Staff Advisory Council

The Staff Advisory Council (Staff AC) was formed in 1998 and is a permanent council comprised of staff representing all major areas of the university. The main focus is to foster open communication between the staff and administration. This council meets monthly to discuss matters of importance to staff and develop strategies for improvement.

Mission

The Staff AC is a group of staff representatives and advocates who promote the University’s Mission by fostering a sense of campus community, creating strategies to enhance staff morale, advising campus leadership on matters relating to and affecting the staff of Furman, and providing a voice in campus issues. Whenever possible, the decisions of the Council shall be reached by consensus and supported by parliamentary vote. The Staff AC uses Furman’s Vision Statement as a guiding principle.

View Our FAQs

Upcoming Staff Events

View All Events

What is the purpose of the Staff AC?

The purpose of Staff AC is to strengthen communication between staff and administration while fostering a connected campus community. Guided by Furman’s Vision Statement – ‘Inspiring purposeful living and fostering thriving communities through learning, creativity, and innovation’ – we work to enhance staff morale, advise campus leadership on staff-related matters, and ensure staff voices are represented in campus decisions.

How can I get involved with Staff AC?

Did you know that you can attend Staff Advisory Council meetings, as well as our Human Resources, Employee Recognition, and Outreach and Engagement meetings, without being a Staff AC member? This open invitation provides a great opportunity for you to participate in discussions, provide feedback, and volunteer to help with Staff AC initiatives and events.

Our Council meets the third Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. We hear updates from the three committees and discuss feedback that has been submitted to the Staff AC.
Our Human Resources committee meets the second Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. This committee is responsible for becoming acquainted with human resources policies and procedures and other staff issues of importance, and providing feedback and recommendations. It acts as liaison with the Human Resources office.
Our Employee Recognition committee meets the last Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. Its purpose is to provide programs and events to boost the morale of the staff.
Our Outreach and Engagement committee meets the second Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. This committee initiates and coordinates opportunities for staff to participate in community service and engagement, including collaborative efforts with campus partners, local schools and other organizations.

Whom does the Staff Advisory Council advise?

The primary groups that will receive your input are Human Resources, members of the administration, or the President’s Council, depending on the subject and the impact of the recommendation. At times, this could be just one director or VP. At other times, it could be the whole group.

If there is an issue that the council considers important and should be pursued, what can it do? Does the Staff AC or a representative meet with someone in the administration?

The AVP of Human Resources (HR) would act as a liaison. For example, let’s say there is an issue with mail services. Human Resources’ job would be to get background information, if available to the Staff AC and then bring the Staff AC or its selected subset together with the appropriate decision-makers in mail services. HR would reinforce the fact that the Staff AC is representing staff and that it is in the best interest of the department to address the issues raised. HR would be the primary contact for getting a response from a department, and would also advise the Staff AC with cautions or alternative approaches that would be more successful.

How does the Staff AC communicate with the people they're representing?

The Staff AC communicates with staff primarily through email and the Furman University Staff AC Updates Facebook group. An email newsletter–highlighting campus updates, staff accomplishments, and timely information–is sent throughout the year. Occasionally items are sent through campus mail, including Purple Envelopes and work anniversary cards.

What mental health and wellness benefits are available to staff?

Furman offers a variety of mental health and wellness benefits to staff and their dependents, including:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Health Advocate: offers counseling services, referrals and resources for work-life needs, as well as legal and financial information. The services are free, confidential, and available for employees and their families. For additional information call 866.799.2485 or download the PDF. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7. (On the EAP website, click member log in and type Furman University)
Health Coaching for Stress Management: connects you with a personal health coach to help assess your stress level and assist in learning how to manage it. This is free for all members 18 and older enrolled in Furman’s medical plan.
Therapy Assistance Online Tool (TAO): a self-help tool that assists individuals with balancing the demands of life and work.
Office of Spiritual Life: offers pastoral care and counseling to Furman employees and their family members. The chaplains assist with individual and family concerns, as well as hospital visitations.
Labyrinth (next to Daniel Chapel): a meditative tool that promotes focused thought in a private, safe space
Helpful articles, compiled by HR

Contact Staff AC

Have a question, comment or feedback? We’re here to listen.

Staff Advisory Council

Mission

Upcoming Staff Events

Resources & Information

Members

Programs & Recurring Events

Council Member Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Become a Member

Contact Staff AC

Academics Home

Campus Life Home

Admissions & Aid Home

After Furman Home

The Furman Network Home