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STAFF
ADVISORY COUNCIL

 
 

WELCOME TO THE

CASE STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL



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Serving as an advisory group of both administration and staff to suggest, comment, and provide feedback on policies and issues that affect the University and the people it serves.

 

 

SAC Executive Committee
 

SAC News


2009 SAC Election Results

Please join us in congratulating the following staff members elected to the Case Western Reserve University Staff Advisory Council (SAC) for a two-year term beginning September 14, 2009 when an Orientation Breakfast will be held in their honor. It is an honor to be chosen by one's colleagues and this honor brings with it a responsibility to serve to the best of one's abilities.

Academic Administration
Stacy Fening, Benjamin Hrouda & Carol Terrell

Case School of Dental Medicine
Laura Huffman & Marna Negrelli

Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Marie L. Vibbert & Caroline Cheetham

Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Theodore Austin & Kathleen Hanning

University Administration
Michelle Adams, Rebecca A. Bailey, Jeffrey Gumpf, Marcia Huffman, Robin G. Kramer, Richard Kramer, Twyla Miller, James Prince, Elizabeth (Liz) Woyczynski, Elaine Barney, Karen Dunn, Katherine (Kat) Evans, Jovon Jones, Lisa Kouns, Julieta Peterson, Robin Sheppard, Christian Swol & Diane Weitzen

SAC STAFF MORALE Committee Survey Results

An open-ended survey was made available through filer.case.edu. The purpose of the questionnaire was to gauge the morale of staff at the university, the reasons behind these beliefs, and possible solutions. The exercise was also designed to encourage staff to open up and talk about their work life. Several notices were sent out to staff through Staff Advisory Council emails and Case Daily drawing attention to the questionnaire. There was also a posting on forum.case.edu.

There were 470 staff respondents, making the response rate approximately 20% of staff on campus. Those who did not respond in the on-line format were encouraged to submit their responses as hard copies resulting in 10 additional submissions.

The Staff Morale Committee agreed to address only the first question of the survey, which was "In your own opinion, is morale high or low at the University?" Each response to question one was reviewed and evaluated by one individual on the committee. Morale was coded as high or low if it was specifically stated in the answer to the question or there was a strong indication towards one of the two categories. An indifferent category was utilized in those cases where the answer was ambivalent.

Of the 470 respondents, 361 indicated that morale at the university was low or responded negatively. 32 responded that morale was high or their response was positive, and 68 were indifferent. Nine respondents opted out of the first question and either responded to one or all of the remaining three questions.

It is clear that within this sample, the overwhelming majority believed staff morale was low. It is probably safe to say staff is more likely to believe morale is low than to believe it is high.

Those who responded to question one negatively cited that their feelings of negativity stemmed from the lack of a cost of living or merit increases, the increase in workload associated with the loss of staff in their departments, fear of additional layoffs, the lack of respect for them as an employee of the university, what they consider the mismanagement of finances at the university and lack of confidence in current leadership.

The remaining questions follow: the second question was "List changes that you would like to see occur," the third was "If you believe that morale is high in your department or group, explain why that is. What exactly does your department do to boost morale?" and the last question was "Make suggestions that you believe would help to boost morale. We are looking for constructive recommendations that would promote positive policy, procedural, and environmental or campus climate changes."

Because of the overwhelming negative responses to question one, the SAC Staff Morale Committee would like to recommend the prospect of continuing to investigate opportunities to boost morale among staff with the information contained in the remaining questions.

Taking care of yourself


SAC would like to mention the following for those looking to improve your health...

All university full and part-time staff are entitled to use the physical education facilities for FREE. Go to http://studentaffairs.case.edu/athletics/facilities/ for more info.

For those interested in the many enhanced offerings of a traditional fitness club, Julie of the on-campus 121 Fitness writes: "121 Fitness is Cleveland's premier fitness center. A state-of-the-art, 28,000 sq. ft. fitness center, 121 Fitness is located on the Case campus and open to the public. 121 is committed to helping all members of the Case, UHHS, UCI, and surrounding communities achieve the healthy lifestyle they desire. 121's members consist of professionals, students and community members of all ages and fitness levels striving to balance their commitment to health and wellness with their busy lifestyles. 121 Fitness is known for its clean, friendly and motivating atmosphere. 121's staff is dedicated to providing personalized attention and instruction to each and every member. With us, it's personal! Please check out http://onetoone.case.edu to learn more about membership, classes and programs and to see all that we have to offer! You may contact onetoone@case.edu for more information on membership and programs."

The Staff Advisory Council is pleased to announce the creation of the Case Staff Educational Enhancement Fund


Details of the fund are as follows...

Information on the application is here.

To apply, fill out the application here.

When: Funds will be available starting Fall 2007. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2007.

Eligibility: Case Staff 1) full-time 2) part-time 3) after 90-day probationary period.

Purpose of funds: Educational and professional development; enhancement and/or improvement of current skills, need not be job related.

What can funds be used for: certification, on-line courses, textbooks, courses off campus, out-service training (courses, training sessions, conferences, conventions, professional association meetings or workshops) that are not funded under regular university benefits.

Applying for Staff Educational Enhancement Funds: To participate in the Staff Educational Enhancement Fund an official request application form must be submitted indicating how the training will increase the employees' ability to perform his/her current job or how it will enhance/improve current skills that will be mutually beneficial to the employee and the university.

The deadlines for submitting application forms are as follows: Fall Semester: August 1st, Spring Semester: November 15, Summer Semester: May 1st.

SAC Suggestion Box

The University Administration and SAC want to hear your good ideas on how to improve our work environment, to increase our energy, efficiency, and/or to save money.

Your suggestions will go to both John Wheeler, Senior Vice President for Administration, and the SAC Chair. These suggestions will not be posted to the website.

Send your suggestions to the SAC Suggestion Box at http://www.case.edu/president/sac/onlineforms.html

Additional News
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STAFF ADVISORY NEWSLETTER
 
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