Frequently Asked Questions

The purpose of the Kent State University Staff Council is to propel the University in its journey to become one of the best places to work; to advocate for the best interests of staff members; to nurture a climate and environment of respect, kindness and fairness; and to help shape an evocative culture of collaboration broadening and strengthen communication lines to help staff participate in decision and policy-making processes in our University. Our efforts in the Staff Council will be purposefully geared towards providing greater visibility for staff; engendering a more understanding and caring work environment; and a sense of community among staff, students, faculty, and senior administrators.

Serving on the Staff Council is open to all employees who meet specific qualifying criteria such as: must be a full-time or continuing part-time employee, must have served the University in a professional capacity in the past two years, and having received ‘Meets Expectations’ in their most recent performance review. Staff in supervisory roles are limited to a managerial level of 6 or lower.  Staff that are employed on a temporary contractual basis are welcomed as guests, but they cannot be members; hence, they have no voting rights.  

Review the KSU Staff Council Bylaws

• Email us at staffcouncil@kent.edu to share your suggestions, questions and concerns.
• Attend our social events on campus.
• Nominate yourself and/or others to serve on the council.
   

• Develop skills in organization, communication, and leadership.
• Meet fellow staff from other campuses, offices and departments.
• Learn more about issues affecting the University and its employees.
• Speak up and speak out for yourself and your colleagues.
• Help make Kent State University a better place to learn, live, and work.
   

• A 2-year term beginning on January 1and ending on December 31 of each calendar year.
• The council meets once a month, typically for one hour.
• Every member is expected to serve on at least one committee or working group, requiring an average of an additional 1–2 hours monthly.
• Serving as an officer (Chair, Co-Chair, Treasurer, Committee/Working Group Chair) requires an additional 2–4 hours monthly, on average.
• We understand that some employees do not have the flexibility in their positions to attend additional meetings. We do not and cannot expect council members to attend additional meetings if doing so causes difficulty for them to perform their jobs.
   

• Call to order by council president. 
• Review and approve meeting minutes from last meeting.
• Introduction.
• Committee reports.  
• New business (example; upcoming staff appreciation event, upcoming open enrollments).
• Adjournment. 
   

An issue is a question, concern, or proposal from a Kent State University employee or employees. This could be affecting a particular individual or group within the university community. Issues can be presented informally by a Staff Council member who is voicing concerns from their department or division, or communicated directly to Staff Council via email (StaffCouncil@kent.edu). Staff Council will discuss the issue and direct it to administration as deemed appropriate. Though the outcome may be unknown, please know that the Staff Council is dedicated to being the voice of all staff to the university administration.