Staff Council

Autumn harvests can be a time of plenty, and at this year’s Staff Council Fall Festival, there was an abundance of employee participation, generosity and camaraderie.

Approximately 700 individuals attended this traditional event that offered food, fun, prizes and contests. It also was a time for community engagement, as University employees contributed items to benefit Joyful Hearts, an organization where people of any age can volunteer and serve the special needs community.

Julie Howell really likes calling North Carolina home, so much so, that she sought the opportunity to settle in the Tar Heel State about 16 years ago.

A native of Olathe, Kan., Howell retired from the telecommunications industry after a 26-year career in which she lived in several large cities.

More than 200 employees enjoyed free snow cones and popcorn as they learned about campus safety initiatives at the Staff Council’s “Community Safety Awareness Event” on the Cone University Plaza July 29.

Staff Council members served the refreshments, and representatives from business continuity; environmental, health and safety; the Police and Public Safety Department and the Risk Management, Safety and Security Department were on hand to provide information to employees.

Health care executive Susan DeVore and real estate developer Fred Klein will join UNC Charlotte’s leadership as new members of the Board of Trustees.

Gov. Pat McCrory appointed DeVore and Klein each to a four-year term, beginning July 1.

Tracy Dawkins’ spicy chili topped the field in the 2015 Staff Council Chili/Chowder Cook-off held recently in the Cone University Center.

The UNC Charlotte Staff Council now is on Facebook. The Staff Council was established to create and provide a more harmonious working environment for the University staff. It has been delegated, by the Chancellor, the authority and responsibility to bring to the attention of the administration matters of general staff concern; and to take such actions as are necessary to enable it to meet those responsibilities.

UNC Charlotte recognizes employees through various teaching awards and the Employee of the Year Awards; however, the UNC Charlotte Staff Council is creating a new honor to celebrate workers’ “everyday” efforts to exceed job expectations.

UNC Charlotte’s “Zero Waste Initiative” for Richardson Stadium was named the 2014 Wells Fargo Green Award winner at the annual Charlotte Chamber Energy Summit. The University was recognized in the large business category for “its impressive efforts” to eliminate waste in the 16,000-seat stadium.

The 2014 Wells Fargo Green Awards are presented to “member companies who have incorporated innovative, sustainable practices in the products they produce, the services they provide and within the culture of their company.”

Estimating attendance can be difficult, but Staff Council officials are confident this year’s Fall Festival set a record for attendance.

Food, contests, fun and games are on tap for the annual Staff Council Fall Festival, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.
The festival is a free event; however, staff members should bring their UNC Charlotte ID for the BBQ luncheon.
Employees can compete to win prizes in the Fall Festival Bake-off and Photography contests; winners will be announced at noon. Rules and entry forms are on the Staff Council website; the deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 2.