Staff Council Update: March 28, 2024
| by Nicole Veilleux
Staff Council has had a busy month! March kicked off with an early morning meeting with the College Board of Advisors on March 1st. During this meeting, we shared the preliminary results of our survey. Then, on March 18th, we had discussions with Senior Leadership during the Districts F and J meeting. Additionally, the Compensation Committee reviewed HR’s online communication materials for staff. They then provided questions and feedback related to market raises, skill matrix and the job description process to HR. Meanwhile, our survey committee has continued to analyze data from the staff council survey and prepare for a presentation to senior leadership members on April 11th.
We want to give a big thank you to our campus partners for keeping the lines of communication open throughout these discussions.
Update Topics
See Staff Council Updates Online
- Announcements
- New Staff Members
- Upcoming Events
- Staff Council Committee and Meetings Updates
- Representative Spotlight
Announcements
District F and J Meeting with Members of Senior Leadership – On Monday, March 18th, Districts F and J met with members of Senior Leadership in Wilson Hall to address topics the staff had submitted before the meeting (photos). Overall, the meeting was well attended, and the conversation went well. The topics included the College’s housing plan, potential adjustments to the academic calendar such as extending turnover times, eliminating programs like the Feb program and Winter Term, as well as concerns regarding damage, graffiti, excessive mess, and misuse of common areas by students. Our thanks to the staff and Senior Leadership for taking time out of their day to join the productive conversation.
GMHEC Benefits & Well-Being Monthly Spotlight - This month the Middlebury Benefits Team brings a focus to our Financial Benefits as well as Emotional Intelligence’s potential impact on your overall well-being. We hope you’ll take a few minutes to consider the benefits you have available to support your financial future. There are also some great webinars coming up! Follow this link to view the fully accessible file with active links: March 2024 Benefit & Well-Being Spotlight Web Version.
Survey Update – As we shared in our March 14th update, the Staff Council will be presenting survey results and themes to members of Senior Leadership on Thursday, April 11th. Following this, we aim to host an open meeting on Wednesday, April 17th to share the outcomes with all staff members. Stay tuned for further updates!
Elections – Staff Council elections are coming up! District Representatives serve two-year terms. To see if your district will be voting this year see the Districts page (2022-2024 terms will be voting). If you are interested in running contact Staff Council.
Meet Our Newest Staff Members
- Chesneck Cherry (Custodial Services)
- Anthony Marsella (Athletics)
- Renee Miller (Dining Services)
- Grace Smart (Public Safety)
- Gabriel Strader-Brown (Museum)
- Jeffrey Trump (Ross Dining)
Upcoming Events
Solar Eclipse Activities Start Monday, 4/1 (VT) – Middlebury will experience a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8 at 3:27 pm. The viewing party will be at Battell Beach from 2-4:30 pm. Get ready for the eclipse by attending a lecture, starting with Mission to the Sun: Exploring the Solar Corona on 4/1 at 4:30 pm in MBH 216. See the Middlebury Eclipse website for eclipse safety information and the full schedule of eclipse events.
Senior Leadership Meeting with District K (Dining) (VT) - April 8 from 10-11 am. Members of Senior Leadership and Staff Council will be taking a tour of the dining halls to speak with dining staff. This is the second of a series of monthly meetings, each with a different Staff Council district(s). Contact Brent Simons with questions or suggested topics.
Committee Updates
Learn more about Staff Council committees, who are serving, and what they are working on.
Meeting Updates
See the Staff Council’s calendar for the latest meeting information.
Representative Spotlight: ELIZABETH BONE (CA)
Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Career and Academic Advisor within the Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies Program at Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA.
With five years at Middlebury, Elizabeth has established herself as a cornerstone of support and guidance for students navigating their academic and professional paths. Elizabeth also serves as the District M Representative and is a member of the Compensation Committee.
In her first year on the staff council, Elizabeth has already proven herself to be an advocate for her colleagues and the unique needs of the Monterey community. Her decision to join the council stems from a desire to deepen her understanding of Middlebury’s inner workings while ensuring that the voices of her constituents are heard and valued.
Elizabeth’s enthusiasm for empowering students and staff alike is evident in her favorite Middlebury resources. As a career advisor, she champions Handshake as an invaluable tool for connecting students with job and internship opportunities. Additionally, she has enthusiastically embraced DLINQ offerings, recently participating in their AI workshop.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elizabeth brings a unique personal story to the Middlebury community. With a decade of service in the Navy as an intelligence analyst, including a deployment to the Persian Gulf aboard an aircraft carrier, she offers a unique perspective shaped by her diverse experiences.
District M represents: Middlebury Institute Staff