Staff Council

President’s Staff Council Update – January 30, 2026

The University of Delaware President’s Staff Council met on January 30, 2026, to confirm Council structure and begin shaping key priorities for the year. The Council is committed to strengthening communication, transparency, and staff engagement across UD.

Below are key updates and outcomes from the meeting:

1) Council Leadership Roles Confirmed

The Council officially confirmed four leadership roles: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Moderator.

• David Hannah was selected as Chair
• Laura Grimes and Megan West were selected as Co-Vice Chairs
• Nathana Jackson was selected as Secretary
• The Moderator role will rotate depending on meeting location

2) Two-Year Terms Established for Council Members

Council members will serve two-year terms, with future discussion planned around staggered terms to support continuity. A process for filling vacancies as they arise was also discussed.

3) Stronger Communication with Staff Across Campus

The Council discussed multiple strategies to keep staff informed and involved, including:

• Establishing Council members as departmental ambassadors

4) “You Keep UD Running” Recognition Campaign Underway

The Council discussed plans for a staff-recognition initiative that highlights employees who are going the extra mile. Next steps include developing criteria, nomination processes, and reporting methods, with potential opportunities to expand recognition across campus.

5) Increasing Visibility and Access for All UD Staff

To strengthen accessibility and inclusion, the Council discussed adding Council member profiles and contact information to the Staff Council webpage, along with strategies to engage staff from departments not currently represented on the Council.

UD Staff Council Update — Feb. 25, 2026

1. Commitment to a “Caring University” Culture

Staff Council engaged in a meaningful discussion of The Caring University, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility between the institution and employees for well-being, growth, and success. The Council affirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, inclusion, and support across UD.

2. Staff Priorities Identified for Action

The Council identified key areas of importance to staff, including cost-of-living adjustments, parking affordability, and transparency around funding changes. A staff survey is in development to gather broader input and help prioritize future initiatives.

3. Enhancing Communication and Transparency

Recognizing the importance of clear and consistent communication, the Council is working to strengthen how updates and institutional decisions are shared with staff. Future communications will be distributed through the Staff Council webpage and campus-wide channels.

4. Building Community Through Recognition

The “You Keep UD Running” recognition initiative continues to gain momentum, celebrating staff contributions across campus. Council members are actively sharing stories and exploring additional ways to highlight and appreciate the vital work of UD staff.

5. Promoting Campus Engagement and Inauguration Involvement

The Council is collaborating with the Inauguration Committee to ensure meaningful staff involvement in upcoming events. Efforts include campus-wide engagement opportunities, storytelling initiatives, and celebrating the unique culture of the University of Delaware.

University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council

Key Updates for the UD Community – April 1, 2026

1. Development of Annual Campus Climate and Thriving Survey
   The Council discussed the development of a new annual campus climate survey centered on the “Thriving Quotient” framework. The survey will include faculty- and staff-specific questions, as well as shared questions, with a focus on gathering meaningful feedback to better understand the campus experience and inform institutional priorities.
2. Commitment to Actionable Outcomes and Clear Communication
   Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that survey results lead to tangible action. The Council discussed the need for a clear communication strategy to share results with the campus community and to develop action plans that address key areas of concern while identifying a manageable number of institutional priorities each year.
3. Staff Engagement Opportunities for Presidential Inauguration
   The Council received updates on the upcoming presidential inauguration and opportunities for staff involvement. Staff members will have the chance to participate in the official procession and support event activities, highlighting the important role staff play in major University events.
4. Parking System Improvements Under Consideration
   Updates were shared from recent discussions with Parking Services, including a proposal to simplify the parking system by reducing the number of permit types. The goal is to improve clarity and accessibility while maintaining the University’s current operational needs.
5. Continued Momentum of the “You Keep UD Running” Campaign
   The Council continues to celebrate staff contributions through the “You Keep UD Running” campaign. Members shared positive feedback and stories of recognition, with plans to expand storytelling efforts to further highlight the impact of staff across the University community.

University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council

Key Updates for the UD Community – June 24, 2026

1. Council Establishes Strategic Priorities for the Year
   The Staff Advisory Council identified its primary focus areas for the coming year: job classification and career growth, salary and compensation, and cost of living. These priorities will guide the Council's work and collaboration with Human Resources and University leadership to advocate for meaningful improvements that support staff.
2. Campus Pulse Survey Results to Shape Future Initiatives
   The Council received an update on the University-wide Campus Pulse Survey, with results expected this September. The findings will help identify staff priorities and inform future Council initiatives. Dr. Laurie A. Schreiner will return to campus this fall to share the results and discuss next steps with the University community.
3. Staff Council Website and Feedback Portal Nearing Launch
   Work continues on the development of the Staff Advisory Council website, with a soft launch planned for July and full implementation expected in September. The website will include multiple avenues for staff to submit feedback, share ideas, and engage directly with the Council, creating additional opportunities for communication and transparency.
4. Expanding Staff Engagement Across Campus
   The Council discussed new ways to strengthen staff engagement by allowing committees to meet between regular Council meetings and by increasing the Council's visibility at campus events, resource fairs, and other University activities. These efforts are intended to build stronger connections with staff and ensure their voices are represented across the institution.
5. Preparing for an Important Dialogue on Job Classification and Compensation
   The July meeting will focus on a collaborative discussion with Human Resources regarding job classifications, compensation practices, career advancement, and employee self-advocacy. Topics will include understanding compensation quartiles, promoting consistency across the University, and discussing pathways for professional growth. This conversation represents an important step toward greater transparency and continued support for staff development.

University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council

Key Updates for the UD Community – July 21, 2026

1. Parking Improvements Continue with Focus on Affordability and Accessibility

The University shared updates on its evolving parking strategy, emphasizing that overall parking permit rates are expected to remain flat. New initiatives include a lower-cost permit for miscellaneous wage employees and graduate students, evaluation of expanding eligibility for reduced-rate permits, and long-term plans for remote parking locations, expanded shuttle service, and more affordable remote parking options. Staff feedback will continue to play an important role as these changes are implemented.

2. Staff Council Website Nearing Launch to Strengthen Communication

The Staff Council website is progressing toward launch and will serve as a central hub for staff information, resources, and engagement opportunities. A prototype of the website and submission form has been completed, and the Council is now focused on finalizing content, including the development of a mission statement that reflects its commitment to representing and advocating for staff across the University.

3. Human Resources Provides Greater Transparency on Compensation Practices

Human Resources met with Staff Council to explain the University's approach to job classifications and compensation. The discussion highlighted how salary grades are established using external market data, the importance of maintaining internal equity, and the ongoing review of salary structures to remain competitive. HR also reaffirmed that job descriptions evolve over time and that reclassification should be considered when responsibilities significantly change.

4. Continued Focus on Fair Compensation and Employee Recognition

Council members engaged in a productive conversation about salary compression, merit increases, performance evaluations, and employee recognition. Human Resources acknowledged staff concerns regarding internal equity, consistency in performance ratings, and budget limitations while sharing that an institutional equity review is anticipated next year. The discussion reinforced the University's commitment to evaluating compensation practices and exploring opportunities to recognize employee contributions more effectively.

5. Return-to-Campus Policy and HR Follow-Up Identified as Upcoming Priorities

Looking ahead, Staff Council identified several key priorities for future meetings, including a University-wide discussion on the Return-to-Campus Policy and a follow-up Human Resources information session to address remaining staff questions regarding job classifications, compensation, and performance management. These ongoing conversations reflect the Council's commitment to ensuring staff voices remain part of important institutional decisions.