From overseeing essential human resources processes to processing grants, and from advising students to creating communication campaigns, CLAS’s 106 staff members and our student workers play vital roles in advancing the mission of the College.
According to a recent CLAS Staff Council report authored by Kristen Salsbury and presented to CLAS Chairs and Directors by Salsbury and CLAS Staff Council Chair Michelle Médal, CLAS staff perform an array of essential tasks, including:
- Planning and executing the short and long-term goals of a department or unit
- Establishing, organizing, and managing work processes, budgets, and operations
- Tracking and storing important information and producing documents and reports as needed
- Being the public “face” of the department and first point of contact for inquiries
- Supporting the marketing efforts of a department or unit
- Organizing special programs, events, grant-funded research, and scholarships
- Serving as an informal advisor and/or connector of resources for all stakeholders
To honor our staff as part of Administrative Professional’s Day, the Dean’s Team recently hosted two staff-appreciation events intended to showcase the crucial ways staff promote the work of CLAS. First, on April 22, we hosted a breakfast featuring specialty donuts from the nearby Salty Donut. Flavors like Tiramisu, Cheesecake, Samoa, and Cookie Butter were rounded out by vegan and gluten-free options. The next day, we hosted a bánh mì and Boba fusion lunch with pork belly, chicken, and tofu bánh mì and assorted flavors of the delicious Taiwanese milk tea drink.
The Dean’s team also said a special thanks to Karen Fennell, CLAS Operations Manager, and Jill Hutchison, Administrative Support Specialist, and the student workers who handle the CLAS front desk and daily operations with care, creativity, and professionalism.
While a special treat represents one small token of appreciation, there are many everyday things faculty and students can do to show support for our staff.
The CLAS Staff Council report identified paying attention to “advocacy, respect, and power dynamics” as three ways to support staff.
Actions that everyone can take in their units on a regular basis include:
- Inviting staff to have a seat at the table
- Seeking staff opinions and feedback
- Consulting staff on new systems, policies, and processes
- Considering allowing staff to vote on critical decisions
- Respecting staff as valuable colleagues
- Treating staff as business professionals
- Encouraging psychological safety
We invite all CLAS colleagues to join us in showing our appreciation to staff and student workers and striving to enact these signs of inclusion and respect.
On behalf of CLAS faculty and students, we extend a huge thanks to all CLAS staff members for their creativity, dedication, and hard work. We couldn’t do it without you, and for all your efforts, we are grateful.