Members of the UNC Charlotte Staff Council recently met during a planning retreat at UNC Charlotte Center City to discuss efforts for the 2017-18 academic year.
“Of course, we want to continue to fulfill our mission of striving to create a more harmonious work environment and improve staff morale,” said Penny Stevens, chair of the Staff Council. “But, we also want to encourage employees to offer suggestions on ways the council can work with University leadership to address issues affecting our workplace.”
During the retreat, new executive officers Jill Gosnell, treasurer, and Julia Martin, communications officer, were introduced, along with new committee co-chairs, Jenna Baker for the council’s Education and Events Committee and Frank Hogan and Carolyn Lewis for the Staff Relations/Current Events Committee.
Also, new council representatives are Ronaka Adams, Tammy Allman, Jenna Baker, Audra Esposito, Suzanne Jasmine, Karen King, Carolyn Lewis, LaTonja Miller, Kayla Picca, Jeff Saer and Kimberly Sowa.
Celeste Corpening, vice chair of the Staff Council, noted the planning retreat provided an opportunity for area representatives and alternates to engage in a number of team-building exercises to explore the importance of employee morale, create commonality with each other and learn more about how individuals communicate and solve problems.
They also discussed council goals, which included exploring the possibility of adding an employee ombudsman.
“Our area representatives and alternates give of their time to make UNC Charlotte a great place to work,” said Corpening. “We appreciate all our past, current and future council members for their efforts to support the University’s staff, and, as always, we thank Chancellor Dubois for his continuous support for our organization and the needs of UNC Charlotte’s employees.”