January 2022 Constituent Update

Here are updates from the January 12, 2022 Staff Senate general session:

 A new senator was appointed by an affirmative vote in District 11 – Lauren Taubert.

Administrative Update 

Margaret Erickson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Operations

Update: Human Resource Service Center- As part of the existing three-year strategic plan and framework, University HR has begun the creation of the HR Service Center, Concierge Service. This includes the consolidation of three services: front desk operations, background check processing and the I-9 service center. This step unifies key teams to provide critical employment services and promote cross-collaboration. UHR is retrofitting the reception area in Administrative Services Building II to accommodate the change. 

UHR is implementing a virtual assistant platform and an HR Service Now System- and will provide more information and updates as services are implemented. The virtual assistant will be able to provide more “anytime” assistance and create service tickets. 

The 3D memo that speaks to the Legislative Salary Increase (LSI) has been sent out and there is more information on the UHR website.

North and Central Campus Electrical Distribution Upgrade

Doug Morton, Associate Vice Chancellor Facilities 

POWER FORWARD -Electrical Distribution System Upgrade

AVC Morton shared a presentation created in collaboration with University Communication to illustrate the POWER FORWARD program. NC State is embarking on a multi-year, multiphase upgrade to the NC State electrical distribution system. Throughout the life of the project, NC State will replace 45 miles of electrical cable across the campus.

The presentation included information and imagery that the campus will see and experience over the course of the project. AVC Morton shared how NC State receives and generates its power, how long it has taken NC State to build to this replacement plan, and what they will do moving forward to ensure there are no whole campus power outages. The presentation includes the four phases of the project which is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025. This speed of this project would not have been possible without the support of Chancellor Woodson.

There will be localized town halls and communication to provide as much notice to keep areas under improvement powered efficiently and with minimal interruption. This new system is positioned to allow for seamless integration with future renewable energy options.

SEANC Presentation

Suzanne Beasley, Director of Government Relations & Mark Dearmon

Suzanne and Mark provided a presentation illustrating the advocacy of SEANC in the legislative budget process and the role SEANC played in advocating for salary increases for education employees in North Carolina. For more information on SEANC you may visit their website.

Mental First Aid Program

Jill Phipps, Vice Chair, Staff Senate

Vice Chair Phipps shared information about the new program- Mental Health First Aid. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an eight-hour training program designed to help you develop essential skills to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illness. The training really helps you learn the signs of potential mental health crisis and gives you the tools to help refer people to resources that may be helpful. The MHFA workshop is available as a single full-day session or as two half-day sessions. Funding for the program comes from the University of North Carolina System and allows NC State to offer MHFA workshops at no cost to participants. 

Chair’s Report

Helen DiPietro, Chair, Staff Senate

The UNC Staff Assembly has established three priority areas for the current year:

-Employee Retention

-Salary equity for internal positions (including the 20% cap on staff member salary increases for internal positions)

-Salary compression adjustments from legislative minimum wage adjustments

During a Council on Status of Women presentation given by Chair DiPietro, an idea was presented. The idea is for an intermediate paycheck. Staff Senate is working with university leadership to explore this option for future years and verify if it’s a possibility. Much like the December checks being issued earlier in the month, the idea would be to have a January check issued earlier in the month of January, so the time between checks is for the months of December, January, and February is more uniform.

Staff appreciation events are being updated and planned. 

The University Standing Committees survey has been shared and we are all encourage to participate if we are interested.

Additional guidance on fully remote working options for specific positions will be coming to us sometime in March as part of ongoing efforts to stay a competitive employer in the region.

The Chancellor and cabinet are exploring other options to continue to stay competitive as an employer.

Old Business/New Business

There was no specific discussion surrounding new or old business. Staff Senate engaged in a conversation about overall engagement within Staff Senate and how to continue to work successfully as the pandemic continues..

Ongoing Reminders: 

Computer Loan Program

Getting a new computer over the holidays provides the potential to continue the life of your old computer! The Computer Loan Program is constantly interested in acquiring more laptop computers to use for the program. The program utilizes computers that are not End of Life (EOL) to give employees that meet the criteria the opportunity to check-out a computer and build their computer skills. If your unit or department is considering surplusing computers that are not EOL-consider sending those computers to the Computer Loan Program. The Program may even be able to accept your gently used personal computer, if it’s not considered EOL, too! If you have computers to donate, please contact computerloan@ncsu.edu. 

Faculty & Staff Ombuds Office

Roy Baroff, NC State Faculty & Staff Ombuds

Please feel free to reach out for any help or guidance concerning key areas of how to navigate/empower/connect/coach. Roy is available at 919-515-7685.

Please join us for the next Staff Senate general session on February 2, 2022  from

10 a.m.- 12 p.m. via secure Zoom or in-person in Talley Student Union. General Sessions are open to all NC State staff.  Contact your staff senator for the Zoom meeting link as we draw closer to the meeting date. 

We are happy for the opportunity to serve you in the Staff Senate. If you should have any questions or concerns you would like Staff Senate to address, please feel free to contact your District Staff Senators: https://staffsenate.ncsu.edu/about/find-your-senator/ 

Please click here to watch the recording