. scheduled, but fell through
  • Continue to award monthly UShine awards.
  • Recruiting staff for various University committees, including Parking, Memorial Union Advisory, Strategic Planning Committees, and Safety Committees.
  • SS Leadership and other senators working hard to recruit staff for next iteration of SS, starting in May. Exec Team interest looking good. UND SS Elections for Vice President/Officers in April 2022.

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Updates Provided By:

  • No update provided.

February 2022 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • Our campus had a spirit week called Smokies. Our Staff Senate sponsored a Snow Sculpture Challenge. Student and Staff were included and created several large pieces of art. Pictured is the Bear Hug. Our campus embraced all of our snow and had a blast.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Staff Senate is looking for staff employees who are interested in assisting with committees.
  • Elections for the 2022-23 FY will be coming soon.
  • The Appreciation Committee is looking to bring food trucks to campus when the weather warms up.
  • The Staff Senate Thoughts & Concerns Advisory Committee has revamped the submission form. Because we want to get back to you regarding your thought/concern, the name field on the form is required, but adding your email address is optional.As the form says, if you wish, you can also contact any Staff Senate member and remain anonymous to the group.
  • This month’s Staff Spotlight was Sheri Landenberger, Verification Specialist for Financial Aid. Some fun facts were shared about Sheri in the monthly newsletter.

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • We had our regular meeting on February 17th.
  • Upcoming events: Spring Break Food Drive, Spring Break Potluck, Vintage Clothing Event.

Update Provided By: Janese Lehman

  • Our January staff High Five Winner was Andy Heitkamp.
  • Feb 4th-11th, Staff Senate hosted a campus-wide Spirit Week with daily dress up days, pizza sponsored and served by Dr. Shirley and President’s Staff as well mini-golf and trivia. Throughout the week we had a scavenger hunt which encouraged teams to include a student, a staff member, and a faculty member and included attending a variety of home athletic games that happened during the week. Our Student Activities Office also planned multiple events for students during the week that included 500 Ways to Win and a pizza lunch. We ended the week with a professional development session on teamwork, lead by our WBB coach, Mike Brandt! It was great to see everyone’s Minot State University Spirit!

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost.
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Events: January 20, 2022, Coffee with Kathy event held via zoom. Tubs of Love for the CVIC and Northland Rescue Mission Backpack program is underway until February 4th, 2022. These events have ended and went very well.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle.
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees and Staff Senate Committees.

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • Our Staff Senate did a candygram fundraiser for Valentines Day.
  • We started an employee recognition program which has been going really well
  • We created a Staff newsletter called the “Teton Buzz”

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • The applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a current employee of CTS or NDUS System Office.
  • Applicant must be seeking first associate or bachelor degree.
  • Applicant must be enrolled full-time at an NDUS institution during the 2022-23 academic year.

January 2022 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • Talked about the new Electronic Evaluations.
  • Goals of the BSC SEM Team.
  • Committees: Ideas for upcoming events.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Staff Senate sponsored a potluck for faculty and staff on January 6th. The event turned out great with a large number of employees participating!
  • Staff Senate’s 2nd Annual Tree Decorating Contest was a success!  Thank you to all who entered their trees.  The results of the contest are as follows:
    • 1st Place – Jordan Panganiban’s Tree
    • 2nd Place – Leslie Ramos’ Tree
    • 3rd Place – Osborne Tree
  • Staff Senate is reaching out to all Staff Employees who are interested in assisting with DSU Staff Senate committees.
  • Nominations are open for the 2022 1st Quarter Above & Beyond Award.

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Staff Senate meeting was postponed for January – no updates.

Update Provided By: Janese Lehman

  • MSU has the following winners for our monthly award for staff:
    • November High Five winner: Mindy Rudnick
    • December High Five winner: Audrey Livingston
  • We also awarded our annual Staff Senate Scholarship to Kelby Armstrong.

Update Provided By:

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • NDSU Staff Senate did not meet in January. No updates.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Finished the 31 Days of Glory and was a huge success given the pandemic.
  • Events: January 20, 2022 – Coffee wiht Kathy event held via Zoom; Tubs of Love for the CVC and Northland Rescue Mission Backpack Program is underway until February 4, 2022.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle.
  • Continue with Monthly UShine Awards.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate Committees and Staff Senate Committees.
  • UND HR and TTaDA are resurrecting our Staff Mentoring program and is underway.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • We are planning a staff appreciation event on February 4th at a double-header basketball game.
  • We are continuing to welcome new staff through greetings and handing out a VCSU t-shirt.

Update Provided By:

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • NDUS/CTS is currently accepting scholarship applications until March 1st. This is an annual scholarship with the following criteria :
    • The applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a current employee of CTS or NDUS System Office.
    • Applicant must be seeking first associate or bachelor degree.
    • Applicant must be enrolled full-time at an NDUS institution during the 2022-23 academic year.

December 2021 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • brief video on 4DX
  • Employee Success committee-still doing welcome gift and greeting for new employee’s, donuts and $1.00 off coffee coupons in January
  • Foundation made $3600 off basket raffle
  • HR is starting a new on-boarding process that will happen twice a month for new employee’s to make the process run more smoothly and ease new employee’s into the campus life.
  • talked about what area’s the advertising dollars and time are focusing on.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • Our campus social of Holidays Around the World was a great success. Each department choose a country to celebrate. The department provided some background, decorations and a treat from their country. It was a great social time around campus and we all learned something.
  • We held a Secret Santa event on campus. It is a great way to meet other people on campus you may not interact with daily.
  • Staff Senate is sponsoring a student event called Smokey’s Week. To be held in February. This is similar to a homecoming event. We are sponsoring a snow sculpting event for the students. This will be a great way to interact with the students coming back for the spring 2022 semester.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Staff Senate hosted the annual Goodie Gobble on Tuesday, December 14th. This event is planned to provide treats for students, faculty, and staff on a day during finals week.
  • Staff Senate held the 2nd annual Tree Decorating Contest.
  • Congratulations to the 4th Quarter Above & Beyond Award recipients –
    • Annika Plummer – Administrative Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Technical Studies
    • Taylor Thiel – Computer Network Maintenance Technician, Information Technology Services
    • Monica Watson – Professional Advisor/Tutoring Center Specialist, SOAR Center
  • The Staff Senate Thoughts & Concerns Advisory Committee has updated and revamped the Thoughts & Concerns Submission Form. This form provides and avenue for Staff members to submit any thoughts and/or concerns they have. The committee receives the submissions, researches a solution, and reports back to the individual and/or the staff body. Staff members may remain anonymous by contacting a Staff Senate member and requesting anonymity.

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Staff Senate hosted a holiday decorating contest. Staff and faculty were encouraged to decorate their office/division in the theme of a Christmas song. The Peer Leaders were the judges.
  • The staff senate organized a bake sale on December 13th with all proceeds going to the Comet Pride scholarship.

Update Provided By: Janese Lehman

  • Our Holiday Decorating winners for departments decorations were as follows: 1st Honors/IS/Leadership, 2nd Nursing, 3rd ASC/Power
  • Our Holiday Door Decorating winners were 1st VPAA, 2nd, Business Office 1, 3rd Business Office 2, and 4th NDCPD.
  • We are wrapping up our Minot State Bucket List to promote employees to visit other parts of campus, participate in events, and get to know other people across campus.
  • We will have a de-escalation training for our January professional development and we will have Michael Brandt (Head Women’s Basketball coach) as well as another athletic coach (TBD) presenting on Teamwork in February for professional development.
  • Our December High Five winner will be recognized/announced in early January.
  • We are planning a Spirit week Feb 4th-11th with a variety of events for our campus community.

Update Provided By:

  • No update provided.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • The Scholarship Committee has been holding fundraising events.
  • The Environmental Sustainability Committee offered Christmas light recycling during November and December.
  • A Staff Senate Hot Chocolate Social was held on December 10th.
  • Senators continue to work on a shared governance framework, in conjunction with Faculty Senators, Student Government representatives, and Administration. The group aims to have a draft before the July 1 target start date for the next NDSU President.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost.
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Events: December Staff Senate Social Gathering for December 8, 2021 at the Memorial Union. Dinner with the Armacosts on December 8th for 6 staff members plus President and First Lady Armacost.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle.
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards.
  • The endowment with UND Alumni Association & Foundation to grow Seeds for Staff Success funds has been approved and is now in place.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees.
  • Assigning staffers to various Staff Senate committees.
  • Start working on putting a UND PTO for Volunteering committee together
  • UND HR and TTaDA are resurrecting our Staff Mentoring program and should be underway soon.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • On October 29th we had Trail of Treats on campus. We also held a Staff Senate Bake Sale which was a BIG success.
  • In December, Staff Senate will be having an event called “Wrap and Roll.” This is where staff, faculty, & students can bring in their Christmas gifts and we will wrap them for them.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • The NDUS/CTS is currently accepting scholarship applications until March 1st. This is an annual scholarship with the following criteria:
    • The applicant’s parent or legal guardian must be a current employee of CTS or NDUS System Office.
    • Applicant must be seeking first associate or bachelor degree.
    • Applicant must be enrolled full-time at an NDUS institution during the 2022-23 academic year.

October 2021 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By: Roni Martin

  • Poly Tech curriculum development was talked about, possible 4 year programs.
  • Advertising and marketing ideas and areas.
  • Employee Success committee, boo grams and new hire welcome gifts.
  • Professional Development Committee, Survey on how to spend education development funds.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • We held a bake sale to raise funds for Phi Theta Kappa student sponsorships. We raised enough to sponsor 3 students.
  • We hosted a pumpkin decorating and costume contests. Our Student Senate helped in judging the entries.
  • We are planning our Holiday Social themed as Holidays Around the World.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • The next Staff Senate Meeting is scheduled for November 3rd.
  • The Appreciation Committee is hosting the annual Halloween Costume Contest. Prizes will be given in three categories for the best costume – student, employee, and group.
  • The Staff Development Committee will be hosting a Mental Health Awareness session in November.
  • DSU Staff Senate is looking into ways to assist new staff employees with becoming familiar with campus and welcoming them as they are hired.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates submitted.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Fall Staff Association Meeting was held on October 21st which included updates from our staff senate president, Heather Bolstad and campus president, Dr. Brian Van Horn.
  • Started monthly Director meetings to increase communication across campus which is one of our goals. Upcoming events: Coins for Comets, Holiday Decorating contest, and Staff Senate bake sale.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates submitted.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates submitted.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates submitted.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • S
  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost. 
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits. 
  • Events: Engagement Committee will hold its first Get Back Together event at UP North Pizza Pub in East Grand Forks, on Thursday, October 28th. We are selling our 31 Days of Glory tickets. December Staff Senate Social Gathering for December 8, 2021 at the Memorial Union.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle. 
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards.
  • The endowment with UND Alumni Association & Foundation to grow Seeds for Staff Success funds has been approved and is now in place.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees.
  • Assigning staffers to various Staff Senate committees.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • Staff Senate is planning a Halloween contest to boost staff morale and increase social experiences.
  • We are planning to clean the highway ditch as faculty & staff next week.
  • We advocated and helped plan a mental health during COVID webinar for our employees sponsored by Prairie St Johns. The webinar is the first step to receive a stipend from the institutions COVID-19 funding. The other steps are to watch 3 videos on SafeColleges that promote mental well being and wellness for our employees. They were then given 2 hours of paid professional development time (to be worked out with their supervisor) to complete a wellness activity to increase healthy self-care and coping strategies during this stressful time.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates submitted.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • NDUS/CTS Staff Senate met on October 13th. We have a lot of activities planned.
  • Staying Connected Committee had it’s first virtual Coffee Half Hour – ‘Take a break’ scheduled in October for any employee to join. This has been a popular event, and the committee plans to schedule one per month until May 2022. The committee is also sponsoring a ‘Door Decorating Contest’, with entries due by October 29th. There will be two prizes, one for the best Fall theme and one for the best Halloween theme.
  • Philanthropy Committee is holding a food pantry drive from October 11-29. The committee has drop off locations in Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck.
  • FUNdraising Committee is coordinating a virtual Bake Sale that will take place towards the end of October.

September 2021 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • Next meeting is on October 15, 2021.
  • Staff Senate chose a recipient for our 21-22 Staff Senate Scholarship. These funds are raised by a vendor show put on by our Staff Senate.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • Next meeting is scheduled for October 5, 2021.
  • The Appreciation Committee brought the So Chill Treat Truck on campus on September 9th. Planning is ongoing for the Halloween Costume Contest, Goody Gobble, and Tree Decorating Contest.
  • The Fundraising Committee is planning a 50/50 raffle to be held around the time of Homecoming.
  • The Employee Development Committee is working on planning professional development opportunities for staff and faculty.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Staff Senate’s September meeting: finalized Farmer’s Bowl plans and our State Employee Recognition Week plans. Fall Staff Association meeting plans are in full swing.
  • Mayville State’s Farmer’s Bowl festivities included a 5K Fun Run, Parade, Hot Dog/Corn Feed, Football Game, and Sportsman’s Raffle. Staff Senate helped facilitate the Fun Run. Staff Senate also sponsored a “Best Seat in the House” which was a big hit at the football game!
  • The TV show: Small Town Big Deal had their crew here for the Farmer’s Bowl.
  • Next meeting: October 21st.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: Nick Kraft

  • The NDSCS Presidential search committee has been selected and both the Staff Senate President Leslie Shirek and Vice President Nick Kraft have been selected to be on it. Our first meeting is October 12th.
  • Our new Vice President for Instruction, Dr. Lisa Karch, begins her employment on Monday, October 4th.
  • NDSCS is hosting the SBHE meeting this month. Our Culinary Arts Students will be providing breakfast and lunch for the meeting.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates provided.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost.
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits.
  • Events: Engagement Committee held it’s first in person Coffee with Kathy at the new Memorial Union on September 22nd. We had 8 people in attendance. Potato Bowl Parade Staff Senate representation with a vehicle and senators. Staff Recognition with Night employee breakfast, Sweet tooth social and staff luncheon to be held on September 29th and 30th. Looking into the future: 31 Days of Glory start selling in October. December Staff Senate Potluck.
  • UND held flu shot clinics on September 20th and 24th at the Pollard Athletic Center.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle.
  • Seeds for Staff Success applications have been awarded.
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards.
  • Senate finishing up its 2021-22 budget process.
  • The UND Staff Senate has secured a partnership with the UND’s Shared Service Center for financial matters.
  • The endowment with UND Alumni Association & Foundation to grow Seeds for Staff Success funds has been approved and not just need to decide the amount to continue.
  • Still working on assigning staffers to various University Senate committees.
  • Assigning staffers to various Staff Senate committees.
  • Retha Mattern and Brian Schill met with Dr. Casey Ryan in regards to the Tuition Waivers and are awaiting feedback from SBHE.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • Our sub-committees are focusing on boosting staff morale with planning of potlucks and Halloween contest. We have Difference Maker awards to hand out next month. We are planning a Highway Cleanup in October to coincide with a potluck to get more employees to help with cleanup with the enticement of eating beforehand. We participated in the Valley City High School Homecoming Parade last week and we will be participating in the VCSU Homecoming Parade this weekend. Staff appreciation committee is planning events for November and December. Our cabinet is looking into supporting webinars/trainings for staff that includes stipends/compensation for professional development (similar to what faculty members are currently receiving).

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • Staff Senate is working on publishing their first newsletter around the 2nd week of October.
  • We are also working on creating a staff recognition program.
  • On October 15, 2021 we will be having our Presidential Inauguration.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • NDUS/CTS Staff Senate met on September 8th. Committees established this year are currently meeting to discuss the goals and activities for this year. More updates in the following months.

August 2021 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • No updates at this time.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • DSU Staff Senate’s next meeting is September 1st.
  • Fundraising Committee is planning events to raise funds for the Staff Senate Scholarship and Staff Appreciation opportunities.
  • Employee Development Committee is working on professional development opportunities to bring to campus.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: Teresa Agnes

  • Mayville State University has been busy welcoming back students! There have been a number of activities including yard games, a street dance, and a drive in movie.
  • President Van Horn gave an address to all faculty and staff.
  • Staff Senate hosted an end of the summer potluck on August 11th.
  • August Monthly Staff Senate meeting – elected VP and Secretary.
  • Planning for Farmer’s Bowl Festivities is in full commence for our “It’s a Big Deal” celebration weekend.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: Nick Kraft

  • We have finished the remodel of our welding lab just in time for the start of the academic year.
  • We are currently in the final stages of remodel of our school bookstore.
  • We are in the process of selecting nominees for the Presidential Selection Committee, to find the replacement for our president after his retirement this December. We have nominated Leslie Shirek and me, as we are the Staff Senate President and VP, in the hopes that Staff Senate will have some direct representation in the selection process.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • No update. NDSU Staff Senate did not meet in August.

Update Provided By: Paula Cox

  • Senate leadership held its monthly meeting with UND Pres. Armacost. 
  • Community Relations Committee continues to run Jeans Give Back every Friday, donating to local nonprofits. 
  • Events: Coffee with Kathy starts again on September 22, in the Memorial Union. Potato Bowl Parade Staff Senate representation with a vehicle and senators. Staff Recognition with Night employee breakfast, pie social and staff luncheon towards the end of September. Looking into the future: 31 Days of Glory start selling mid-October.
  • Continuing to discuss a variety of tuition waiver benefit questions, increasingly a big issue to tackle. 
  • Seeds for Staff Success applications have been received and will be awarded.
  • Continue with the Monthly UShine awards.
  • Senate finishing up its 2021-22 budget process.
  • Exploring partnership with UND’s Shared Service Center for financial matters
  • Exploring establishing an endowment with UND Alumni Association & Foundation to grow Seeds for Staff Success funds and to better benefit staff professional development.
  • Assigning staffers to various University Senate committees.

Update Provided By: Kelsie Carter

  • Welcomed our new members to staff senate.
  • We had a hot dog lunch and lawn-game day (afternoon) for our staff before the semester started.
  • Our staff also welcomed our new staff employees with t-shirts.
  • Our broadband meetings are scheduled at the end of the semester.

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • No updates.

Updates Provided By: Ramona Breuer

  • CTSO Staff Senate did not meet in August.
  • Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8th.

July 2021 Campus Updates

Posted on by lfetting

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: JaLee Lynnes

  • No updates at this time.

Update Provided By: Laura Fetting

  • DSU Staff Senate held elections of officers.
    • President – Wynter Miller
    • Vice President/President-Elect – Laura Fetting
    • Secretary/Treasurer – Samantha Wohletz
  • The following individuals were awarded the Above and Beyond Award for the quarter –
    • Andreea Evenson – Dept. Arts & Letters and Dept. Social Sciences
    • Laura Fetting – Information Technology Services
    • Tim Fitterer – Facility Operations
    • Stephanie Osborne – Admissions

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: Leslie Shirek

  • NDSCS Staff Senate held a Team Building BBQ luncheon in June in appreciation for all the work Staff does throughout the year. Bonus was we were able to get an ice cream truck to come and top off the event with cold treats. It was a great way to enjoy the outdoors and converse with some fellow employees.

Update Provided By: Al Bernardo

  • NDSU Staff Senate did not meet in July.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By:

  • No updates.

Update Provided By: Kristina Kitchens

  • Our new President, Dr. Hirning started July 1st.
  • We hired a new Men’s Basketball Coach and Women’s Softball Coach
  • Staff Senate did not meet in July. Our next meeting will be August 16th
  • Currently have some Staff Positions available.

Updates Provided By:

  • No updates.