UPAC would love to have you join one of our sub-committees. Any unclassified staff member is eligible, and most committees meet once a month. If you are interested in joining one of these committees, please contact a UPAC member.
Academic Policy
The functions of the Academic Policy Committee are to advise the Provost and make recommendations to University Senate on policy related to educational programs, requirements, and standards – such as grading policy for undergraduates, methods of instruction, evaluation of instruction, advising and counseling for undergraduate students and programs, admissions, retention, and financial aid; to report regularly to Senate, and to consult with and advise the Provost about all other matters of academic policy affecting the University.
UPAC Representative: Tresa Barlage Zianno
Benefits
The function of the Benefits Committee is to represent University Senate and advise the senior administration on policies involving benefits currently and potentially available to faculty and staff. Current benefits include but are not limited to: healthcare insurance, dental benefits plan, long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement options, tax-deferred annuities, fee waivers, sick leave, and vacation.
UPAC representative: Christy McClure
Campus Planning Committee
The function of the Campus Planning Committee is to represent the University Senate in the process of planning and maintaining the physical plant of the institution in order to ensure that the environment and facilities are appropriate to the University’s mission. The Committee shall review Campus Planning Project Requests (required for any alteration in the exterior campus environment and for major alterations to campus building interiors); review proposed capital improvement priorities; and review, adopt, and update periodically a set of Patterns that serve as design guidelines for any campus planning project.
UPAC Representative: Sarah Persinger
Council on Diversity and Inclusion
The functions of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion are to advise the President and the Provost on matters of diversity and to engage in and facilitate long-range planning to:
(1) build an intellectual community that recognizes that diverse experiences create a rich educational experience for all students,
(2) foster an inclusive campus climate,
(3) foster the development of diversity-related competencies among faculty, staff, and students;
(4) assess and identify trends, progress, and problems pertaining to campus diversity and climate; and
(5) facilitate University-wide dialogue to promote understanding and constructive exchange of views on matters of diversity.
UPAC Representative: Eun Chong Yang
Events and Networking
The networking committee is charged with planning networking events for unclassified staff. Past events have included UPAC networking lunches and Open Forums.
UPAC representatives: Amy Lamborg and Jennifer Beardslee
University Senate
Senate is the primary University governance body where students, faculty, staff, and administrators debate university issues and reach conclusions on the policies and actions to be taken by the institution. It is the legislative body of the University in matters involving educational programs, requirements, and standards; faculty welfare; and student conduct. The Board of Trustees delegates to Senate primary responsibility for curriculum, programs, and course offerings and advisory responsibility on all matters related to Miami University.
UPAC Representative: Spencer Izor
Regional Campus Advocacy
UPAC Representatives: Devon Cox and Rachel Sullivan