Georgia Perimeter College
Staff Senate FAQ’s
 

What is the GPC Staff Senate, and why was it created?  The new Shared Governance and Policy process of Georgia Perimeter College includes several groups that advise the president and other administrators.  In a genmail about the new shared governance and policy review process dated March 18, 2010,  former President Tricoli listed the soon-to-exist “Staff Senate” as one of the representative groups participating under the Governance Section of the new Governance and Policy Website.  The Staff Senate will advise the president and other administrators on matters that have impact on support and professional staff and administrators. 

A Staff Senate “Task Team” was convened to make recommendations about the membership, selection process, responsibilities and by-laws of the new Staff Senate.  The Task Team met for the first time on March 26, 2010, for an overview of the new Shared Governance and Policy Review process and to develop an understanding of the role of the Staff Senate in the new process.  Members of the Task Team reviewed similar groups at other USG institutions and started to craft their recommendations at their second meeting on April 6, 2010.  Minutes of this committee are available on the Shared Governance and Policy Review Website:  http://www.gpc.edu/governance/staffsenate.html.

What is the Purpose of the Staff Senate at Georgia Perimeter College?  It is to represent staff employees by enhancing communication and involvement of the staff in the decision-making process of the College, and by engaging in efforts towards promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.

What are the responsibilities of the Staff Senate?  They are as follows:
 

• Advise and make recommendations on existing and proposed policies to the administration of the College to promote fair and impartial treatment of staff employees.

• Serve as a resource for inquiries by and requests from staff in order to address general staff concerns

• Participate in the process of informing staff of issues and activities that may affect them

• Suggest and promote activities that provide employees the opportunity to build informal relationships, thus aiding improved communication among staff employees and faculty

• Integrate GPC staff into the GPC Shared Governance and Policy Review process.

• Create a stronger bond among the staff employees

• Facilitate training and staff development opportunities

• Participate in the activities of the USG Staff Council

 
What is the definition of staff?  It is defined as all full- and part-time support, and professional and administrative (P&A) employees of the College not represented by the Faculty Senate. 
 
What executive offices exist in the Staff Senate, and who are the current officers?
 
Chair: Emily Cowdrick, Enrollment & Registration, Online
Vice Chair: Mary Hamilton, Clarkston Learning & Tutoring Center 
Secretary:  Lois Shelton, R25 Scheduling, Clarkston
Vice Secretary:  Janice Byrd, Institutional Research, Lakeside

Does the membership of the Staff Senate reflect representation of the six functional areas of the College?  Yes.  The Staff Senate consists of representatives from the six functional areas of the College and from each of our campuses/locations.  Representatives are expected to understand and share the collective viewpoint of their entire functional area or campus. 
 
The establishment of the Staff Senate formalizes the involvement of all staff employees in the governance of the College.  Staff employees include support staff and professional and administrative employees from Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Financial/Administrative Affairs, Institutional Advancement, OIT, and the President’s Office Contact Center.
 
How often does the Staff Senate meet?  Meetings of the Staff Senate are held at least four times a year, with special meetings called as projects warrant.  However, meetings are not held more frequently than once a month.  Meetings rotate among the primary locations of the College and are open to all staff.  Meetings held in various formats (online, teleconference, etc.) are allowable when appropriate.
 
Are visitors welcome to the meetings?  Yes.  All regular meetings of the Staff Senate are open to interested parties.  All non-representative attendees shall sit in a separate area at the meeting.
 
Are minutes available to the College community following regularly scheduled meetings?  Yes.  The minutes of the Staff Senate meetings are prepared by the Secretary and posted on the Shared Governance Website.
 
What other committees currently exist under the Staff Senate umbrella?  They are as follows:
*Staff Senate Website             *Staff Development                *New Employee On Board
*University System of Georgia Staff Council (USGSC)   
 
What are the responsibilities of the committees?   

By-Laws Committees:  Oversees By-Laws proposals and ratification.

Celebration of Excellence:  Oversee the process of collecting staff nominations through the established recognition process during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony.
 
Staff Senate Website:  Update and maintain the Staff Senate Website.
  
Staff Development:  Provide college-wide development and enrichment programs for staff. 
 
New Employee On Board:  Assist with increasing the participation and staff membership into the Staff Senate activities.
 
Who represents GPC at the University System of Georgia Staff Council meetings?  
 
Membership:  Donna Frazier  (Open as the alternate)
 
Where is the University System of Georgia Staff Council Website located? www.usg.edu/staff_council/
 
Where is the Staff Senate Website located?  www.gpc.edu/staffsenate/
 
How do I contact the Staff Senate?  staffsenate