August, 2013
As a new member of the University Support Staff Senate, I was asked to join the communications team. Anyone that knows me will attest that I enjoy communicating with people, however the challenge of finding a topic for the newsletter that might be of interest to a vast demographic, was a bit daunting. What might I have to say that could be considered worthy of reading?
After some consideration, I decided upon sharing my first
impressions and a shout out to the entire university support staff community.
Here is what I submitted:I attended my first meeting of the senate and came away with a better appreciation of the vast network of employees we have here at KU, as well as hearing my fellow representatives express concern about employee issues, campus-wide. You would appreciate knowing that these people speak for the betterment of all working environments. I had the opportunity to attend the Leadership Summit in February and heard a panel of speakers from a variety of backgrounds talk about what community means to them. It was insightful, funny, endearing and I learned a few things. So why do I bring these two occasions together? Because the other consideration I'd like to bring forth is the opportunity to Find your Voice.
We are a community, the university support staff. We have thoughts, opinions, rights and a common bond that joins us together; to be a part of making KU the best it can be. Finding your voice and making it heard in a non-threatening environment is essential if we are to grow, make changes and improve. We have a forum for sharing that passion to be the best, and that is your USSS. Without your input, suggestions and opinions, we cannot make an accurate representation. I encourage you to find your voice, share your thoughts and ideas with your USSS representative and trust us to speak on your behalf to make improvements, changes or just to be a sounding board.
I look forward to finding my own voice and hearing others as we strive towards a better tomorrow.
Deanne Arensberg
