Staff Council members meet at the Student Commons Building in July.

First CU Denver-Only Staff Council Discusses Priorities and Plans for Upcoming Year

July 25, 2023

On July 21, the 30 members—17 new, 13 returning—of CU Denver’s Staff Council met to discuss ways to enhance staff culture, professional development, and satisfaction. 

Friday’s meeting was the first gathering of a Council dedicated solely to CU Denver (previously the Council jointly represented CU Denver and CU Anschutz). At the six-hour event, members laid groundwork to revamp the Council’s mission and vision, brainstormed about this year’s activities and priorities, organized committees (on professional development, recruitment and community engagement, and staff appreciation and recognition), and enjoyed lunchtime dialogue with CU Denver leaders.  

Staff Council represents CU Denver’s 850 university and classified staff, alongside institutional leadership and shared governance bodies such as Faculty Assembly, University of Colorado Denver Association of Lecturers and Instructors (UCDALI), and the Student Government Association. It has capacity for 10 new ex officio (non-voting) members for the 2023–2024 academic year. Please contact co-chairs Ingrid Summers and Tammy Hassan if you’re interested in joining the Council! 

CU Denver’s 2023–2024 Staff Council. “We are excited to see how our new and continuing members will reshape Staff Council’s mission and priorities, as well as where they will take us in the year ahead,” co-chair Ingrid Summers said.
Staff Council members Jen Dailey (foreground), Teri Wilson (back left), and Anne Beard (back right) during a brainstorming session.
Lance Glunz presents concepts from a group brainstorming session. 
Staff Council member Amanda Brooks discusses ideas from the group’s discussion. “From the out-of-the-box thinking to the camaraderie with fellow staff members, this retreat was a great kickoff for our newly formed Denver-only Staff Council,” co-chair Tammy Hassan said.
At eight years, secretary and executive committee member Natalie Schaffer is one of Staff Council’s longest-tenured members.
Rachel Brown, a new member of Staff Council, and Erica Manuel, who has been on Staff Council for four years, talk. Staff Council’s monthly meetings, which are held on the second Tuesdays, are open for all CU Denver staff to attend.