Author: Patrick Chinn (page 1 of 5)

Special meeting with HR on OA Classification and Compensation: May 26

The OA Council and UO Human Resources are sponsoring a special meeting to update officers of administration on several critical HR topics.

Thursday, May 2610:00–11:30 a.m.
Ford Alumni Center Ballroom and White Stag Building Room 150
RSVP for the May 26, 2016 OA Special Meeting

Human Resources is sponsoring this special meeting, and has reserved the Giustina Ballroom in the Ford Alumni Center so that all interested officers of administration will be able to attend and hear this important information.

As part of the Human Resources Year of Transformation, HR will share in detail its work to strengthen and standardize OA employment practices. Specific topics include:

OA Policy Development: The OA Policy Advisory Team is actively developing policies and procedures to govern OA employment at the university. Policies provide reference, guidance and resource for consistent administration of employment practices important to OAs such as performance management, recruitment and selection, and time off. HR will share information on policy development and opportunities in the future for OAs to engage in the process.

OA Compensation: Initiatives to establish a market-based compensation structure and related standard compensation practices are entering implementation stages with the intention of increasing UO’s ability to attract, reward, and retain OAs. HR will share information about the OA Compensation Project and provide updates on the next action steps and communications plan.

Talent Management: The streamlining of recruitment and talent management processes alongside the implementation of a new talent management system will transform key elements in the OA employment lifecycle. HR will provide an update on the process improvement project and Talent Management System Project and will share insight into how OAs will interface with the system.

At the start of the meeting, Yvette Alex-Assensoh, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, will present a short overview of the Division of Equity and Inclusion’s Staff Professional Development Grant, to help UO staff develop skills that facilitate the institutionalization of equity, inclusion and diversity on campus.

All UO officers of administration are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Open Meeting: May 5, 2016

The OA Council will be using this open meeting time to debrief on last month’s OA Strategic Leadership Forum and work done to date. All OAs are welcome to join us, though please note that the discussion will focus on OA Council business.

OA Council open meeting
Thursday, May 5, 2016
1:30pm to 3:00pm
Chiles 125

2016 OA Elections Guide

Faculty and staff elections are now open! Vote on DuckWeb.

Our 2016 candidates, grouped by office, are:

2016 OA Strategic Leadership Forum on April 18

Each spring, the OA Council partners with Professional Development in Human Resources to offer the Strategic Leadership Forum.  This year’s forum features an expanded learning and networking experience: a full-day conference!

Summary of the day’s agenda for Monday, April 18

  • 8:00am: Doors open
  • 8:45am: Keynote—Shelly Esque, Former Vice President of Intel, on “Change Management”
  • 9:45am: concurrent workshops:
    • Promoting Inclusion in the Workplace through Supervision
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Effective Communication for Supervisors
    • Lessons from 100 Teams
  • 11:05am: concurrent workshops:
    • Creating a Mentoring Based Partnership
    • Aligning your Team/Strategic Plans with the Institutional Vision
    • Effective Communication for Supervisors
  • 1:30pm: concurrent workshops:
    • Promoting Inclusion in the Workplace through Supervision
    • Lessons from 100 Teams
    • Conflict Resolution
  • 2:45pm: concurrent workshops:
    • Engaging Student Employees Through Learning
    • Networking: Creating Your Professional Advisory Board
    • Conflict Resolution
  • 3:50pm: Keynote—Chelsey Megli, Director of Talent Management, UO Advancement, on “Talent Management”

Please plan to attend the opening presentation on Change Management at 8:45am, as this is where you will get your packet for the day.

Get more information and register at Professional Development’s Making Tracks.

Open meeting with Nancy Resnick, Chief HR Officer

Open meeting with Nancy Resnick, Chief HR Officer
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
10:30am to noon
Law School 142 175
Refreshments provided

Please join the OA Council for a special open meeting with guest Nancy Resnick, Chief Human Resources Officer.  This is an opportunity to meet Nancy and learn about her background and current HR activities.  Nancy is also very interested in hearing from you.  So we are looking forward to an informal meeting to share ideas, questions and concerns, and to hear from OAs about their work on campus.

Please RSVP for this event at:  https://oregon.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_5zORzWcxhrgJVad

Seven Deadly Sins: OA Night at the Oregon Bach Festival

Storm Large

Storm Large

Starring Storm Large
Vocal Quartet Hudson Shad
OBF Orchestra conducted by Robert Moody

Friday, June 26, 7:30 pm
Silva Concert Hall

OA tickets are $10 off and include pre-concert reception on the patio with drinks and nibbles!

Order tickets by June 19 and enter code AWESOME

Musician. Actor. Playwright. Author. Awesome.
Songstress Storm Large returns to OBF with a program featuring Weill and Brecht’s Seven Deadly Sins, torch songs, American songbook standards done with Storm’s fearless style, and a blazing bolt of rock. Last seen at OBF performing with Pink Martini, Storm is an American (and Oregon) renaissance woman who delivers unrestrained and impassioned performances of love, desire, and truth.

Don’t know the name? Check her out: https://www.youtube.com/user/officialstormlargeOregon Bach Festival

2015 OA Council Candidates

Voting is now closed.

Also see: 2015 University Senate candidates and 2015 Faculty Advisory Council candidates

Daniel Mundra

Daniel Mundra

Daniel Mundra

I have worked at the UO for over 4 years, 3 of them as an Analyst Programmer at CASIT and more than a year as Web Services manager at CASIT. I am interested in serving on the OA Council to reach out and work with other OAs around campus and learn from them how they serving their department and campus’s needs. The biggest challenge both the UO and OAs face is trying to provide excellent, efficient and fast service in the current climate of distrust and budget cuts.

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan has been with the university since July 2014 working as the Digital Production Manager at the Knight Library. He’s a professional Photographer where he received his formal training at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara,
California. After completing his BS in Commercial Photography and Scientific Photography, he went on to receive his Masters of Science in Photography as well as a Master’s of Fine Art. Randy stayed on at Brooks as instructor and lab manager. After Brooks Institute Randy moved to the East coast working for the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry, WV and then at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Randy has done all types of photography from conservation photography, sports, weddings, and portraits, and is now exploring the abstract. He has also worked for the L.A. County public defender’s office as an expert witness related to photography. Randy has won several awards for his “Organic Abstracts”.

Larissa Ennis

Larissa Ennis

Larissa Ennis

As a senior program manager at Academic Extension, I work with a variety of departments (both academic and administrative) across campus to provide educational experiences to nontraditional audiences. I came to UO in 2002 to pursue a graduate degree in English, and transitioned into a staff position in Academic Extension in 2008. In my almost 13 years at UO, I have served in a variety of capacities: GTF, adjunct instructor, and officer of administration. My time at the University of Oregon and my experiences in these varied roles leads me to understand that shared governance is not a luxury afforded to a few, but rather a responsibility we all share. UO has faced some tremendous challenges in recent years, and as we work to determine the future of this institution, we need to be sure OAs’ voices are heard.

The OA category encompasses a vast expanse of administrative and managerial roles here at the university. We face a variety of challenges, especially being the only unrepresented employee group at UO. Currently, we are grappling with the impacts of multiple changes in senior leadership, the institutional governing board, the faculty union, and broader conversations regarding the changing nature of higher education. I hope to serve on the Officer of Administration Council to represent the voices of OAs on this campus in this formative time, as we work to shape the future of this university.

Peter Bauer

Peter Bauer

Peter Bauer

Hello, my name is Pete Bauer and I began my career at the UO in the Office of the Registrar in 1996, first as Assistant Registrar and later as Senior Assistant. In 2002 I moved to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships as the Management Systems Coordinator.

Before my UO career, I worked with the Forest Service and the Peace Corps. I taught myself computer skills and programming while working as forester, and those skills enabled me to land a job here. Working in Registrar and Financial Aid has certainly opened my eyes to the very complex world of data management and reporting. I have seen many changes over the years with OA employment. In 1996 we were hired as Instructors, with faculty privileges. That soon changed when the OA job classification was created. OA’s have worked ever since to define their role here with some success, but not everything we desired.

I am interested in serving on the OA Council to help all OA’s have a voice in campus issues, especially with the recent changes to governance we’ve transitioned to this past year. Transparency in decision making is important and OA’s need to see that and also embrace that idea when managing as well. I also believe that we deserve the respect of knowing our job is secure. We as OA’s deserve job stability and the confidence that the University trusts us and will invest in our future along with the other groups on campus. Multi-year contracts can and should be given to OA’s who have proven their worth over the years.

This is an exciting time for the University as we begin a new era with a new President. I look forward to seeing our institution evolve and to see our students, faculty, and staff unite to improve the greater good.

Holly Syljuberget

Holly Syljuberget

Holly Syljuberget

Holly Syljuberget is the office manager for the Business Affairs Office (BAO), and has served the university in that capacity since 2007.  She is a Eugene native, and attended the University of Oregon.  Holly shares the goals and the mission of the Officers of Administration Council  (OAC) to facilitate communication, identify and address pertinent issues, liaise with central administration, and create opportunity for collegiality, all of which are even more meaningful in this era of shared governance.  She has been instrumental in helping the BAO reach its many goals over the years, and is excited to have the opportunity to expand her knowledge of the university community and to contribute to the important work and forward progress being made by the OAC.

Lara Fernandez

Executive Director for The University of Oregon’s  Summer Academy To Inspire Learning (SAIL) program

Lara Fernandez joined the SAIL program in May 2011 as the Associate Director. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont. Lara has an eclectic work background in program development, management and counseling with diverse populations. Her related past employment includes: development and management of a shelter for battered women in Nevada; counselor for Aspen Achievement Academy, a youth wilderness program designed for interventions with youth who have criminal backgrounds, Utah; creating and directing the City Kids to Wilderness Project in Wyoming for low-income, inner-city high school students to discover life without boundaries in the wilderness, program development and case-manager for Indian center in Nevada, Administrator and Conference Manager for MP Associates, Colorado managing city wide trade shows and events across the country, and she is also a mother of three, avid trail runner and outdoorswoman.

Statement of Intent:
My interest in applying for this position is to assist the UO in developing new systems to provide clear roles, increased sense of value and better understanding of the Officer of Administrator (OA) role on campus. I believe with effective and efficient hiring and position maneuverability process, we will not only increase performance, professionalism as well as retention of OA staff. I believe it is our duty as a University to uphold clear standards to create a place where everyone can feel valued and have their needs addressed. If elected in this position, I will strive to meet these ideals and represent you to the best of my ability.

Keith Frazee

Keith Frazee

Keith Frazee

How long you have been at the UO and in what capacity(ies)?
I started working for the UO in June 2013 in Orientation Programs in the Division of Enrollment Management. Prior to joining the UO, I worked at Baylor University, Westmont College, and the University of Missouri. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Orientation Programs and coordinate the orientation and transition of new students through IntroDUCKtion and Week of Welcome.

Why you are interested in running for the OA Council?
I would like to continue serving on the OA Council to establish an onboarding and orientation process for new OAs at the UO. I would also like to ensure the student experience is the central value of our work, and it is my hope despite the many different roles and responsibilities OAs have at the UO, we have a shared vision of the promotion of student success.

Your views of the challenges the UO faces or that OAs face
Some of the challenges I’ve recognized the UO facing include the centralization of efforts that have historically been largely decentralized and defining the role and voice of OAs in the shared governance of the institution. I believe OA’s play a powerful role in addressing both issues, and we are equipped to do so effectively and efficiently when communicating well with one another. This past year the OA Council was called upon for input by university administration, and our role is increasingly validated among the decision-makers of the university. I would like to continue this momentum and help in any way I can.

Jane Irungu

Jane Irungu

Jane Irungu

I have worked at the UO since September 2010. My initial appointment was Associate Director, Office of Multicultural Academic Success. I focused on student retention and success: advising, counseling, scholarship administration, staff development and supervision.

In 2012 I was appointed Director of Graduation and Post-Graduation Success of the newly established Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence. In 2013 I transitioned to director of the center.

For the last five years, I have been following news on shared governance at the UO. I have attended a few senate meetings and a couple of OA Council meetings. I have learned a lot on how shared governance works. That being said, I would like to be part of the leadership to add my voice in the great work that the council is doing. I am intrigued by the differentials in classification, recognition, promotion and professional development of OAs at UO. I want to learn more. I am also interested in issues that relate to equity and inclusion: recruitment, retention, diverse workforce etc.

OA’s are a diverse group in terms of education, experience, remuneration and work environments. The services provided by OAs are part of the engine that runs this campus. Nevertheless, there needs to be more focus on their professional development, their remuneration, and a clear system of promotion among other concerns.

I would be humbled to serve.

Linda Favero

Linda Favero

Linda Favero

I launched the Career Center’s Alumni Career Services program in fall 2008 in Portland’s White Stag Block. I enjoy working with students, recent graduates and alumni in career transition to initiate job searches, form professional connections and ready themselves for the job market. In addition, I connect employed UO alumni to the Career Center so they can provide advice, share their knowledge, and identify potential employees. When I was a senior at UO (1988-89), I began my career at the Career Center as the Student Coordinator for the Career Development Internship Program. I never lost touch with my true passion as a career counselor during my 18 year career as a marketer, coach, and trainer at two Portland law firms. In addition, I am the Student Life Liaison in Portland and inform, orient and respond to concerns + emergencies, classroom + student conduct, and health + wellness issues. My volunteer work focuses on raising awareness and funds for clean water, sanitation and hygiene for the people of Zambia as a founding board member of WaterAfrica. I also served on the UO Alumni Association National Board of Directors from 2007-2010.

I am interested in serving on the OA Council to offer a voice for the OAs in Portland and advocate for their needs and concerns. I also strongly collaborate with all career professionals on campus as co-chair of the Career Professionals Consortium (CPC). The CPC represents over 25 UO professionals across 10+ colleges and departments. Furthermore, I work with many OAs in Student Life and Advancement. After 6+ years at UO and working with a variety of professionals across campus, it would be a privilege to serve on the OA Council.

Stephanie McGee

I am excited to be a part of the election process on our campus at the University of Oregon. I am currently the Employee/Labor Relations Specialist in HR. I am fairly new to campus, but I believe that my past experience will allow me to significantly contribute to the overall
success in either the OA Council or the University Senate.

My current position allows me overall vision because the Employee and Labor Relations section of HR touches every entity level on campus. Working with each employee group on a daily basis requires the highest level of analyzing the needs on campus as well as formulating solutions to given problems. One of the major things that I see severely lacking on campus for OA’s is a well-rounded set of implemented policies that would provide guidance to OA’s and also to those working with the OA’s. Previous policies were clearly written to for faculty administration rather than for professional staff. I would like to be a part of the current effort to clarify and improve policy development and
interpretation.

As a quick introduction, I have a BBA in Accounting and a JD in law. I have been a licensed attorney for thirteen years and have worked within higher education for over 20 years throughout Alaska, Hawaii and California. Although my primary focus was in the private sector, I always maintained a strong connection to the public university systems
through service, consulting, and mentoring students, faculty, and advisors. My experience working with campus planning committees, faculty, student and university senate boards as well as policy analytics, drafting, implementation and review will all contribute to my
ability to advocate for the needs of the campus.

My legal and business background will allow me to provide a fresh insight to the very unique needs of the UO campus at large as well as enable me to effectively communicate with different constituent groups on the campus. Providing a voice that can bridging gaps, partnering with diverse groups with sometimes competing goals, present issues and provide ideas for solutions is a passion of mine. I see an opportunity for new eyes and perspective to continue to forge effective partnerships with a newer Board of Trustees, newer unions, a new Ombudsman position and some large changes in the administration on campus.

I would greatly appreciate your support in this opportunity to serve the UO community.

Leeann Ford

I’ve experienced the UO from a variety of different perspectives: a student (MAcc 2008), a GTF instructor, and an OA since December 2011 when I accepted a position as the Business Manager for Information Services. Prior to that, I worked as a governmental and nonprofit auditor with a local public accounting firm.

I want to serve on the OA Council in order to learn more about the UO by participating in its governance. I’ve served on the Budget Advisory Group for the last two years, and it has been a revelation regarding the challenges facing the university, but also the ability of diverse groups to balance competing interests and accommodate constraints to arrive at a workable solution. I’m attracted to the OA Council because of the breadth of its range of interests and potential influence.

Personally and professionally, I’m interested in how governmental organizations work, and what can be done to make them more effective and transparent. I had an inside view of a number of them during my audit career and found that underneath apparent differences the same issues tend to recur. In my work, I’m focused on finding, analyzing and using data in order to make good decisions. I’m committed to open and honest inquiry and respectful discourse as necessary factors of good governance.

Leslie Fountain Williams

Leslie Fountain Williams

Leslie Fountain Williams

Leslie Fountain Williams joined the university in 2011, where she served as the Assistant Director of Budgets and Operations for Undergraduate Studies. She currently serves as the Finance Manager for the University of Oregon Police and Parking & Transportation Departments. She is active in the community and has served on the advisory board of Looking Glass for the past two years.

One of the challenges I see is organizational change. We are at a critical point in the university’s history. We are transitioning in our governance structure, with a new university president soon to arrive.

Being able to understand the needs and demands that drive our change will offer our student population, faculty and staff, and our community the opportunities to facilitate productive communication, which will allow us to work together, in a concerted effort through change. I would be honored to serve on the OA Council and work to provide a voice for OAs across the institution.

The following candidates for Officers of Administration Council submitted no statements:

  • Scott Austed
  • Dena James
  • Laurie Woodward
  • Cecilia LaFayette
  • Kelly McIver
  • Michael Smith
  • Bonita Damewood
  • George Hecht

2015 Faculty Advisory Council Candidates

Voting is now closed.

Also see: 2015 OA Council candidates and 2015 University Senate candidates

John Boytz

John Boytz

John Boytz

As the Assistant Director of Printing and Mailing Services, a self-supporting department, I am familiar with budgets, operations, workflows and financials. Most importantly, I am involved in change. I embrace the uncertainty linked to transformation and growth.

The university is experiencing a historical change with the implementation of a self-governing board. It will alter the climate, the operational process, and the relationships among groups on campus. It is important as a vital part of the university mission, that we are an active instrument in forming that new direction and course.

We should look forward to the new era of governance, and the need to take an active role in representation. I want to be part of that change and representation.

Helen Chu

Helen Chu

Helen Chu

Hi. I’m Helen. As the UO’s Director of Academic Technology, I’m very honored and privileged to support our students, GTFs and faculty in all our learning environments – whether that be online in Canvas/Blackboard or face-to-face in our campus classrooms. With this privilege comes great responsibility. I’m honored to advocate on behalf of our students, GTFs, and faculty not just for your educational technology needs but for your entire academic experience. During the past seven years on campus and two years on the Faculty Advisory Committee, I have listened carefully to your concerns and have done my best to represent and advocate for the students, faculty, GTFs and staff of the UO. Like you, I care deeply for our UO community, and believe that by collaborating on shared projects, initiatives and governance, we can build a stronger UO while preserving the community values we hold dear.

Jane Irungu

Jane Irungu

Jane Irungu

I have worked at the UO since September 2010. My initial appointment was Associate Director, Office of Multicultural Academic Success. I focused on student retention and success: advising, counseling, scholarship administration, staff development and supervision.

In 2012 I was appointed Director of Graduation and Post-Graduation Success of the newly established Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence. In 2013 I transitioned to director of the center.

For the last five years, I have been following news on shared governance at the UO. I have attended a few senate meetings and a couple of OA Council meetings. I have learned a lot on how shared governance works. That being said, I would like to be part of the leadership to add my voice in the great work that the council is doing. I am intrigued by the differentials in classification, recognition, promotion and professional development of OAs at UO. I want to learn more. I am also interested in issues that relate to equity and inclusion: recruitment, retention, diverse workforce etc.

OA’s are a diverse group in terms of education, experience, remuneration and work environments. The services provided by OAs are part of the engine that runs this campus. Nevertheless, there needs to be more focus on their professional development, their remuneration, and a clear system of promotion among other concerns.

Miriam Bolton

Miriam Bolton

Miriam Bolton

For those of you I haven’t yet met, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I began working at the UO in, 2007 and I’m currently the Administrative Director for the College of Arts and Sciences. During this time I have been active in shared governance in different capacities. I served two terms (2008-2012) on the OA Council (Chair for three years), Senate Executive Committee for three years, and served on the Respectful Workplace Task Force, the Ombuds Advisory Council and the Campus Planning Committee. I served on several search committees and ad hoc task forces as an OA representative.

These experiences have raised my awareness of issues on campus and enabled me to create a network of colleagues to collaborate proactively to address critical issues. I see service on the Faculty Advisory Committee as a next step leveraging the knowledge and relationships I’ve developed to benefit the campus community.

This is an opportunity to help educate and serve as a resource to our new President. He needs to quickly ascertain the culture and climate within the university community, and I believe that I bring a well-rounded, balanced perspective. I am open minded and willing to consider alternate viewpoints. As an elected OA representative, I will advocate for open communication and honesty from our senior administrators.

Thank you in advance for considering me for this opportunity. If you have any questions, I may be reached at mbolton@uoregon.edu.

Michelle Glenn

Michelle Glenn

Michelle Glenn

I joined the UO in 2014 as a regional director of development for the UO. I am responsible for major gift fundraising in Southern California, Arizona and Hawaii. I work for the entire university, not a specific academic unit or college. As such, my position stresses teamwork and collaboration with an eye on the university as a whole, qualities I plan to bring to my role as OA representative on the Faculty Advisory Council.

I have devoted more than half of my fundraising career to higher education at public universities. Prior to joining the UO, I spent eight years at UC San Diego in fundraising positions of increasing responsibility and was a member of the Chicano/Latino Staff Association. I am well versed in the challenges facing the UO (not unlike the UC system). I also bring a unique perspective to the Council as my position is focused on external constituencies. I interact closely with UO alumni and parents and can bring those insights to the table. I look forward to helping make this university a role model for others to emulate.

Stacy Williams-Wright

When Robert Kyr recently sent a sentimental email to campus, I felt compelled to respond to the call for service.  I enjoy working with faculty because their knowledge and collaboration is of deep value to me in my everyday work.  I also have a retired professor in my family, so I am used to hearing concerns from a different viewpoint than my own experience in administration.

I have worked at the UO since January 2003 and have served in escalating roles of responsibility within the VPRI office for the last 12 years.  I formerly served on the OA Council.  I currently serve in a role between the Research Core Facilities faculty advisory chairs, directors, business staff, Assoc. VPs, and the VPRI.  I am also currently serving on the HR Technology group for the UOs new Talent Management Software RFP procurement as part of the critical reorganization of HR.

If elected for this position I would seek to offer professional opinions and to help form collaborative understanding of policies, guidance and procedures based on my operational and managerial experience in Human Resources and Finance.  My goal every day is to do my best for the UO and offer excellent assistance to all levels of our diverse constituency of internal and external customers on campus.  Thank you for your consideration.

Dena James

Dena James

Dena James

Greetings and thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I am a UO Alumni, completing my BA in Anthropology in 1996 and then a PhD in Educational Leadership in 2012. I have functioned in multiple positions across campus including a Tutoring Services Coordinator in the College of Education, an Instructor in Educational Studies, and as a Research Assistant. I am currently employed in Student Life as a Coordinator of Assessment in Housing as well as in Student Life overall. It has been an eye opening experience working both on the Academic side of the university as well as the Student Life side. One thing that has not been different is the passion for our students and opportunities for them to learn, grow and feel a sense of belonging here on campus. I enjoy working with others who are passionate about collaboration, shared governance, and working towards a goal that ultimately best serves our students.

The following candidates for Faculty Advisory Council submitted no statements:

  • Nina Fox
  • Laurie Woodward
  • Jared Lindman
  • Michael Smith

2015 University Senate Candidates

Voting is now closed.

Also see: 2015 OA Council candidates and 2015 Faculty Advisory Council candidates

Jessica Ference

Jessica Ference

Jessica Ference

My name is Jessica Ference and I am the Business Manager in the College of Arts and Sciences IT (CASIT) support services. CASIT is in a unique position to service 42 departments in CAS and every type of university stakeholder including faculty, staff, students, GTFs and administrators on campus. This experience has given me the opportunity to understand university operations and policy implementation as related to technology infrastructure. This is a golden opportunity, because technology touches everyone’s life on campus.

My relevant experience includes a Master’s in Public Administration from UO PPPM with a focus in program evaluation, financial management and project management. I believe in analyzing data for evidence-based decision making and utilizing collaborative based approaches for generating solutions to problems. Additionally, I have been on campus for 7 years. I want to run for OA Senate because I believe that the UO is a prime example of how institutional governance utilizes many smart people to identify policy obstacles and together brainstorm innovative solutions.

If I were chosen for the UO Senate, I would like to champion implementing standard evaluation tools, easy-to-use stakeholder feedback mechanisms and perform historical data analysis to improve our ability in providing the best possible higher educational experience.

John Boytz

John Boytz

John Boytz

As the Assistant Director of Printing and Mailing Services, a self-supporting department, I am familiar with budgets, operations, workflows and financials. Most importantly, I am involved in change. I embrace the uncertainty linked to transformation and growth.

The university is experiencing a historical change with the implementation of a self-governing board. It will alter the climate, the operational process, and the relationships among groups on campus. It is important as a vital part of the university mission, that we are an active instrument in forming that new direction and course.

We should look forward to the new era of governance, and the need to take an active role in representation. I want to be part of that change and representation.

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan

Randy Sullivan has been with the university since July 2014 working as the Digital Production Manager at the Knight Library. He’s a professional Photographer where he received his formal training at Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara,
California. After completing his BS in Commercial Photography and Scientific Photography, he went on to receive his Masters of Science in Photography as well as a Master’s of Fine Art. Randy stayed on at Brooks as instructor and lab manager. After Brooks Institute Randy moved to the East coast working for the National Park Service in Harpers Ferry, WV and then at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Randy has done all types of photography from conservation photography, sports, weddings, and portraits, and is now exploring the abstract. He has also worked for the L.A. County public defender’s office as an expert witness related to photography. Randy has won several awards for his “Organic Abstracts”.

Frank Sharpey

Hello. My name is Frank Sharpy, and I am running for the University Senate.

I have worked on campus since September of 2003. My career began at the university as a Classified Staff, SEIU member – Building Manager, Lillis Business Complex, Lundquist College of Business. In 2012 I was promoted to Facilities Manager of the Lillis Complex– an Officer of Administration role. My experience allows me to have a broader view of the challenges and opportunities faced by staff on campus. I feel there is plenty of room for a fresh perspective and that I can bring this perspective to the Senate as we all move forward under a new governance structure and President.

A question you should ask of me: “Why would you want to be on the University Senate?” I do not think that anyone is able to ignore the fact that this campus recently has had its share of challenges, many of which revolve around issues of trust and respect. I find in large measure that both seem to be in a bit of short supply. I believe my experiences as both a classified staff member and as an OA will help infuse some new ideas and provide fresh views to the issues we face at the UO. I truly believe that all of us wish to make the UO a better place, and as a member of the Senate, I can be counted on to work toward that goal. I will form my opinions based on what I feel is best for the University — that includes all in the University community. You will know where I stand on the complex issues that our University faces. I feel the Senate can be part of the larger solution to the many issues faced by the University by providing fresh perspectives and voices that have yet to be heard.

Lynn Stearney

I have worked at UO for eight years, in both Foundation Relations (in the Development unit) and as Director of Research Development Services, which is a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.  My interest in serving on the Senate stems from my engagement with faculty members that are active researchers and my involvement with faculty development and support that highlights the scholarship, creativity, and research of UO faculty.  I have been an OA for the entirety of my UO employment.  My background includes ten years as a faculty member at the University of New Hampshire and Penn State in the discipline of rhetoric.

Brittany Nefcy

Brittany Nefcy

Brittany Nefcy

Hello! My name is Brittany Nefcy, I graduated from UO in 2011! After taking time to get my masters degree in Higher Education Administration, I have come back to UO to work full time. I am the Residence Life Coordinator for the Global Scholars Hall within University Housing. I have only been an OA for about 10 months but find myself seeking more opportunities to be involved on campus. I am running for a position that represents OA’s on the UO Senate because I see this as an opportunity to not only give back to my alma mater but have a pivotal role in our institutions governance. While I have not been an OA long, I have a wealth of enthusiasm for the work we all do to serve our students. Since I began my professional career here at UO, I have had the opportunity to work with 7 of Housing’s Academic Residential Communities. This has allowed me to build relationships across campus that, if elected as the OA representative, I would use to gauge opinion about Senate issues.  I hope to have long and productive relationships with campus groups and I see this as only the beginning!  I am extremely excited for this opportunity and hope that I can count on your vote!

Bill Sherman

Bill Sherman

Bill Sherman

I have now been with the University of Oregon for 10 years!  Time flies when you’re having fun.  As you can imagine, I’ve seen and heard a lot during my time here that has given me a firm grasp on the issues and opportunities facing this institution, especially those that involve and impact Officers of Administration.  Currently, I am the Director of Career and Advising Services in the Department of Economics, a one-person shop that serves a upwards of 1200 majors (and many minors, as well).  Before this, I was Assistant Director of Career Services and Assistant Director of Employer Relations for Lundquist Career Services in the College of Business.  I  served for three years on the EMU Board of Directors and have held significant leadership roles in various professional organizations, including the local chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management and the Mountain Pacific Association of Colleges and Employers.  I have a BA in Human Resources Management and an MBA.  In my off-time, I enjoy playing classical piano and pursuing a hobby as a rock journalist.

I am well aware of the concerns many of you have had about matters ranging from salary inequity and performance management systems, to mechanisms for providing meaningful input and feedback to administration and the all-important matter of work-life balance.  Most all of us are here because we believe in what we’re doing and care about the constituents we serve.  You can vote for me with the confidence that I will be a fair listener and take a well-reasoned stance on every issue I encounter. I despise  partisanship and will do my level-headed best to bring disparate sides together, as I have when serving on many boards of directors in the past.  Thank you for your consideration!

Keith Frazee

Keith Frazee

Keith Frazee

How long you have been at the UO and in what capacity(ies)?
I started working for the UO in June 2013 in Orientation Programs in the Division of Enrollment Management. Prior to joining the UO, I worked at Baylor University, Westmont College, and the University of Missouri. I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Orientation Programs and coordinate the orientation and transition of new students through IntroDUCKtion and Week of Welcome.

Why you are interested in running for the OA Council?
I would like to continue serving on the OA Council to establish an onboarding and orientation process for new OAs at the UO. I would also like to ensure the student experience is the central value of our work, and it is my hope despite the many different roles and responsibilities OAs have at the UO, we have a shared vision of the promotion of student success.

Your views of the challenges the UO faces or that OAs face
Some of the challenges I’ve recognized the UO facing include the centralization of efforts that have historically been largely decentralized and defining the role and voice of OAs in the shared governance of the institution. I believe OA’s play a powerful role in addressing both issues, and we are equipped to do so effectively and efficiently when communicating well with one another. This past year the OA Council was called upon for input by university administration, and our role is increasingly validated among the decision-makers of the university. I would like to continue this momentum and help in any way I can.

Stephanie McGee

I am excited to be a part of the election process on our campus at the University of Oregon. I am currently the Employee/Labor Relations Specialist in HR. I am fairly new to campus, but I believe that my past experience will allow me to significantly contribute to the overall success in either the OA Council or the University Senate.

My current position allows me overall vision because the Employee and Labor Relations section of HR touches every entity level on campus. Working with each employee group on a daily basis requires the highest level of analyzing the needs on campus as well as formulating solutions to given problems. One of the major things that I see severely lacking on campus for OA’s is a well-rounded set of implemented policies that would provide guidance to OA’s and also to those working with the OA’s. Previous policies were clearly written to for faculty administration rather than for professional staff. I would like to be a part of the current effort to clarify and improve policy development and interpretation.

As a quick introduction, I have a BBA in Accounting and a JD in law. I have been a licensed attorney for thirteen years and have worked within higher education for over 20 years throughout Alaska, Hawaii and California. Although my primary focus was in the private sector, I always maintained a strong connection to the public university systems
through service, consulting, and mentoring students, faculty, and advisors. My experience working with campus planning committees, faculty, student and university senate boards as well as policy analytics, drafting, implementation and review will all contribute to my ability to advocate for the needs of the campus.

My legal and business background will allow me to provide a fresh insight to the very unique needs of the UO campus at large as well as enable me to effectively communicate with different constituent groups on the campus. Providing a voice that can bridging gaps, partnering with diverse groups with sometimes competing goals, present issues and provide ideas for solutions is a passion of mine. I see an opportunity for new eyes and perspective to continue to forge effective partnerships with a newer Board of Trustees, newer unions, a new Ombudsman position and some large changes in the administration on campus.

I would greatly appreciate your support in this opportunity to serve the UO community.

Eric Beeler

Eric Beeler

Eric Beeler

I am the coordinator for the Student Sustainability Center, a program of the Erb Memorial Union. I’ve been at the University of Oregon for a year. I am running for this position because I want to be an advocate for Officers of Administration. I also want to role model to the students that I work with the value of participating in shared governance.

 

Debra Thurman

Debra Thurman

Debra Thurman

Like many of you, I began my work at the University of Oregon in office specialist positions and then accepted a leadership position about 15 years ago. I am finishing my first term as an OA Senator and my first year as the OA rep on the Senate Executive Committee. I have been associated with the senate for many years as a committee member (Freedom of Speech, Facilities Use) and through my work supporting active faculty senators. The OA Council generates great energy, leadership and momentum – I attend as many meetings as possible and encourage you to do so.

I would very much like to continue the important work in the senate, and be a part of the collaboration with the OA Council, Administration, Board of Trustees, and Human Resources. I believe that through successful shared governance, which includes collaboration with the groups noted above, we have opportunities to set the standard for other public research universities. We can find ways to better serve our students, be a better employer, find meaningful work, empower individuals, and continue our mission to serve students and provide a safe and intellectually vibrant environment. This is a very critical time for the University of Oregon, shared governance and the development of OA policies. This past term was very meaningful to me as I learned about the issues and challenges facing us as a university. There is a good amount of positive momentum going forward! I had the good fortune to learn from some great mentors, such as Teri Rowe, David Espinoza, Deb Mailander, Lisa Raleigh, Miriam Bolton, David Landrum, and Colleen McKillip.

Thank you for considering me for this senate seat. I was very pleased to see the list of talented OAs running for the senate positions. It is one of the most impressive and strongest groups to date. I have great optimism for the future of the University of Oregon with the combined talent of the current OA elects and the possibility of new leadership represented in the group of people who put their names forward for senate consideration.

“The essence of community, its heart and soul, is the non-monetary exchange of value; things we do and share because we care for others, and for the good of the place.” ~ Dee Hock

The following candidates for University Senate submitted no statements:

  • Lyndsey Pruitt
  • Jennifer Morlok
  • Michael Smith
  • Ken Kato
  • Brook Eastman

OA Council Meeting: 6/12/15

June Open Meeting
Friday, June 12, 2015
9:30am to 11:00am
Straub Hall 145

Our guest will be Nancy Resnick, the university’s Chief Human Resources Officer

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nancy Resnick will not be able to attend this meeting. It will be rescheduled for a later date.

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