Staff Senate

The University of South Carolina Staff Senate serves as an open forum to facilitate communication and collaboration among university staff members. It also serves as an advisory committee to the university president, adding an essential voice to strategic conversations and decisions that support the goals of the institution.

Join the next Staff Senate meeting

All staff members are invited to attend the monthly Staff Senate meeting virtually via Microsoft Teams or in person.

Next meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, at 3 p.m., Close-Hipp, Lumpkin Auditorium, 8th floor

Call to Order- Chris Burkett, Ed.D. – President

Roll Call/Attendance Report- Michaela Taylor, Secretary

Establish Quorum- Jessica McCormick, Parliamentarian

Approval of Minutes – Jessica McCormick, Parliamentarian

President’s Update:

Chris Burkett, Ed.D., President

Guest Speaker:

Derek Gruner, USC Architect

Jared Evans, USC Alumni Chief Experience Officer

Reports of Committees:

Membership – Katie Annan

Communications – Emily Miles/ Thom Harman

Staff Policy and Well-Being – Kelsey Chambers/ Caroline Hulett

Professional Development – Jalen Fuller/ Brett Williams

Community Projects – Amanda Colie/ Alexis Watts

By-Laws – Stephanie Richards

Staff Awards & Recognition – Adrienne White/ Brian Shelton

Fundraising and Development – Savannah Britz/ Terrence Gilmore

Order of Business – Jessica McCormick, Parliamentarian

Announcements / Good of order (Executive Committee or Senators)

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Close-Hipp, Lumpkin Auditorium

Representing Your Voice

Your elected staff senators have the opportunity to:

Provide input and help to shape USC programs and policies that have an impact and are of interest to staff members.
Collaborate with staff members from across campus and be a part of a community that cares deeply about the well-being of staff members at USC.
Connect with USC leadership. Staff Senate hosts senior leadership at monthly meetings and provides time for the staff to engage in a conversation with campus administrators.
Network and gain greater access to additional leadership opportunities.
Gain leadership experience by serving on the executive committee.

The Staff Senate executive committee leads Staff Senate and is made up of five officers: president, vice president, parliamentarian, treasurer and secretary.

Staff Senate Loves Columbia

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.