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What happens at a Congress Meeting?
Congress is the largest deliberative body and final decision making authority in University Staff Shared Governance. At monthly meetings, which are chaired by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Representatives will hear from and have the opportunity to ask questions of Administration leadership. Policies and proposals will be submitted for approval and are subject to debate and amendment by the Congress. Congress will also be provided with updates from various committees of shared governance. Members will participate in meetings without loss of pay.
Why is it important to attend?
Representatives should make every effort to attend monthly meetings so that they may keep their constituents informed regarding proposals that impact campus in general and University Staff in particular. Even if a particular agenda does not hold interest for yourself or your constituents, you should attend so that the Congress may achieve a quorum and be able to conduct business. A quorum consists of 50% of the members present plus one. Unlike other governance groups, the Congress has never failed to achieve a quorum. If you are unable to attend, please ask your Alternate (if you have one) to attend in your stead.
What are Agendas and Minutes?
An Agenda is the document which lists the items up for discussion and vote at a particular meeting. Each Agenda contains an entry of ‘Public Comments’. At Congress meetings, it is at this time that Alternates or any member of the public may speak on any topic. Meeting Minutes are a record of the action that took place at a meeting. Minutes are not meant to be a transcript of the meeting, but rather a summary of what occurred.
When are the meetings held?
Congress meetings occur every third Monday from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Agendas are generally issued in the final week of the month prior to the meeting.