Nonexempt Staff Senate (NESS) Michael Dick President, AY 2009-2010 www.umbc.edu/ness 1 Shared Governance Formal structures for collaboration & communication between administration, faculty, staff, and students. 2 UMBC Formal Structures • Faculty Senate • Student Government Association (SGA) • Graduate Student Association (GSA) • Professional Staff Senate (PSS) • Nonexempt Staff Senate (NESS) 3 What is NESS? NESS represents Regular and Contingent Nonexempt staff not otherwise represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, offering them a voice in shared governance. 4 Background February 2002 the bargaining unit for nonexempt employees voted in AFSCME as their exclusive bargaining agent. Classified Staff Senate dissolved. Certain types of employees are excluded from participating in collective bargaining, such as supervisors, managers, and staff who work with confidential information. 5 Who are members of the Nonexempt Staff represented by NESS? The Department of Human Resources reviews employee position descriptions for eligibility status. Human Resources updates the list of NES members on a quarterly basis (97). 6 Purpose of the NES Senate A. To advise and make recommendations to UMBC Administration on matters involving NEES members. B. To review the actions of the other four Senates and UMBC Administration. 7 Purpose of the NES Senate C. To make recommendations, via the Steering Committee, to the Board of Regents. D. Review academic policies and practices affecting NES members. 8 Purpose of the NES Senate E. Review campus personnel practices as they affect NES members. F. To promote an improved work environment and enhanced morale among NES members. 9 Members of the NES Senate Michael Dick, Pres. Terry Aylsworth, VP Vicki Simmers, Treas. Dottie Caplan Deborah Geare, CUSS Dawn Swierczewski Joe Howard Teresa Lupinek Kathy Miller, CUSS Sue Schneider 10 A Few Initiatives Educate and strengthen shared governance process Staff Handbook More flexibility in the pay ranges Improved Staff Development and Training Review of the current PMP Book Scholarship for Undergraduate Students Influenced the guiding principles of the current UMBC Furlough Plan 11 This Year’s Initiatives Enhance Better communication with fellow NES workers Website: www.umbc.edu/ness Two Book Scholarships for Undergraduates Continue to strengthen shared governance process 12 Committees University Steering Committee Council of University System Staff (CUSS) Planning & Leadership Personnel Review Committee Landscaping and Stewardship Human Relations Athletics Policy Library Policy Research Council Risk Management Climate Change Task Force (Ad Hoc) Staff Development (Ad Hoc) Food Services (Ad Hoc) Search Committees (Ad Hoc) 13 Want to get involved? Elections are in April Two year term Monthly meetings Chance to help shape your work environment 14 Nonexempt Staff Senate www.umbc.edu/ness 15