A Message from Chair of Staff Assembly
Dear Staff Members,
I have the wonderful opportunity and privilege to serve as Butler University’s Staff Assembly Chair. In this role, I have direct access to Senior Leadership (vice presidents, deans, general counsel, etc.) and work closely with each of them on a regular basis. Our work revolves around issues, concerns, ideas, and processes that affect you as a staff member. The end goal is to provide input and a voice to continually improve the quality of the working environment here at Butler, so you have the resources and support you need to thrive as an employee.
Recently, I have been working diligently with Senior Leadership on the reclassification process. I have shared all of the questions, concerns, and issues brought forward to Staff Assembly, and I can’t thank you enough for sharing your feedback. This includes the communication process, PDQs, overtime, volunteering, supervisor training, and monthly hourly salary, to name a few. I want to assure you Senior Leadership is taking this seriously. I am actively engaged in their discussions and decisions. It may take some time, but your questions and concerns will be answered and addressed.
As mentioned in the communication sent on Friday from La Veda Howell, President Danko met with a small group of staff affected by reclassification. I want to clarify that this group of staff was not formed as a committee that will have regular, ongoing meetings. I simply pulled together a small group of staff who could provide President Danko with a great deal of insight, transparency, and clarity that will help moving forward.
I want to encourage you to reach out to our HR department—specifically, Anila Din—to address any issues or concerns you may have. Anila can be reached at adin@butler.edu or ext. 6683. Many have mentioned feeling comfortable going to her, so I encourage you to continue doing so. Senior Leadership has stressed that HR’s timely response and accountability to you is essential. It’s important that we trust the process and give the HR team a chance to assist. Please trust me on this—every member of that office wants what is best for you and so does Staff Assembly.
As much as this process hurt, Butler will be better for it and for the bravery you’ve shown in sharing feedback. Thank you for all that you do; you truly are the reason Butler is a great place to be and to work!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at jdowning@butler.edu.
Your co-worker,
Josh Downing
Chair, Staff Assembly
General Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: Jordan Hall, room 141
All staff members are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Agenda
- Meeting sponsored by Costco
- Ethics Point—Bruce Arick, Vice President for Finance and Administration
- HR Update—Anita Watts and Kim Orbik, Human Resources
- United Way—Natalie Evans, United Way and James Cramer, Clowes Hall
Props to…
The following staff are recognized through our Thank a Colleague program. If there is someone you’d like to give props to, let us know.
- Rena Duerksen
- Judy Malarney
- Priscilla Cobb
- Dan Landwerlin
- Fernando Provencio
- Keith Cobbs
- Karen Poirier
- Brian Wilson
- Zach Skidmore
Staff Assembly Committee Updates
Activities and Socials:
- Wine Night was a success with 65 people who attended and $510 raised for Relay for Life through the silent auction. Elesia Yoon did a fantastic job securing items and organizing the auction. People had a blast and drank every bottle of wine brought—a first for this event!
- It’s time for the Salvation Army Toy Drive! Tags have been ordered and will be distributed soon. Watch the Connection for details on tag pick-ups!
Employment Affairs:
- Employment Affairs is scheduled to meet as a group on November 18 and look forward to having Susan Westermeyer as our guest. Susan will provide updates on a number of work processes that are in various stages of progress, mainly in terms of transitioning paperwork to online systems.
Networking and Resources:
- Thank you to our new mentors who have joined us! We are always looking for more—many hands make light work. If you are interested in being part of this group, just contact Judy Gauer at jgauer@butler.edu.
Personal and Professional Development:
- The committee is hosting the first of several sessions of Work on Purpose Workshops available to all staff. The first session, Heart + Head = Hustle, will be held on Tuesday, November 25, in Pharmacy and Health Sciences Building, room 106, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Sign-up information is posted in today’s Connection.
- Mark your calendars now for future staff workshops that include:
- Tips & Tricks PPT & Atomic Learning 101
Friday, November 21, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Jordan Hall, room 041
Facilitated by Jeana Rogers and CAT professional staff - Tips & Tricks Outlook & Atomic Learning 101
Wednesday, December 10, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Jordan Hall, room 043
Facilitated by Danielle Valenilla and CAT professional staff
- Tips & Tricks PPT & Atomic Learning 101