Staff Advisory Council relaunches, seeks new members

The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is relaunching with a streamlined, updated structure and is seeking colleagues from schools and departments across the university to represent the wide array of jobs and work environments found at Tulane.

The SAC is a university-wide body of elected and appointed members who represent staff employees on all of Tulane’s campuses. Since its founding in 1981, the council has successfully championed a variety of initiatives from awards and celebrations to expanded health benefits and professional development workshops. 

SAC meetings are held approximately once a month and are typically scheduled on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. One meeting per semester is held in-person and other meetings are held on Zoom.

"SAC helps us build a supportive workplace environment where all are empowered to further Tulane’s mission and make a positive difference in the world."

Jonathan Small, Tulane's vice president of human resources

Members of the council hold seats on the University Senate, Tulane's senior internal governance body, which is chaired by Tulane President Michael A Fitts.  SAC members also sit on several Senate subcommittees, including the Faculty and Staff Benefits and Budget Review subcommittees. 

"Two years ago, the SAC convened an ad hoc committee, chaired by representative Antoine Young, to evaluate and update the structure and function of the council," said SAC Chair Julie Henriquez Aldana. "Thanks to the committee's thoughtful and diligent work, we have updated the SAC constitution and bylaws to make the council more responsive to the needs of today's Tulane staff." 

With the revamp, the SAC is accepting nominations for new representatives through Friday, May 2. Any full-time or part-time staff member with benefits is eligible to serve as a SAC representative. Staff may nominate themselves or a colleague to appear on the election ballot.

An information session will take place Monday, April 28 at 4 p.m., via Zoom for staff to learn more about the reimagined SAC and what serving on the council entails.

Jonathan Small, vice president of human resources, said the SAC is an essential partner to HR as Tulane grows and refines resources, benefits and professional opportunities for Tulane staff employees.

"SAC helps us build a supportive workplace environment where all are empowered to further Tulane’s mission and make a positive difference in the world,” he said. 

To access the nomination form, click here. For more information, visit the SAC website.