Overview of Staff Senate meetings
The purpose, logistics, and flow of Staff Senate meetings
Meeting basics
What happens at Staff Senate meetings?
The full body of Staff Senate convenes monthly to hear updates from Executive Committee and Standing Committee chairs and to discuss issues that directly affect staff members. Meetings are chaired by the Staff Senate President and conducted according to a standard format following the protocols of Robert's Rules of Order to ensure orderly discussion.
Where are these meetings held?
All full Staff Senate meetings during the academic year are held virtually (via Zoom) to maximize accessibility and ensure broad participation.
When are the meetings scheduled?
Full Staff Senate meetings are regularly scheduled from 12:00-1:30pm on the second Wednesday of each month during fall and spring semesters.
Who participates in these meetings?
Active Staff Senators are expected to participate in all full Staff Senate meetings, and these meetings are also open to all KU-Lawrence and Edwards campus staff members.
For Staff Senate meetings, a quorum is required to conduct Senate business (the minimum number of members who must be present for the meeting so that official decisions or votes may take place). Staff Senate Code defines a quorum as a majority (more than half) of all active Staff Senators in attendance at a Senate meeting.
Quorum requirements help ensure that decisions are made with adequate representation and participation. If a quorum is not met, the meeting may still occur, but no binding decisions can be made.
Why should I encourage someone who is not a staff member to attend a Staff Senate meeting?
- Gain transparency into University governance
- Hear first-hand about upcoming policy changes and issues that affect staff members
- Learn more about the work of Standing Committees and discover where you can get involved