Elections

Each year, the Staff Senate holds elections for about half of the elected senators in the body. To ensure that this is a fair and equitable process, elections are governed by the Staff Senate Bylaws, the Elections Code, and are organized by a standing Elections Committee.

Generally, the timeline for this process includes the following:

  • Apportionments for Areas are determined based on staff counts provided by HRIC
  • Self-nominations are announced and forms are made available
  • Election slates are made public and individuals campaign for their areas or at-large seats
  • General staff election
  • New senators announced and seated on July 1

Interested in joining Staff Senate?

people sitting in a room

Staff Senate Upcoming Elections

The Spring 2025 Staff Senate Election are coming up. We will be electing 19 staff senator positions including both Area Senators and At-Large Senators. Learn more about the staff senate responsibilities.

Timeline:

  • Self-Nominations Open: April 7 - 21, 2025听
  • Voting Open: May 1 - 16, 2025
  • Election Results Announced: June 6, 2025

What Can You Do as a Staff Senator?

Staff Senators represent staff across campus and are composed of multiple types of senators including Area and At-Large Senators. They have various responsibilities and opportunities to support staff. All Senators serve two-year terms, but Area Senators can serve only two consecutive terms.

Learn More About Staff Senate

Time commitments to expect as a senator:

The following tasks encompass the time commitment for Staff Senators. When applicable, the minimum amount of time is provided. Please note that this may vary depending on participation in committees and fulfilling other 鈥渁s needed鈥 responsibilities.

  • Office Hours: anticipated 1 hour per month
  • Senate Meetings: 2 hours per month
  • Senator Committee Meetings: 1 hour per month
  • Senator Events: Periodically

2025 Elections

Starting with the spring 2025 election, the standard rotating cycle will be in full effect and all senators seated in July 2025 will serve standard two-year terms.

Staff Senate Responsibilities

Area Senators

  • Communicate the needs, feedback, and concerns of staff constituency
  • Establish regular communication with staff constituents to share information and solicit feedback
  • Inform staff constituents on resources and assistance available through Staff Senate
  • Support and participate in Staff Senate events
  • Serve on at least one Staff Senate committee
  • Hold regular office hours for constituents

At-Large Senators

  • Communicate the needs, feedback, and concerns arising from interactions with staff
  • Conduct new senator orientation and provide mentoring to new senators
  • Facilitate Staff Senate introduction during 桃子直播 New Hire Orientation
  • Serve as an interim Area Senator in the event of absence.
  • Serve on at least one Staff Senate committee
  • Organize town halls (when needed)

What to Expect for Elections

Staff from across the University will receive an email with links and instructions to vote for their Area Senators and At-large Senators. Elections are decided by ranked-choice voting and staff ballots will only have the nominees that are applicable to their area.

Election results will be communicated in a timely manner, first to candidates, and then to the general staff population, by the Elections Committee. Results will be provided with sufficient time for new senators to prepare to take their offices.

If you have questions or did not receive a ballot, please contact us.