Staff Council
Mission Statement
Staff Council works to further Westminster’s mission by advocating for and fostering an environment that promotes an engaged and empowered staff community; diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout Westminster; and transparent communication among staff and leadership.
Vision Statement
Staff Council advocates on behalf of the staff community, supports the growth of emerging staff leaders, and creates a space for fellowship and connection with others. Staff Council aims to support personal and professional development of staff, engage staff members in the community at multiple levels, and cultivate an inclusive environment that aligns with Westminster’s diversity, equity, and inclusion standards.
Values
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Community and Fellowship
- Transparency and Openness
- Compassion and Empathy
- Support, Leadership, and Mentorship
- Professional and Personal Growth
Meetings
Staff Council holds meetings once a month. Each meeting has two parts: The first hour is spent discussing council business and the second hour is an open forum style where guest speakers from across the college present on important topics. Westminster staff are invited to attend and to submit topics for discussion.
NEXT MEETING
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Staff Council Meeting
April 6, 2023 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Programming
Staff Council recognizes the hard work and dedication of staff members in several ways:
- Staff of the Month: Each month, Staff Council recognizes a Staff of the Month, selecting a winner from staff who are nominated by members of the campus community.
- Staff Emeritus: The Staff Emeritus Program recognizes long-time staff contributions to Westminster and strives to maintain a connection with staff who have retired.
- Staff Community Awards: Awards are given out each year at the Staff Retreat to winners who were nominated by their peers. A variety of categories recognize work over the past year.
- Virtual Applause Cards: Send a virtual applause card to give recognition for why another staff member is great.
Staff Council is dedicated to supporting the professional development of Westminster staff. Full-time staff are eligible to apply for Staff Council's Staff Professional Development Fund to help pay for professional development activities such as workshops, conferences, trainings, and more. The council also invests in hosting periodic professional development events on campus.
Each summer, the council hosts the Staff Retreat, which includes workshops, the announcement of new Staff Council members, staff recognition and awards, and more.
Get to know your peers—attend one of the council’s periodic social events, including tailgates, paint nights, and more, or bond with other staff members by joining or creating a staff group.
Staff Council Members
Dalton Bamburg
Staff Council Chair
Financial Aid Counselor
Laura Kendellen
Staff Council Vice Chair
Director, Web Strategy
Jeff Driggs
Staff Council Treasurer
Director, Foundation Relations
Pamela Shields
Staff Council Communications Coordinator
Director, Events
Shae Barber
Academic Advisor
Yvonne Francis
Administrative Coordinator
Madi Jones
Circulation Manager
Joshua Juarez
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Lindsie Smith
Director Gore Giovale Center for Innovative Learning
AJ Verkouw
Director of Outdoor Programs
- Expeditionary learning, outdoor leadership, experiential education, leadership development, group development, institutional risk management
- averkouw@westminstercollege.edu
- 801.832.2876
Committees
The Recognition Committee aims to provide informal and formal recognition of staff and to encourage supervisors to implement department recognition. The committee manages the process and selection of Staff of the Month. The committee organizes and creates a selection process for the annual Community Staff Awards as part of the Staff Retreat. The committee supports the staff emeritus program at the college including reviewing nominations for staff emeriti, planning the annual staff emeritus reception and other social events for emeriti.
Committe Chair: Madi Jones
Madi Jones
Circulation Manager
The Community Engagement and Social Events Committee aims to improve morale by connecting staff to the entire college community. The committee organizes events for all staff that encourage staff to attend athletic events, theatre and music performances, and other opportunities for staff to socialize through campus events.
Committe Chair: Shae Barber
Shae Barber
Academic Advisor
The Professional Development and Training Committee aims to promote engaged learning opportunities for staff to improve work performance and personal development. The committee manages the process for selection and disbursement of professional development funds and plans and organizes the annual Staff Retreat. The committee will also propose and organize additional professional development opportunities for staff on-campus.
Committe Chair: Yvonne Francis
Yvonne Francis
Administrative Coordinator
Contact
Did you know that Staff Council leadership meets with the president and HR director every month? Sharing your ideas, concerns, and accomplishments with Staff Council will be shared directly with institutional leadership to help influence positive staff experiences. Submit the form below to contact Staff Council with any questions, concerns, or ideas about staff support and involvement at Westminster. You can submit this form anonymously by leaving identifying fields blank.