Out with the Old, and In with the New

Friends, it is time for me to say Thank You and Good Bye for your thoughtful ideas, your care for all of us at UNM and beyond, and your perseverance. And it is time for us all to welcome Scott Sanchez as the 2021-22 Staff Council President! Scott has a wide perspective, excellent leadership skills, strong legislative experience, a keen mind and a big heart. I am excited to see what Staff Council may do for all of us under his guidance!

Year in Review

I would like to thank all members of the 2020-21 Staff Council for a job well done under challenging circumstances! Here are some highlights of their service. Staff Council passed five resolutions, requesting: (1) more translation of UNM communications into Spanish, (2) a Town Hall regarding policing, (3) adjustments to parking policies and more voice about them, (4) compliance to anti-racist policies and improved disciplinary and prevention measures related to racism; and (5) compliance to Web Content Accessibility Guidance so that people with disabilities can fully understand University web content. Staff Council held monthly Learn-At-Lunch events focused largely on wellness and inclusion, and two events helping staff enroll in classes. We recognized many outstanding staff and supervisors. Councilors recently offered several affinity groups and a book club focused on racial inclusion and equity. Through the Council’s work, UNM now has a listserv for International faculty and staff; and foster parenting is being added to the Parental Leave Policy. Councilors represent staff in search committees for important leadership positions; and we helped the Regents see why they should keep their Appeal process in place.

The Council did not do it alone. It was a pleasure working with senior Administrators—especially President Stokes, Provost Holloway, Executive Vice President Costantinidis, Vice President Zerai, and Vice President Anderson. Without exception, they have been eager to offer their help and listen to ideas about staff needs. Staff Council also received assistance from many offices around campus– Human Resources; the Policy Office; UCAM; the Office of Compliance, Ethics and Equal Opportunity; and the LoboCard Office, to name some. We thank you all for your responsiveness and care.

Challenges Ahead

We’ve had a whirlwind of a year; we can be sure we won’t be landing precisely where we were. Universities were already facing a changing landscape; and the pandemic has highlighted so many areas of need and opportunity. We might expect big changes in terms of the research our communities need, how we provide health care and education, the ways we address unequal treatment and civil rights, how information is and ought to be shared. Our University will also be considering how best to use our space and what technology will propel us forward. ‘Reimagine’ is a word I hear plenty; and I’ll bet you do, too.

It is always true that Staff Council can only work effectively when we hear from you; but it is especially true now. It will be nearly impossible to anticipate all staff needs and experiences when change is underway, plans are developing so rapidly, and information is imperfect. So please, please, do stay in touch and let us know how changes large and small are affecting you.

Friends, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve staff and Staff Council this year; and to interact with you. I have nothing but gratitude for all I have learned, all the work the Staff Council did, and all the commitment so many staff have shown. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together this year.