Staff assembly elections begin

By Jillanne Johnson
Staff Reporter

The conclusion of the Staff Assembly’s second year was best summarized by former Speaker of the House Jim Wright during Tuesday’s meeting, members of the assembly said.

“It is springtime, and there are signs of new life all over campus,” Wright said.

This was the last business meeting for members who were elected to serve a two-year term when the assembly began in 1999.

Elections for the 2001-2002 representatives are underway.

Barbara Savak, assistant secretary of the assembly, oversees elections and said this is the first time the staff knows enough about the assembly to make educated choices.

“Elections were originally more of a popularity contest,” Savak said. “This (time, the elections) are more about who will represent us well.”

Jean Andrus, assembly chairwoman, said staff tend to vote for names they know, but that representation works out in the end.

“Elections depend on the various departments, but when they get (to the assembly), if they take the information back, then it is working,” Andrus said.

Andrus said there have been problems with the elections process.

“Now (the election process) is complex because we wanted to make sure all our bases were covered,” Andrus said.

Savak said that having exempt and non-exempt staff in the assembly can be a challenge, but it has been an asset.

Andrus said the assembly was formed on recommendation by Office Staff Personnel. Chancellor Michael Ferrari was enthusiastic about the change and the unity it created, she said.

“The OSP had fulfilled its duty,” Andrus said. “We were so isolated that often we didn’t know people across campus.”

Assembly historian Sharon Hudson said unity has helped staff members to see different perspectives and ideas.

“It was an (exempt staff) and (non-exempt staff), and now it is moving to just (all staff),” Hudson said.

Assembly secretary Harriet Hunt said having a stronger voice has also been a great stride for members of the assembly. She said that previously the faculty and students had a voice, but the staff did not.

Jillanne Johnson
j.johnson@student.tcu.edu