Advocacy in Action

Your Voice for a Better UI

March 2021

Staff Council Nominations are Open!

Do you or someone you know want to make a difference at the University of Iowa?  Nominations are now being accepted for open positions on UI Staff Council. Nominations for Function Representatives will remain open through March 31 at 5:00 p.m. and can be submitted using this simple online nomination form.

Please see the Staff Council website for more information. 

Building-wide Staff Led DEI Committee Sees Growth and Action

While attending diversity training during his orientation to University of Iowa Office of Patient Financial Services in 2019, Emmet Oldham, Revenue Cycle Representative, quickly realized he could provide his own expertise, experience and value to the training by offering to support DEI related initiatives. Within a month of joining his new team, Oldham was already involved in the Health Services Support Building (HSSB) DEI Committee. Read more...

Councilor Spotlight - Brenda Van Dee!

At the end of May, Brenda Van Dee, Staff Council Budget Officer's term will end after serving for 6 years as a Staff Councilor.  In this short video Brenda talks about her meaningful experience on Staff Council, and the satisfaction associated with representing her staff member constituents.   Brenda is an Administrative Services Coordinator in the College of Medicine and has worked at the University of Iowa for nearly 29 years!
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Last Call for University Charter Committees Applications

Don’t forget! The application for Staff Membership on University Charter Committees for the 2021-2024 Terms is open through Friday March 19.

Are you interested in shared governance? Each spring the University of Iowa Staff Council Committee on Committees solicits applications to fill staff vacancies on University Charter and Non-Charter committees.  Read more...

The Value of Mindfulness

Mindful meditation is a therapeutic technique that brings the focus of your awareness to the present moment. By practicing mindful meditation, you can eliminate racing thoughts, increase positivity, reduce stress, and improve your overall mental health. The university has a website, where staff can learn how to be mindful. On the website you can find resources such as articles and videos, an FAQ section, and also learn how to sign up for a mindful meditation class.