Resolutions

A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO CALL FOR AN OFFICIAL NC STATE UNIVERSITY LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT STATEMENT

WHEREAS,   North Carolina has one of the highest populations of Indigenous Americans in the United States of America, and;

WHEREAS,  North Carolina State University has a responsibility to acknowledge the land it resides on, and;

WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement calls to attention the genocide, ethnic cleansing, stolen land, and forced removal of native bodies, and;

WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement recognizes current and historical inequity and injustice towards Indigenous communities and calls for the restoration of Indigeous rights and inclusion, and;

WHEREAS, NC State’s Strategic Plan’s Fourth Goal calls our institution to “Champion a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and well-being in all we do”, and;

WHEREAS, although different department and organizations at NC State utilize land acknowledgements, there is no uniform statement adopted university-wide, and;

WHEREAS, a university-wide adopted acknowledgement recognizes NC State’s responsibility to provide greater resources and opportunities for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and Indigenous communities, and;

WHEREAS, NC State has a chance to join peer institutions in adopting a land acknowledgement statement,

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate recommends the university officially adopts the following land acknowledgement statement:  

“North Carolina State University recognizes that our state is home to eight federally or state-recognized tribes: Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan. 

As a land grant institution, NC State University respectfully acknowledges that the lands within and surrounding present-day Raleigh are the traditional homelands and gathering places of many Indigenous peoples. 

We share an ongoing responsibility to safeguard these lands and to respect the sovereignty of the tribes and Indigenous nations residing in North Carolina. NC State honors all Indigenous peoples—past and present—who have been and remain an integral part of the history and culture of our Alma Mater”; and be it further

RESOLVED, that it is the opinion of the North Carolina State University Staff Senate that the

aforementioned land acknowledgement statement drafted by the Native American Student Association (NASA) is recommended on each class syllabus; and be it further

RESOLVED, that NC State creates spaces and supports systems for native students, including but not limited to, student organizations, scholarships, and residential housing; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to Chancellor Randy Woodson, Board of Trustees Chair Stan Kelly,  Provost Warwick Arden, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity Sheri Schwab, Senior Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Services Don Hunt, Dean and Vice Chancellor of DASA Doneka Scott, Assistant Vice Chancellor of DASA Donna McGalliard, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Tim Danielson, Director of New Student Programs Michael Coombes, Director of Student Leadership and Engagement Melissa Green; and be it further

RESOLVED, this resolution shall be effective upon its enrollment.

I hereby certify that this legislation was read and adopted in the North Carolina University

Staff Senate, this 9th day of November, 2022

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A COMMITMENT TO ELIMINATING NON-ESSENTIAL SINGLE-USE PLASTIC AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

WHEREAS, around 4,900 million tons – 60% of all plastics ever produced globally – have been discarded and are accumulating in landfills or in the natural environment; and,

WHEREAS, the ocean is expected to contain 1 ton of plastic for every 3 tons of fish by 2025, and by 2050, contain more plastics by weight than fish; and,

WHEREAS, in a year, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the Blue Ridge Pkwy 642 times; and,

WHEREAS, every week, North Carolinians throw away enough plastic bottles to line the Outer Banks 28 times; and

WHEREAS, North Carolinians throw away more than $41,411,600 in plastic each year; and,

WHEREAS, the University of North Carolina System Sustainability Policy requires universities to develop policies and programs that work toward achieving zero waste; and,

WHEREAS, the NC State 2030 Strategic Plan lists one of its values as sustainability, in our commitment to wise stewardship of resources, prudent financial planning and environmentally responsible operations; and,

WHEREAS, the NC State Sustainability Strategic Plan sets the goal of 70% waste diversion from the landfill; and,

WHEREAS, a 2015 comprehensive waste characterization study showed that NC State University disposes of an estimated 287,345 lbs of single-use plastic items in the landfill annually; and

WHEREAS, there exists readily available compostable and reusable alternatives to single-use plastics; and,

WHEREAS, North Carolina State University has existing infrastructure for collecting compostable products and composting them at its on-campus Compost Facility and Research Cooperative; and,

WHEREAS, NC State Student Senate has passed Resolution 43, the Break Free From Plastic Act; and

WHEREAS, Staff Senate supports the intent of the student action; and,

Therefore, we insist that the solution to ending plastic pollution is to stop the use of non-essential single-use plastics.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate commit its support to being a sustainable campus by eliminating single-use, non-essential disposable plastics that have readily available compostable or reusable alternatives; and,

RESOLVED, that we recognize NC State’s mission of promoting an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world, and how eliminating non-essential single-use plastic from campus is aligned with this mission; and,

RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate recommends that

The NC State Sustainability Council develop a task force comprised of students, staff, faculty, the administration, and representatives from Student Government, Staff Senate, and Faculty Senate that will develop a roadmap to a plastic-free campus; and,

RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate recommends that NC State University immediately replace all non-essential, non-compostable, single-use disposable plastics with readily available alternatives; and,

RESOLVED, that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate recommends that NC State University establishes a procurement and/or purchasing policy that provides the framework for the long-term elimination of all non-essential, non-compostable, single-use disposable plastics — both provided by the institution and those provided by contracted vendors; and,

RESOLVED, that copies of this legislation be sent to Chancellor Randy Woodson, Vice Chancellor and Provost Warwick Arden, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Charlie Maimone, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Brian Sischo, Chair of the Faculty RaJade M. Berry-James, Chair of the Student Senate, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Mladen Vouk, Sustainability Director Carla Davis, Sustainability Council Co-Chair Allen Boyette, Sustainability Council Co-Chair Steve Kelley, AVC of Campus Enterprises Richard Berlin, Director of Procurement and Business Services Sharon Loosman, and the deans and associate deans for all colleges and academic programs.

SOURCES

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.1700782

https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_New_Plastics_Economy.pdf

https://deq.nc.gov/conservation/recycling/plastic-bottles/stats

https://strategicplan.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/21-PROV-1088-strategic-plan-layout-2021-2030-3.pdf

https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/policy/doc.php?id=776

https://sustainability.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Sustainability-Strategic-Plan.pdf

NCSU 2015 Waste Characterization Study Final Report.pdf

First reading:  March 2, 2022, adopted.

Resolution Supporting a COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

October 20, 2021

Whereas, the COVID-19 virus and its variants are a continued and evolving threat to public health;

Whereas, at the time of this resolution, one vaccine has been granted full approval by the FDA, and the others are expected to gain full approval soon;

Whereas, Staff Senate affirms the value of a safe in-person experience for all students, faculty, and staff;

Whereas, NC State University has a responsibility to provide for the health and safety of its students, faculty, and staff;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Staff Senate of NC State University that it supports a mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine for all students, faculty, and staff who have class or work responsibilities on campus, according to regulations for vaccine administration set by the FDA or vaccine manufacture, subject only to medical or bona fide religious exceptions.

Drafted: October 20, 2021

First reading:  November 3, 2021, adopted.

Resolution in Support of Eliminating the “20 Percent Rule”

Submitted by the Employee Experience and Relations Committee

October 25, 2021

Whereas, it is the stated mission of the Staff Senate to seek out and address constructively issues affecting Staff, Faculty, and Students of North Carolina State University; and

Whereas, State of North Carolina Executive Order 93 promotes pay equity and bans inquiries into job applicants’ salary histories for state agencies under the governor’s oversight; and

Whereas, State of North Carolina Executive Order 93 bans inquiries into salary histories expressly to address the “racial and gender pay equity” gap, noting that “relying on salary history during the hiring process may perpetuate gender pay inequities, as this practice is grounded in the false assumption that prior salaries are fair or free from bias,” and

Whereas, per Section 2 of the State of North Carolina Executive Order 93, North Carolina State University is not under the oversight of the governor, but is nevertheless, per section 5(c) of the Order, encouraged to comply with the State of North Carolina Executive Order 93; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources’ (OSHR) Career Banding Salary Administration Policy states that “it is the policy of the State to compensate its employees at a level sufficient to encourage excellence of performance and to maintain the labor market competitiveness necessary to recruit, retain and develop a competent and diverse work force;” and

Whereas, the OSHR Career Banding Salary Administration Policy states that “an agency must submit written justification to the Office of State Human Resources for review and approval prior to implementing a salary increase of 20% or more” for “promotion,” “horizontal transfer,” and “reassignment;” and

Whereas, the OSHR Career Banding Salary Administration Policy defines a “promotion” as “employee movement from one banded position to another with a higher market rate,” defines “horizontal transfer” as “employee movement from one banded position to another with the same market rate,” and defines “reassignment” as “employee movement from one banded position to another with a lower market rate;” and

Whereas, OSHR has delegated authority for managing salary actions at UNC System institutions, including pay increases over 20%, to the UNC System Office; and

Whereas, the North Carolina State University Office of Human Resources’s SHRA salary guidelines state that SHRA employee permanent base-salary increases that exceed 20% must receive UNC System Office pre-approval; and

Whereas, the OSHR Career Banding Salary Administration Policy, which refers to a current employee’s existing salary, conflicts with the clear intent of the State of North Carolina Executive Order 93, which prohibits state agencies from requesting salary history from applicants and relying on prior salary information in determining an applicant’s salary,

Be it resolved that the Staff Senate supports the UNC System Staff Assembly’s advocacy to the UNC System Office, OSHR, and the State Legislature, as needed, for the elimination of the approval process for SHRA salary increases of greater than 20% so UNC System institutions pay policies align with the intent of Executive Order 93.

Drafted: October 25, 2021

First reading:  November 3, 2021, adopted.

Resolution in Favor of Updating the Alma Mater

Whereas the use of the word “Dixie” in the North Carolina State University Alma Mater does not reflect the university’s diverse population of faculty, students, and staff due to its associations with the time and place of slavery in America,

Whereas the North Carolina State University Alma Mater is a part of the public imprint of the university and, as such, should reflect the university’s values,

Whereas the Alma Mater is part of the university’s official graduation ceremony and other moments of shared significance for our campus community,

Be it resolved that the Staff Senate recommends that the Alma Mater be updated to reflect the university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity by replacing the word “Dixie” with lyrics created through a collaborative process involving a broad and diverse group of stakeholders.

Voted on and approved by the General Body of the Staff Senate on October 6, 2021

A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT TO SUPPORT FEED THE PACK FOOD PANTRY AT NC STATE AND IN THEIR MISSION TO FIND A SUITABLE, ACCESSIBLE AND PERMANENT SPACE ON THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Short Title: Feed the Pack Pantry

Resolution Sponsors: Executive Committee, Robert Davis Chair

Secondary Sponsors:

Signatories: Robert Davis, Chair of the Staff Senate

Referred to: Staff Senate Executive Committee from a presentation from the Feed the Pack Food Pantry

Version: 2 nd Version

First Reading: May 6, 2015

WHEREAS, Feed the Pack is a community based initiative sustained by the NC State community to combat food insecurity experienced by members of the Wolfpack family which includes staff, students, faculty and their families. And,

WHEREAS, since its inception in the fall of 2012, the pantry has served over 1200 visits and the number of visitors is increasing. The goal of Feed the Pack is to ensure that no member of the Wolfpack community lacks access to nutritional support on campus. And,

WHEREAS, the current pantry resides in Harrelson Hall. And its lease will end in the spring of 2015 requiring a relocation of the food bank. Currently the only options available are temporary. This will require another relocation in a few years. If Feed the Pack were unable to find a suitable permanent space, staff, students, faculty and their families could go without sufficient food resources. And,

WHEREAS, Feed the Pack is necessary and important for the growth and success of the NC State community as a whole. And, WHEREAS, Feed the Pack needs a viable space that can be reasonably located and easily accessed by its users. And,

WHEREAS, the food pantry needs a space when visitors can be safe, anonymous and easily get assistance to sustain themselves or their families.

WHEREAS, The Feed the Pack food pantry needs enough space to allow sufficient and proper storage of all the donated food. It should be large enough to cover an expansion of inventory during peak times of year or through the natural growth of the pantry. And,

WHEREAS, Feed the Pack needs to be recognized and supported by the NC State administration, Faculty, staff and students to allow for expansion and growth of this program. And,

WHEREAS, Feed the Pack can be a valuable tool which strengthens the image of NC State University. And,

WHEREAS, Feed the Pack food pantry will always support the Wolfpack family when they need it the most.

RESOLVED, Let us now and here highly resolve that the North Carolina State University Staff Senate urges the NC State administration to recognize the Feed the Pack program as a valuable resource for NC State University. And,

RESOLVED, urges the NC State administration to support the Feed the Pack program by providing a suitable permanent space where Feed the Pack can grow and expand as needed in the future.