Be represented.

Letter from our Chairs - Spring 2026

Eryn Van Poole — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 21:00:27 +0000

Letter from our Chairs - Spring 2026 Eryn Van Poole Mon, 02/09/2026 - 14:00

Hello Staff and Research Faculty,

Welcome to the Spring Semester! We hope you were able to find rest and connection over the winter break. In our fall letter, we acknowledged the many challenges our community has been navigating due to federal changes to policy, funding, and more. Unfortunately, we know that, for many, those challenges have continued into the new year.

As we begin the spring semester, we want to recognize the weight this may carry and remind you that you are not alone. We encourage you to take care of yourselves and one another and to use the many campus resources designed to support your safety and well‑being. And as always, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about how Staff Council can better support and advocate for you.

At the same time, we want to acknowledge the bright spots that emerged during the fall, highlighting the moments when our community came together, supported one another, and made meaningful progress to improve staff and research faculty experiences across campus. These collective efforts remind us of the strength and dedication of our community, even in difficult moments.

Celebrating Our Fall Accomplishments

This fall was a meaningful and productive semester for Staff Council, and we want to extend our gratitude to all of you who contributed to a successful semester!

Building Campus Relationships

We strengthened relationships with new campus leadership and deepened our collective advocacy on behalf of staff and research faculty.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

In December, we welcomed between 900-1000 attendees at our annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We loved celebrating with you!

Community Giving Drives

Your generosity helped us support our broader community in powerful ways:

Blood Drive: Donations from our blood drives last year will support 1,962 recipients.
Food Drive: Staff and research faculty contributed 126 pounds of food during the Staff Appreciation Breakfast.
Coat Drive: Together, we collected 217 coats to keep our community warm this winter.

Advocacy for a Positive Work Environment

We received an official response from campus leadership regarding our Resolution to Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, and Non‑Binary Community. Work is now underway across several dedicated working groups, each charged with addressing specific issues and recommendations from the resolution.

Looking Ahead to Spring

We are entering the Spring semester with momentum and a continued commitment to advocating for staff and research faculty.

Advancing Resolution Priorities

We will continue collaborating with campus leadership and the working groups to make measurable progress on resolution recommendations, including improvements to the name change process at С��.

Strengthening Collective Advocacy

We are deepening connections with the unit-level staff councils and advisory groups across campus to amplify staff and research faculty voices and strengthen shared advocacy efforts.

Collaboration with the Boulder Faculty Assembly

We are excited to continue our growing collaboration with the BFA on issues of mutual interest and to foster stronger relationships between staff and faculty.

Committee Work

Our committees continue to lead meaningful efforts in support of their individual charges, and their contributions directly strengthen the staff experience. Committee meetings are open to all staff and research faculty, and we invite you to reach out to committee chairs if you would like to get involved or learn more. Your voice truly makes a difference.

Spring Elections

Staff Council elections are underway for the 2026-2027 cycle! If you or someone you know are interested in connecting with colleagues across campus to represent and advocate for staff and research faculty, we encourage you to join an upcoming information session or submit a nomination form. Self-nominations are both welcomed and encouraged!

Thank you for the many ways you strengthen and support our campus community. Your resilience and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we remain committed to elevating staff and research faculty voices and advocating on your behalf.

We wish you a restorative start to the spring semester and look forward to continuing our work together.

Warmly,
Crystal, Jessica, and Leah

Spring semester letter from our Tri-Chairs of Staff Council.

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Nominations for 2026 Staff Council now Open!

Eryn Van Poole — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:37:45 +0000

Nominations for 2026 Staff Council now Open! Eryn Van Poole Mon, 02/09/2026 - 09:37

We are accepting nominations for 2026 - 2027 Staff Council through February 16th and are excited to invite Classified Staff, University Staff, Professional Research Assistants, and Research Associates to join us for an information session to learn what we do, what to expect as a representative, and what the election process looks like.

Benefits of serving on Staff Council include:

Making a real impact on the lives of over 7,000 staff and research faculty.
Professional development.
Networking with staff and administration from all over the University..
Gaining a better understanding of University functions, benefits, and organization.

Information Sessions are brief presentations followed by a Q&A to answer your questions about С�� Boulder Staff Council! Staff Council meetings and committee meetings are open to the public and are currently held virtually. You can find more information, including how to attend, on the Staff Council Calendar.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Eryn Van Poole via email eryn.vanpoole@colorado.edu .

We are accepting nominations for 2026 - 2027 Staff Council through February 16th

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Representation for University Staff

Eryn Van Poole — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:10:23 +0000

Representation for University Staff Eryn Van Poole Tue, 02/03/2026 - 14:10

Who Represents the needs of University Staff?

The University of Colorado’s staff governance councils work to ensure that university and classified staff and research faculty have a voice in university decision-making and policy development.

If you have concerns or suggestions to improve working at С��, these governance bodies are the best place to advocate for your needs.

Staff Council members are elected by you to represent and advocate for employee interests; provide input on Human Resources policies, benefits and compensation; organize professional development and recognition programs; and support well-being and morale.

С�� Boulder Staff Council

This group represents classified and university staff, as well as research faculty, to address campus concerns and policies.

University of Colorado Staff Council

This system-wide council consolidates input from all campus councils and communicates staff concerns to university leadership and the Board of Regents.

How do I contact Staff Council?

С�� Boulder’s Staff Council welcomes your feedback, concerns and ideas.

For more information about how to participate in staff council meetings and events, visit the staff council website.

С�� Boulder Staff Council Website

Contact Staff Council

COWINS represents classified staff only

The Colorado Workers for Innovative and New Solutions (COWINS) is a union that represents all covered, classified employees for the State of Colorado. The COWINS union is authorized to negotiate on behalf of all covered, classified state employees, including С�� classified staff.

Non-classified, non-covered employees can sign up to be dues-paying members. However, university staff who choose to join in this capacity will not be covered under the provisions of the State Employment Relations Act or the terms outlined in the Partnership Agreement. University staff who choose to join in this capacity do not receive the rights, protections or benefits that are typically extended to classified state employees formally covered by the Agreement.

The University of Colorado’s staff governance councils work to ensure that university and classified staff and research faculty have a voice in university decision-making and policy development.

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Connect with Us! Research Faculty Representative Virtual Office Hours

Angie Crews — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 02:02:31 +0000

Connect with Us! Research Faculty Representative Virtual Office Hours Angie Crews Wed, 01/21/2026 - 19:02

Research Faculty Representative Office Hours

As part of our ongoing efforts to hear directly from our constituents and strengthen the representation of Research Faculty voices across campus, we hold monthly virtual office hours. You’re invited to join us to share any questions, ideas, issues, or concerns you would like to bring to Staff Council’s attention. We look forward to connecting with you!

https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/92776122702
First Monday of each month
1:30–2:00 pm MT

Research Faculty Committee

As a special committee of Staff Council, our aim is to strengthen outreach and communication efforts about Staff Council with Research Faculty and deepen advocacy for Research Faculty. Our committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 12:00–1:00 pm, and everyone is welcome to attend—we’d love to have your voice at the table.

Learn more about the committee and get involved!

Our monthly virtual office hours and committee meeting are held the first week of the month.

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Name Change at С�� Boulder

Angie Crews — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:32:01 +0000

Name Change at С�� Boulder Angie Crews Tue, 11/18/2025 - 14:32

As Staff Council and BEAM continue to advocate for improving the name change process among other concerns, on campus as part of our follow up on the staff council resolution, "Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community," we want to hear from you on experiences good and bad to help guide our advocacy, regardless of if you are changing your name in relation to gender identity or for any other reason. Please contact us through the Staff Council contact us form and select BEAM as the feedback topic.

Have you changed your name at С��? How has that process been? Do you have feedback, ideas, or concerns you want to share?

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Winter 2025 Tri-Chair Letter

Angie Crews — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:23:56 +0000

Winter 2025 Tri-Chair Letter Angie Crews Tue, 11/18/2025 - 14:23

Hello Research Faculty and Staff,

Wow, what a fall! As we head into the end of the semester, we want to recognize what a challenging few months this has been, particularly for those impacted by changes to federal research funding or by the recent disruption to SNAP benefits. If you still need support with getting access to food, consider the Mobile Food Pantry, Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund, or these community resources. Please utilize the resources campus has to offer during these uncertain times and reach out if you have ideas on ways that we can better support research faculty and staff.

While we continue to navigate these challenges together, we’ve also been actively advocating on your behalf on several key issues. First, we continue to elevate the Staff Council Resolution to Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community with our executive leaders. We have been engaging with a working group made up of colleagues from the Registrar’s Office, OIT, and HR on the Resolution’s recommendation #3 regarding the employee name change process, and the team has made some important changes to the HR website to help clarify the process. If you are interested in providing feedback on those changes, please use this feedback form to submit ideas on ways we can continue to improve. Next steps for the team include identifying needed system improvements and conducting user testing.

We’ve also joined broader campus conversations around inclusion and representation. Staff Council collaborated with the С�� Student Government and Boulder Faculty Assembly to submit a letter to the Chancellor that states our disapproval of the statue of Coach Bill McCartney that will be placed on Franklin Field. Led by С��SG leadership, the letter calls for annual scholarships for students and awards for both faculty and staff who demonstrate a commitment to building community.

In addition to these advocacy efforts, we’ve been listening closely to your feedback from our Pulse forms and last newsletter survey on campus safety resources and training. We have shared your anonymous feedback with the Strategic Relations and Communications and Public Safety executives and will continue to partner with them on making campus safety resources as accessible as possible.

As the semester winds down, we’d love to take a moment to celebrate you and all the incredible work you’ve done. Please join us for the upcoming Staff and Research Faculty Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, December 11, from 7:00 – 9:30 am in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. Our executive leaders will be behind the buffet tables to serve everyone breakfast, and it is a wonderful opportunity to meet other colleagues and be recognized for all that you do on campus. Remember to bring your Buff OneCard and nonperishable food items to donate to the Mobile Food Pantry, if you are able to. We can't wait to see you there!

Warmly,

Crystal, Jessica, and Leah

Wow, what a fall! As we head into the end of the semester, we want to recognize what a challenging few months this has been.

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Resolution Adopted

Angie Crews — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:53:54 +0000

Resolution Adopted Angie Crews Tue, 10/28/2025 - 18:53

In April 2025, Boulder Campus Staff Council adopted a resolution titled “Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community.”

Per the resolution, Staff Council stands together in support of transgender, intersex and non-binary employees, families, communities and allies, and we request that the University of Colorado Boulder creates, supports and maintains a transgender, intersex and non-binary positive culture and work environment. Staff Council looks forward to partnering with campus leadership on action steps pending their formal response.

Read the full resolution on our website.

You can direct your feedback and questions about the ongoing status of the recommended actions in the resolution directly to Campus Leadership through Buff Info or to Staff Council via our Contact Us Form.

In April 2025, Boulder Campus Staff Council adopted a resolution titled “Reaffirm and Commit Support for a Positive Work Environment for the Transgender, Intersex, Non-Binary Community.”

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You’re Invited: Employee Appreciation Breakfast

Angie Crews — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:45:12 +0000

You’re Invited: Employee Appreciation Breakfast Angie Crews Tue, 10/28/2025 - 18:45

Mark your calendars!

You are warmly invited to attend the Employee Appreciation Breakfast hosted by С�� Boulder Staff Council in partnership with the Office of the Chancellor. Join us as we celebrate your hard work and dedication with a morning of good food, community, and gratitude.

Date: Thurs. Dec. 11, 2025

Time: 7:00am-9:30 am MT

Location: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

Details: Buff OneCard required for admission, and donations of non-perishable food and personal care items (e.g., soap, toothpaste) will be collected on behalf of area pantries.

We hope to see you there!

You are warmly invited to attend the Employee Appreciation Breakfast hosted by С�� Boulder Staff Council in partnership with the Office of the Chancellor on Dec 11th from 07:00 - 09:30 AM.

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Join Staff Council - Area 10 Vacancy

Angie Crews — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:12:39 +0000

Join Staff Council - Area 10 Vacancy Angie Crews Tue, 10/28/2025 - 17:12

Are you interested in supporting your fellow Research Faculty and having a voice in shared governance at С�� Boulder?

Staff Council currently has an open seat for Area 10, which represents Professional Research Assistants, Senior PRAs, Research Associates, and Senior Research Associates. This is a great opportunity to contribute to advocacy efforts, provide input on university projects and policies, and build relationships across campus.

What does the role involve?

Attending monthly Staff Council meetings on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month from 12:15-2:15 pm MT.
Participating in at least one committee.
Communicating with Research Faculty colleagues to understand and represent their concerns.
Helping shape the priorities and direction of the university.

Time commitment: ~8-10 hours per month, which may occur during scheduled work hours. A letter requesting work release is sent to your supervisor.

Term length: Flexible—ends June 2026 or June 2028, based on your interest. Contact us for details.

No prior experience is required—just a willingness to engage and represent your colleagues. Training and support are provided!

If you're interested or have questions, please contact the current Area 10 representatives or the Staff Council Administrator at staffcouncil@colorado.edu.

We’d love to have more Research Faculty voices at the table—consider joining us!

Are you interested in supporting your fellow Research Faculty and having a voice in shared governance at С�� Boulder? Staff Council currently has an open seat for Area 10.

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Letter from the Committee

Angie Crews — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:49:02 +0000

Letter from the Committee Angie Crews Tue, 10/28/2025 - 16:49

Dear Research Faculty,

As your Boulder Campus Staff Council representatives, we are excited to connect with you and affirm our commitment to supporting your work, your needs, and your voice within Shared Governance and the broader University of Colorado Boulder community. We are here to ensure that your perspectives help shape the university’s priorities.

Representation for Professional Research Assistants, Senior Professional Research Assistants, Research Associates, and Senior Research Associates (referred to here and within Staff Council as Research Faculty) on Staff Council officially began in Fall 2024. This significant milestone followed the work of an exploratory committee, which found that Research Faculty were underrepresented in shared governance and that your values and priorities aligned closely with university staff.

Since then, we've been actively working to build a foundation of advocacy, understanding, communication, and collaboration for and with our Research Faculty constituents.

As our first achievements in 2024-2025, which ensured more equitable participation and a clearer path for your voices to be heard, we successfully advocated for:

increased representation of Research Faculty on Staff Council, doubling the number of seats from two to four.

a designated representation area for Research Faculty: Area 10.

In Summer 2025, we took an important step forward by establishing a dedicated Staff Council Special Committee for Research Faculty. This committee focuses on enhancing outreach and education efforts, including:

Translating Staff Council initiatives for Research Faculty constituents.

Providing insight into С�� Boulder policies, procedures, and funding mechanisms that impact Research Faculty.

Identifying and advocating for key issues affecting Research Faculty.

Collaborating with campus leadership to support your experience and well-being.

We want you to know: we're here for you. Whether you have ideas, concerns, or simply want to connect, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our contact information is listed below, and we welcome hearing from you at any time.

Thank you for all that you do—and we look forward to continuing to serve and represent you.

Warmly,

Kate Cochran & Ginnie Hershbarger
Research Faculty Special Committee Co-Chairs

Staff Council Area 10 Representatives
kate.cochran@colorado.edu | ginnie.hershbarger@colorado.edu

As your Boulder Campus Staff Council representatives, we are excited to connect with you!

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Be represented.

Letter from our Chairs - Spring 2026

Celebrating Our Fall Accomplishments

Building Campus Relationships

Staff Appreciation Breakfast

Community Giving Drives

Advocacy for a Positive Work Environment

Looking Ahead to Spring

Advancing Resolution Priorities

Strengthening Collective Advocacy

Collaboration with the Boulder Faculty Assembly

Committee Work

Spring Elections

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Nominations for 2026 Staff Council now Open!

Benefits of serving on Staff Council include:

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Representation for University Staff

Who Represents the needs of University Staff?

С���� Boulder Staff Council

University of Colorado Staff Council

How do I contact Staff Council?

С���� Boulder Staff Council Website

Contact Staff Council

COWINS represents classified staff only

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Connect with Us! Research Faculty Representative Virtual Office Hours

Research Faculty Representative Office Hours

Research Faculty Committee

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Name Change at С���� Boulder

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Winter 2025 Tri-Chair Letter

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Resolution Adopted

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You’re Invited: Employee Appreciation Breakfast

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Join Staff Council - Area 10 Vacancy

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Letter from the Committee

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С�� Boulder Staff Council

С�� Boulder Staff Council Website

Name Change at С�� Boulder