Councils and Committees
Staff Senate has several standing councils and committees. Standing councils and committees primarily serve to facilitate the work of internal Staff Senate programs and initiatives and are made up of both senators and staff members at-large. Staff Senate standing councils and committees are used to investigate and discuss staff-related issues, plan service and social activities and programs for staff members, provide guidance and support for Staff Senate, and fulfill the mission of the University.
Staff Senate also sends senate representatives to serve on various University committees at the request of the Administration. These committees are referred to as external committees.
Membership and Participation
As stated in Article VI of the Staff Senate bylaws, "Standing committees may consist of both current and former Senate members, as well as staff members at-large. Staff members at-large must first receive the consent of the committee chair before joining meetings and activities of the committee. All senators shall be required to serve on at least one standing committee per term year."
All senators are required to serve on at least one standing council or committee per term year, but senators may serve on multiple standing councils and committees. Staff members at large are welcome on all standing councils and committees and may join any council/committee at the discretion of the council/committee chair. For more information, please email staffsenate@missouristate.edu.
The Staff Senate Chairperson appoints senate representatives for the University committees (external).
2025-2026 Committees
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The Public Affairs Committee is charged with coordinating activities and developing proposals to produce citizens of enhanced character that contribute to the University community and society, and demonstrate civility in thought, speech, and action. Responsiblities include:
- Promoting the public affairs mission and events/activities (donation drives, book series, volunteer opportunities) that support it
- Facilitating Cherry Street Adopt a Street
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair Senator Sharon Harter -
The Staff Activities Committee may have work groups which serve to facilitate planning and coordination for Staff Senate organized events and fundraising opportunities. Responsibilities include:
- Creating new fundraising opportunities for the Staff Senate Scholarship
- Planning staff appreciation events throughout the year, such as football game tailgates
- Budgeting for and securing event (athletics, theatre, etc.) tickets for staff
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair Senator Blanca Mallonee & Senator Charles Babb -
The Staff Development Committee is charged with generating and vetting ideas to increase staff recruitment, retention, professional development, and morale. Responsibilities include:
- Proposing ideas, benefits, and policies to Staff Senate to increase staff recruitment, retention, and morale
- Facilitating implementation of proposed recruitment/retention ideas
- Providing staff with information on professional development opportunities on and off campus
- Sponsoring educational workshops and programs
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair Senator April Phillips -
The Staff Outreach Committee is charged with connecting with, hearing from, and serving groups that Senate has typically had trouble reaching. These groups include, but are not limited to, part-time staff, 2nd and 3rd shift staff, West Plains Staff Senate, Student Government, and faculty. Responsibilities include:
- Identifying barriers to participation in campus activities for the above-mentioned groups
- Creating and promoting accessible avenues for engagement tailored to varying schedules
- Collaborating with other committees to ensure inclusive communications and event planning
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair Senator Kem Yost -
The Ad-hoc Committee - CUPA data is charged with analyzing CUPA data provided by HR and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Responsibilities include:
- Comparing pay with comparable institutions
- Making recommendations to Staff Senate and administration regarding budget decisions, such as raises which typically happen in spring
- Seeking other relevant data or input as needed
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair -
The Ad-hoc Committee - Igniting Opportunity is charged with promoting and coordinating staff involvment with the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. Responsibilities include:
- Remaining aware, staying involved, and having a strong voice throughout the implementation process, just as staff had in the development process
- Advocating for staff's perspective during implementation
- Making recommendations to Staff Senate and administration
- Reporting updates to the Coordinator of Staff Senate Committees
Chair -
These Senators represent Staff Senate interests on committees external to our body.
Committee Required Representative Name Appointment Term Academic Calendar Committee one Senator Phil Bridges 1 Year Appointment Administrative Budget Committee Chair Elect Misty Webster Length of Term Board of Governors Executive Committee Meetings Chair/Chair Elect/Past Chair Phil Bridges / Misty Webster / Campbell Keele Length of Term Council for Staff Excellence in Service Awards two Senators Adam Niesen, TBD 2 Year Appointment Employee Wellness one Senator Galen Martin 1 Year Appointment Executive Budget Committee Chair Phil Bridges Length of Term Faculty Senate one Senator TBD 1 Year Appointment Health Care & Benefits Committee Chair Phil Bridges Length of Term Inclusion Awareness Team one Senator April Phillips 1 Year Appointment IT Council one Senator Phil Bridges 2 Year Appointment President's Council on Accessibility one Senator Laura Derrick 1 Year Appointment Presidential and President’s Cabinet Retreats Chair/Chair Elect/Past Chair Phil Bridges / Misty Webster / Campbell Keele Length of Term Representative Bodies Leadership Lunches Chair/Chair Elect Phil Bridges / Misty Webster Length of Term Shared Leave Committee three Senators Blanca Mallonee, Rut Muñoz Aliaga, TBD 2 Year Appointment
with one seat offset
from the other twoStudent Government one Senator TBD 1 Year Appointment Sustainability Advisory Committee one Senator Emily Letterman 1 Year Appointment Sustainability Commission one Senator Misty Webster 1 Year Appointment. Unlimited Reappointment Transportation Advisory Committee one Senator John Bogue 1 Year Appointment University Council Chair Phil Bridges Length of Term University Space Allocation
Advisory CommitteeChair/Chair Elect/Past Chair Phil Bridges / Misty Webster / Campbell Keele 1 Year Appointment Wall of Fame Selection Committee Chair Phil Bridges 1 Year Appointment West Plains Staff Senate one Senator TBD 1 Year Appointment Williams Welcome Chair Phil Bridges Length of Term Wyrick Commission one Senator TBD 1 Year Appointment
Unlimited Reappointment