Staff Council Committees
From planning a cider and donuts event to negotiating staff communication with administration to recommending new campus policies, much of Staff Council work is done on committees. Staff Council works to manage both internal Staff Council committees as well as recommending the membership of staff on all-campus committees like the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation and Committee on Mission and Priorities. Committee participation is a great way to be involved, meet people from across campus, and make a difference.
Which Committee is Right for You?
Staff Council has six standing committees. To support staff community engagement, the college provides limited release time to staff, even if they are not elected to staff council. In addition, Staff Council recommends membership to a few college committees. Joining a committee is a great way to be involved, engage, and meet staff from across campus.
The Committees
Staff Council has six standing committees. Each elected member of the Staff Council serves on at least one committee and is expected to serve on and attend meetings of that committee.
Committee Chairs
The chair/co-chair of each committee is elected by committee members. In addition to planning and running meetings, the chairs are responsible for reporting regularly on the committee’s work to the full Staff Council. All committee chairs also serve on the steering committee.
Activities Committee
The activities committee is responsible for coordinating, organizing, and publicizing special events. These events allow staff to meet and interact with colleagues in other departments across campus, and foster an atmosphere of cooperation and community spirit.
Communications Committee
The communications committee is responsible for informing Smith College staff of the actions of Staff Council, through The Staff Council Chronicle and other means of communication. This committee also advises administration regarding the dissemination of information to staff and the community at large.
VIBE
(formerly the Diversity Committee)
In 2024 the Diversity Committee was renamed “VIBE,” which stands for Value, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity. The VIBE committee works through Staff Council to elevate the interests of Smith’s most marginalized staff. The committee collaborates with the Office for Equity and Inclusion and other campus partners to coordinate programming designed to educate, celebrate, and form stronger connections to our wider community. This may include such things as identity-based panels and other outreach events and celebrations.
Personnel Policy Committee (PPC)
The PPC reviews concerns and issues raised by all Smith employees and offers guidance on how to navigate those concerns. Additionally, the PPC meets once a month with HR to anonymously share the concerns and issues brought forward.
Membership & Recruitment Committee
The M&R Committee is responsible for all elections to Staff Council, ensures that elections are conducted properly, and provides information to newly-elected Staff Council members and maintains all membership records.
Staff Council has six standing committees. Each elected member of the Staff Council serves on at least one committee and is expected to serve on and attend all meetings of that committee.
Staff from the entire Smith community are welcome and encouraged to join Staff Council committees.
Activities Committee
- Cathy Kearney, Co-chair
- Mandy Duffy
- Teri Little
- Steve Mish
- Chris Orsini
- Chris Shea
- Davis Rivera
- Kenzie Table
- Valerie Thompson
Communications Committee
- Laura Gomez, Co-chair
- Christie Peterson, Co-chair
- Laura Campuzano
- Leah Kent
- Andrew Maurer
- Lori Orsini
- Chris Shea
- Lorelei Erisis
- Kenzie Table
- Abril Navarro
VIBE (formerly Diversity Committee)
- Lorelei Erisis, Co-chair
- Teri Little
- Davis Rivera
- Jasmine Stork
- Valerie Thompson
- Sherry Wingfield
Membership & Recruitment Committee
- Jennifer Kennedy, Co-chair
- Ann Mayo, Co-chair
Personnel Policy Committee
- Abril Navarro, Co-chair
- Caroline Bertrand, Co-chair
- Laura Campuzano
- Mandy Duffy
- Christine Speek
- Sherry Wingfield
Please consult the online Faculty Code (PDF) through the Office of the Provost/Dean of the Faculty for more details on ex officio staff committee membership and faculty appointment.
Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation (ACRA)
Current Staff representative: Kelly-Jean Huard
One staff member, three-year term.
Advise the President on matters relating to budgeting and financial planning for the college.
Committee on Mission & Priorities (CMP)
Current staff representatives: Anna Goudreau and Jasmine Stork
Two staff members, three-year terms.
Advise the President on big-picture and long range planning that supports the mission and core values of the college.
Campus Planning Committee (CPC)
Current Staff representative: Steve Mish
One staff member, two-year term.
Review all building and renovation projects with exterior design changes; implement the Landscape Master Plan; set and maintain standards for campus signage and outdoor furniture; oversee decisions regarding campus traffic and parking matters; make recommendations about installation of outdoor works of art.
The college and Staff Council creates ad hoc committees as the need arises. Ad hoc committees have broad representation; employees who are directly involved in an issue are represented.