Elections will be open Oct. 31 to Nov. 22 for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s first Staff Senate.

The new governance body will represent and advocate for all staff employees. Senatorial terms start in January. Bios for the candidates representing each district are available here.

On Oct. 31, staff will receive an email inviting them to vote in the election. Each individual will receive a personalized ballot with candidates from their district. Ballot links should not be shared.

The Staff Senate will include 60 members — 53 who can vote — representing specific areas of the campus community, and six ex-officio, non-voting members (four from the University of Nebraska system and up to three post-doctoral employees). Senators will represent one of seven “districts” defined by the university’s overall organization. The districts are: Business and Finance; Chancellor; Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor: Academic Colleges; Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor — Student Affairs; Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor — Additional Employees; Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Research.

The number of senators was determined by the size of each district. Senators will serve three-year staggered terms, a structure that will allow for continuity for future elections.

Meetings will be scheduled for one hour each month. Additional time may be needed depending on a senator’s committee assignment. The Staff Senate president and other officers should expect a larger time commitment. Staff who meet senate requirements are expected to work with their supervisors to seek permission to participate. Staff participating will not be compensated monetarily.

More information about the Staff Senate is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page. A draft of Staff Senate bylaws is also available for review.