Staff Council Update: December 11, 2023

Announcements  

Staff Council and Senior Leadership Open Meeting, Monday, December 18, 2023, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT, Dana Auditorium and Zoom webinar.  

Please join us for fall updates from President Patton and Vice President’s David Provost and Caitlin Goss.  

See the agenda for a Zoom link and additional details.  

Annual Survey Update 

Our annual staff survey will be sent out in the first week of January. Have a peaceful break!  

Meet Our Newest Staff Members 

Welcome to our new colleagues! Our November hires from 11/17, and 11/28. 

We need you! 

Do you work in the Budget Office, College Bookstore, Controller’s Office, Finance and Treasurer’s Office, Human Resources, Public Safety, Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Rikert Outdoor Center, Snowbowl, Student Employment Office, Student Financial Services, or the Student Mail Center?  

Then you’re in District E and we’d love to have you join us as your district rep. If you are interested or have questions, contact Colleen Norden at cnorden@middlebury.edu.  

Upcoming Events  

Cans for Cups (VT) Tuesday 7:30-9 am and Thursday 11:30-2 pm outside the Grille in McCullough. Drop off donation boxes at select locations Monday-Friday.  

Hope Holiday Gift Shop (VT). Sign up by Friday, 12/15. Contact CCE’s Jason Duquette-Hoffman with questions.  

Friday, 12/15 - Gingerbread House Competition (VT). ‘Tis the season for some friendly competition. There’s still time for you to pick up a basic gingerbread house kit at Human Resources in Marble Works, or if you’re feeling extra creative you can build an original. Pull together a team or go solo: prizes will be awarded for best house by an individual, teas, and department.  

Saturday, 12/16 - Holiday Party (VT). Childcare slots are still available. Sign up before Wed. 12/13. Great food and beverages, music, dancing, and fun with colleagues at the President’s year-end gathering starting at 6 pm in Nelson Arena. Donations for Hope accepted.  

Staff Council Meeting Schedule 

Wednesday, 12/13 - Staff Council Working Meeting (closed)  

Tuesday, 12/19 - Meeting with Senior Leadership Group (closed)  

Committee Updates  

Communications Reviewing the Staff Council website, preparing monthly updates, and planning the survey outreach for January.  

Compensation and Benefits Reviewing the HR website, compiling topics for a closed meeting with HR VP Caitlin Goss in January.  

Continuous Improvement Preparing an outreach email and contact form to collect items for committee consideration.  

Events Organized holiday food drive and holiday party childcare.  

Resources New committee began orientation on Middlebury finances.  

Representative Spotlight: NICOLE VEILLEUX (VT) 

Nicole Veilleux is the Assistant Director of Communications and Outreach at the Center for Careers and Internships on the Vermont campus.  Her journey at Middlebury has spanned a full decade. 

Nicole proudly serves as the District C Representative. Since joining Staff Council in the summer of 2022, Nicole has been leading the Communications Committee. She has collaborated with the committee members to migrate and update the website, create the monthly updates, and work on internal communications for the staff council. This year she also joined the Executive Committee as Vice President of Staff Council.   
     
What inspired Nicole to join Staff Council? It was her belief in the power of connection and communication. Nicole saw an opportunity to ensure that the staff’s voice is not only heard but amplified in decisions that affect us all. Her goal is to foster a collaborative environment where solutions are crafted, and conversations about the short and long-term goals of our community are nurtured.   
     
Nicole’s Middlebury tips: The Continuing Education Fund is a valuable resource that can open doors for professional growth. For Vermont-based staff members, her additional tip is to visit The Knoll. “It’s a magical place to unwind during lunch or enjoy a post-work stroll, easily one of my favorite spots on campus.”   

Nicole’s fun fact: She was raised in Norway, and her class photos from childhood capture her, a vertically challenged brunette, standing proudly (albeit diminutively) among her much taller, Nordic classmates, showcasing her distinct French-Canadian heritage.   

*District C represents: Athletics, Center for Careers and Internships, Center for Community Engagement, Center for Creativity, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, Chaplain’s Office, Dean of Students, Health and Wellness Education, MiddCORE, Health and Counseling Center, Residential Life, Student Activities, Student Creativity, Engagement, and Careers, Student Life Deans