Welcome to the first Staff Senate newsletter of the academic year. The start of a new semester always brings a sense of renewal and possibility. Campus is alive with energy as students return to classrooms, residence halls, and shared spaces, filling UNL with the spirit and excitement that makes our university so special. This season is not only about students beginning their journey but also about us, as staff, recommitting ourselves to the important work of supporting their success and advancing the mission of UNL.
As your Staff Senate President, I am deeply energized by the year ahead. We have many opportunities to celebrate the incredible contributions of staff, to strengthen our sense of community and to engage in the events and initiatives that make UNL such a vibrant and inspiring place to work. Together, we will continue building connections across campus, ensuring that staff voices are heard and fostering an environment where every member of our university community can thrive.
This is also a critical time for our university community. The recently announced budget reduction proposal is difficult and understandably creates uncertainty. At this stage, these reductions are recommendations and not final decisions. The Academic Planning Committee (APC) will carefully review the proposals in the coming weeks, and staff have representation in that process through Staff Senate’s two voting seats. You can follow the timeline and find details on the APC website and about the budget process.
Your Staff Senate is working to ensure staff voices are heard and valued during this process. We are actively engaging with campus and system leadership, elevating feedback from staff across UNL, and advocating for transparency, fairness and recognition of staff as essential to the university’s success. Here is what we are doing right now:
Proactive Listening
This summer, under the leadership of Jordan Gonzales and other key members of Staff Senate, we hosted two Town Halls to hear directly from staff. The feedback was tremendous and has been compiled into the Staff Senate Town Hall Feedback Report. We encourage all staff to read the report, which is already informing our conversations with university leadership.
Meeting with NU President Gold
We had a productive meeting with President Jeffrey Gold and members of his leadership team to review the Town Hall Feedback Report. The response was incredibly positive, and we are excited to continue the conversation.
Meeting with Chancellor Bennett
We met with Chancellor Rodney Bennett and the Executive Leadership Team to discuss staff priorities and share the Town Hall feedback directly.
I also encourage you to review our Staff Senate Annual Report which highlights the many ways Staff Senate is representing and advocating for you.
Finally, I invite you to join us for our next Staff Senate meeting on Thursday, September 18, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. All staff are welcome to attend and participate.
The months ahead will no doubt bring challenges, but they will also provide an opportunity for us to come together as a community with resilience and shared purpose. Staff are the backbone of this university, contributing in countless ways, from welcoming and supporting our students, to maintaining the spaces where we learn and work, to advancing the academic, research and Extension missions of UNL. Your voices, perspectives and daily contributions are what make this university strong.
Staff Senate is committed to listening to you, representing your concerns and ensuring that staff remain recognized as essential partners in the success of UNL. Together, we will navigate this moment, support one another and keep staff at the center of the conversation about the university’s future.
With gratitude,
Jessie Brophy
More details at: https://staffsenate.unl.edu/