In March 2022, when Kim Fulmer, research program manager in GW Research Pod 2, had an opportunity to ask President Mark S. Wrighton about the possibility of a staff council, he supported the initiative and then mobilized key administrators to help pave the way.
The George Washington University Staff Council, designed as a forum in the service of the staff members’ interests, hopes to hold its first elections soon and have officers in place by July 1.
“We’re very thankful to both President Wrighton and to Vice President [Sabrina] Minor, a relentless leader for us,” Fulmer said. “I’ve never had such a close working relationship with someone from our administration, and we’re grateful for her support.”
Given crucial support from Wrighton and Minor, a committee of 10 organizers has worked intensively to create the council.
“Staff are integral to the success of a world-class institution such as the George Washington University,” Wrighton said. “The formation of a staff council recognizes the importance of our staff members’ perspectives in how we best support our university community.”
“I am so appreciative of the work of all members of our community, and our staff are dedicated and committed individuals who help us achieve our mission every day,” said Minor, vice president of human resources and chief people officer. “I look forward to working with the members of the Staff Council."
The Staff Council’s bylaws, modeled on similar bylaws from other universities, open with a broad statement of the council’s mission to provide a voice for GW staff.
“We worked really hard on creating bylaws,” Bridget Schwartz, director of student employment in Career Services, said. “We’ve been focused on creating a structure for how the council will be formed, and we’re trying to build a solid foundation. We’ve had a lot of discussions about what we’d like to see in the council in the future. Aside from being the voice of the staff and supporting the staff, we talked about inclusive excellence and how to build a stronger community at GW.”
Now that the bylaws have been written, a committee is working to publicize the group and its forthcoming elections.
Council executives, including a president, vice president, historian, treasurer and parliamentarian, will be chosen by a vote of the members.
“We want to be absolutely sure that staff members know that the Staff Council can provide a place for them to discuss sensitive issues openly,” said Chris Dietrich, course scheduler at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Chairpersons will be elected for each of five committees:
- Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, to focus on diversity and inclusion efforts;
- Service, to coordinate community assistance and fundraising efforts;
- Communications, to administer the council’s website, social media, newsletter and other communications;
- Staff development and recognition, to focus on development opportunities and team-building; and
- Staff experience committee, to respond to needs emerging from GW’s staff community.
Special committees may be convened as needed.
“There will be representatives from the different schools and divisions at GW,” Fulmer added, “so there are lots of ways to participate in the Staff Council. You can attend meetings and help us get things done or assume a leadership position as a representative of your school or division. Or you can run for one of our executive positions.”
Learn more about the GW Staff Council at staffcouncil.gwu.edu. To join the organization, staff can sign up to receive more information at go.gwu.edu/gwstaff or email [email protected].