Colleagues,
It is my honor to officially welcome you to UC Merced Staff Assembly 2013-14!
As I begin my presidency, I would like to start by thanking Past President Rachael Martin for the exceptional job she did in 2012-13. I will do my very best to continue the good work that was done by my predecessors; those who helped establish UC Merced Staff Assembly in 2006, and those who have helped move the organization forward.
I would also like to thank those of you who participated in the 2012-13 Staff Assembly year-end survey. We appreciate the time and effort many of you took to offer your suggestions and feedback. I want to assure you that we hear your concerns and are listening. You offered excellent suggestions regarding events and programs, as well as requests for improvement in communications and transparency of processes, including the selection of committee representatives and the Staff Excellence Awards. Your feedback and comments are extremely helpful, and we will be referring to the survey data as we plan for 2013-14. I am confident you will like the changes we are making based on your feedback.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to get involved in Staff Assembly or haven’t been as involved as you would like, I hope you can find the time to do so this year. There are many ways to participate including:
- Attend monthly Staff Assembly meetings held on the fourth Friday of every month from 12-2 p.m.
- Attend the Town Hall meetings with the chancellor and campus leadership.
- Consider serving on a campuswide search committee or search advisory committee. Staff Assembly committee representatives are asked to submit a statement of interest when they apply.
- Volunteer to help with Staff Appreciation Week.
- Help organize or participate in other Staff Assembly programs and events held throughout the year.
Whatever it is that appeals to you, I encourage you to get involved. In addition, I welcome you to visit our updated Staff Assembly website, where you will find a host of information, news, staff resources, an event calendar and more.
In closing, I want to express my excitement for the upcoming year. Staff Assembly is your organization, and we need your input if we are to represent staff in the best way possible. I encourage you to get to know your Executive Board. Let us know what’s on your mind, as we have opportunities to meet with campus leadership and can share your concerns. We look forward to hearing from you, and wish you much success this academic year.
Best regards,
Katie Unruh
2013-14 President
UC Merced Staff Assembly
