Committees and Liaisons

The Staff Senate has a number of subcommittees that work on issues that affect UMB staff.

Senate Committees

Board of Regents Staff Awards 

This committee works with the President's Office to facilitate the nomination process and review all nominations for the Board of Regents Staff Awards from UMB.

Chairs: Allison Deitz, Kelly Sikorski 

Members: Allison Deitz, Kelly Sikorski, Reese Spindle, Heather Terech, Kelly Ward, Forjet Williams

Communications 

The Communications Committee creates and maintains communications for the Staff Senate. We work to establish and increase awareness of the Staff Senate's role to speak out for and impact staff-related concerns and issues. The channels we have established include: the monthly Staff Senate Source newsletter, producing physical and digital marketing materials, tabling at fairs, maintaining a social media presence, and contributing to The Elm and Elm Calendar.

Chair: Fiama Romero

Members: Michelle Besser, Tom Hockensmith, Trisha Nkenge, Fiama Romero, Christina Way

Community Outreach 

The Community Outreach Committee contributes to and coordinates events related to improving the welfare of individuals in the local Baltimore community, including fundraising for local charities or volunteer work. We liaise with the UMB Community Engagement Center for events, activities, and important information. Our outreach efforts include collecting school supplies for local schools and toiletries and toys for homeless shelters.

Chair: Taylor DeBoer

Members: Amanda Barnes, Sabrina Coppage, Taylor DeBoer, Aaron Graham

Council of University System Staff 

The mission of the Council of University System Staff (CUSS) is to provide a voice for staff and employee concerns in reference to basic decisions that affect the welfare of the University System of Maryland (USM), its constituent institutions, and its employees. CUSS functions in an informed advisory role in administrative areas and in the functional support aspects of academic matters.

Terms begin in August.

Chair: Vivian Hill-Lawson

Members: Vivian Hill-Lawson, Anthony Weldon Jr., Lei Zhang

Policy/Legislation 

The Policy/Legislation Committee oversees the review of Staff Senate bylaws to make sure they are consistent to Robert's Rules of Order and serve the best needs of the Staff Senate as an organization. Responsible for tracking all bills, proposals within the state or federal government that may impact staff of UMB. Serve or liaise with UMB CUSS representatives and align priorities across USM and UMB specifically.

Chair: Joe Howarth

Members: Ummay Ammara, Greg Brightbill, Anita Bryant, Justin Codd, Joe Howarth, Jenna Maher, Nia Speaks

University Life 

Address issues that affect staff and their day-to-day life at UMB, such as affordable day care, leave donation, professional development, timekeeping, and staff recognition. Participate in University-wide committees as representatives of the Staff Senate and all staff. Assess and recommend opportunities for advancement with Campus Climate Survey and others. Plan, execute, and promote Staff Senate activities across campus, including meet-and-greets, network activities, and professional development opportunities.

Co-Chairs: Vivian Hill-Lawson, Ray Stolle

Members: Stephanie Brandal, Briana Clark, Vivian Hill-Lawson, Ray Stolle, Lei Zhang

Campus Committee Liaisons

Members of the Staff Senate have been appointed by the Senate to act as liaisons to the following University-wide committees:

Communications Council

Liaison: Fiama Romero

Faculty Senate

Liaison: Justin Codd

Funding Model Working Group

Liaison: Reese Spindle

HR Learning and Development Advisory Board

Liaison: Amanda Barnes

Parking and Transportation

Liaison: Tom Hockensmith

President's Council for Women

Liaison: Allison Deitz

President's Diversity Advisory Council

Liaisons: Nia Speaks, Aaron Graham

 

 

Quantum HCM Advisory Council

Liaison: Kelly Ward

Enterprise Risk Management Committee

Liaison: Fiama Romero, Stephanie Brandal

Safety Awareness

Liaison: Trisha Nkenge

UMB Council on Arts and Culture

Liaison: Kelly Sikorski

UMB Diversity Strategic Plan

Liaison: Forjet Williams

University Student Government Association (USGA)

Liaison: Heather Terech