More Information

How is the STAFF COUNCIL organized?

STAFF COUNCIL is composed of a target of twenty-six (26) members, with every Division of the University having at least one member. A Division is a unit represented by a Vice President, Athletic Director, or reports directly to the President’s Office. Each member will serve a three-year term. Members may serve an additional three-year term, consecutive or nonconsecutive, if selected.

Each member will serve on at least one STAFF COUNCIL standing committee and serve as the representative (or backup representative) on at least one University Standing Committee. See the Committees lists

Please see the STAFF COUNCIL Constitution & Bylaws for more details on the Council's structure.

Who is the representative for my division?

Please visit the Council Members Directory.

When does the STAFF COUNCIL meet? Are the meetings open to anyone?

STAFF COUNCIL holds regular monthly meetings, usually the 2nd Wednesday of the month, with the agenda set by the Chair. All minutes are posted to the website in a timely manner. See the Meeting and Minutes web page for more information.

The meetings are open to all staff and faculty members. Guests will be asked to introduce themselves at the start of the meeting.

What is considered an issue to present to STAFF COUNCIL?

An issue is a submitted proposal to STAFF COUNCIL asking for a specific outcome, including goals and objectives to be considered, researched and/or resolved. For example: a change or clarification of MSU policy or improved working conditions on campus.

I have an issue I'd like the STAFF COUNCIL to review. What should I do?

Contact your division's Representative, who will help determine if the issue is appropriate for consideration by STAFF COUNCIL. Individual or office-specific issues may need to be dealt with through other methods, for which the Representative can provide assistance. You can also email the issue directly to STAFF COUNCIL at staffcouncil@msstate.edu

If the Representative agrees the issue is appropriate, they will submit the issue to the STAFF COUNCIL Policy and Procedures Committee for review. The Policy and Procedures Committee presents all submitted issues to the entire STAFF COUNCIL at a regular meeting, and the Council votes whether or not to accept the issue for further review. In most cases, accepted issues are referred to one of the Council's standing or university committees for further investigation and action.

Why submit an issue and what outcome can I expect?

STAFF COUNCIL provides a vehicle for communication of interests, concerns, and issues that affect staff, as well as presenting recommendations to University leadership. The issues submission process is how staff members can officially raise concerns for the STAFF COUNCIL to address. The STAFF COUNCIL is an 'advisory committee' just like the Student Association and Faculty Senate. We are free to suggest any changes, but ultimately we have to convince the appropriate University administrative offices to actually make our suggestions into policy. For this reason, we try to research all of the issues exhaustively before making any recommendations. Although this process can be time consuming, it is how the STAFF COUNCIL maintains its high level of credibility and makes it possible for us to effect changes that affect staff.

Who is eligible to participate in the STAFF COUNCIL?

Membership shall be selected from professional and support staff positions. Each member shall have at least one (1) year of service as a regular employee of the University appointed to a budgeted position prior to appointment to STAFF COUNCIL.

How are employees nominated to serve on STAFF COUNCIL?

Beginning January 15 of each year, the Chair of STAFF COUNCIL will request that the Vice Presidents solicit professional and support staff nominations from the Deans, Directors, and Department Heads to fill vacancies occurring within their Division.

The Executive Board will make the final selection and the Chair will notify the new appointees. Newly appointed members will be invited to the first meeting of the next year.

Please see the STAFF COUNCIL Constitution & Bylaws for more details on the Council's structure.