Staff Senate
The Staff Senate at Stockton University provides a voice to the many individuals who compose the staff of the University, serves as an advisory board to the University, and seeks to do the following:
- Create an open forum to engage staff in voicing their concerns for the purpose of inclusive communication among staff and the administration.
- Provide staff with open and inclusive access to meaningful Shared Governance aimed at fostering the spirit of community and shared responsibility.
- Advise and make recommendations regarding issues of concern or policies and procedures impacting staff and/or the University.
- Explore solutions for more efficient and effective University operations.
- Build a sense of community by encouraging the exchange of ideas and concerns.
- Promote a positive campus environment and strengthen the sense of community among staff.
- Propose and support programmatic efforts to enhance and encourage professional development.
- Foster expanded opportunities for staff involvement in campus governance.
- Promote the growth and welfare of Staff and contribute to the success of Stockton
The Staff Senate of Stockton University serves as an official representative body elected by the staff (hereinafter “Electorate”) to “enhance inclusion of staff members in shared governance” (Stockton University's Middle States Self Study 2022, p.3) As a clear definition of shared governance is not currently accepted by all parties, Staff Senate does not seek to usurp the collaborative process and independently create a definition of such. Staff Senate will move forward with the meaning of shared governance as currently understood by unions, Faculty Senate, etc., outlined in the Self Study for Middle States Accreditation and Strategic Plan 2025 - Choosing Our Path (6.1) At such time that the institution finalizes the review of the Strategic Plan 2025 6.1 to strengthen shared governance practices and develops a definition of shared governance, Staff Senate, per Articles II and IV of the Constitution will review and make any necessary adjustments to incorporate changes in the developed definition from the currently accepted communal understanding.
The staff senate commits to maintaining a diverse, fair, and equitable workplace for all staff employees.
Staff Senate is an official Stockton University staff organization. Staff Senate is seeking open, transparent, and equal access to shared governance. To that end, Staff Senate recognizes its constituency as an advisory body and therefore shall review policies and procedures through participation, input, and review as afforded to other parties of shared governance within the purview of participation afforded to other advisory bodies.
The Senate is not intended as a vehicle to address individual issues, grievances, or complaints, nor to circumvent regular administrative channels. The Senate shall not act in an advocacy role in any specific employee/employer dispute within the University, nor shall it assume the role of arbitrator in any such matter.
The Executive Committee shall be mindful of the legal rights and responsibilities contained within the relevant collective bargaining agreements and ensure that actions of the Senate do not intrude on areas of concern for the collective bargaining agent.
The Staff Senate Executive Committee meets the week before the full senate meeting to discuss the agenda. Should you wish to submit an agenda item, please do so by noon on the date of the executive committee meeting (see dates here).
While we do not require idendifying information on the submission form, the information does help with record-keeping and documenting trends.
