Staff Senate announces staff representatives to University Council

Jim Trelstad-Porter and Jeff Swenson have been selected as staff representatives to University Council. Trelstad-Porter was elected to a 2-year term and Swenson was selected by Staff Senate to serve a 4-year term. The staggered terms allow for more stable transitions in University Council membership when terms end. Going forward all terms will be 4 years long.

For the staff elected position, there were 17 nominated candidates. The quality and passion of these candidates was clear in the survey answers provided. Staff Senate thanks all candidates for their willingness to serve. Because of the number of nominees, Staff Senate decided to hold two elections — first to narrow the field to three and then to select the top candidate.

Since he was elected, Trelstad-Porter was given a choice of a 2- or 4-year term commitment. Staff Senate then performed an internal evaluation of the candidates based on a set of criteria and compiled those rankings. This resulted in Jeff Swenson being offered the remaining 4-year term to University Council representing staff.

Trelstad-Porter and Swenson bring a wealth of leadership abilities and institutional knowledge to the newly forming University Council. We are excited to have them as advocates for staff.

Please help us in congratulating them.

-Staff Senate