Staff Senate
Join Our Staff Community
The Coppin State University Staff Senate is a representative group of staff (with some exceptions), who work to promote a spirit of unity, pride, and cooperation among University staff members. We also recognize staff leadership efforts and their impacts on the daily University operations.
The Staff Senate advises the University President as well as the President's cabinet on important staff issues and support the administration in achieving our collective University vision.
Become a Staff Senator
Staff Senators are voting representatives of their respective divisions. Volunteering to represent your division is a great actively engage in university matters and get involved with shared governance.
How to get involved with Staff Senate
Email the Executive Board for more information on Staff Senate events, and meetings. Typically, Open Forum Meetings occur from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Staff Senate Representation
We represent all regular and contingent II Coppin employees, except for:
- Faculty
- USM employees designated in USM BOR Policy VII-P.100- (II)(1) (a and b)
- Employees represented by a certified exclusive representative (i.e. the union)
Please contact Human Resources if you're not sure Staff Senate represents you.
2023-2025 Executive Committee
The Executive Committee provides general leadership and oversight for Staff Senate. The Executive Committee will facilitate the process for filling the vacancies for additional Senators.
Staff Senate Committees
There are many ways to get involved with Staff Senate! Committees are a great way to use your expertise and voice to make our University better for everyone. Interested in joining a committee? Complete and submit the Staff Senate Committee Sign Up form.
Staff Senate may form special committees to research and evaluate matters of concern that impact University staff. Ad-Hoc committees exist for either the rest of a current session, or until they complete their intended purpose.
We develop and report bylaws, accept proposed changes to the bylaws, study the proposals, and prepare recommendations to the Staff Senate. We also set up and maintain a set of simple but effective bylaws to govern the Staff Senate.
We are responsible for setting a communication plan, planning and coordinating all communications for Staff Senate. Our goal is to create a space where staff can exchange ideas with representatives on issues, challenges, and concerns. Additional responsibilities include:
- Managing ongoing communication issues, opportunities, and challenges
- Presenting communication policies to Staff Senate for review and approval, as they related to Senate business
- Develop and publishing a Staff Senate newsletter
- Planning and coordinating
- Updating the Staff Senate website
- Promoting Staff Senate programs on social media
We partner with the University's Governmental Liaison to educate and share information to the Staff Senate on University-related legislative issues.
We prepare the slate of Staff Senate nominees.
We gather and document all relevant USM, university-wide, and departmental policies and procedures for universal reference. Our focus is to make sure the information is readily accessible for all Coppin staff.
We work with nominators to make sure BOR nomination packages are an excellent reflection of each nominee's contribution. We also work on recognition programs to reward excellence in employee performance and service.
We research and publish opportunities for staff development. We also work with other campus bodies to provide training and development that aligns with our University vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan.
We coordinate with Human Resources and the Policy and Procedure Committee to share Staff Senate information with University new hires.
We are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events sponsored by Staff Senate, including:
- Fanny Jackson Coppin Week
- Homecoming
- University Day
- Coppin Family Campaign