UT Staff Council Issues Process - FAQ

see also Issues Process Flow Chart (PDF; requires Adobe Reader)

1) Why submit a UTSC issue and what outcome can I expect?

The UT Staff Council (UTSC) provides a vehicle for communication of interests, concerns, and issues that affect staff, as well as presenting recommendations to University leadership. The issues submission process is how staff members can officially raise concerns for the Staff Council to address. The Staff Council is an 'advisory committee,' just like Student Government, Graduate Assembly, and Faculty Council. We are free to suggest any changes, but ultimately we have to convince the appropriate University administrative offices to actually make our suggestions into policy. For this reason, we try to research all of the issues exhaustively before making any recommendations. Although this process can be time consuming, it is how the Staff Council maintains its high level of credibility and makes it possible for us to effect changes that affect staff.

2) What is an issue?

An issue is a submitted proposal to the UT Staff Council asking for a specific outcome, including goals and objectives to be considered, researched and/or resolved. For example: a change or clarification of UT policy, improved working conditions on campus.

3) How do I submit an issue?

A staff member should ask their district representative to present an issue to the Staff Council. Alternately, a staff member may also submit an issue directly to the Issues Committee. These should be delivered through campus mail to the Issues Committee Chair (contact information is listed on the form). A name must be on the Issue, in case clarification is needed, but can be kept anonymous once the issue is processed, if requested. The issues form may be downloaded from the web: http://www.utexas.edu/staff/council/proposals.html

4) How do I find out who my district representative is?

To find out who your representative is, please check the “Who is my Representative?” web page: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/pnsc/my_rep.WBX (UT EID required).

5) What happens after I've submitted my issue?

• The issue is reviewed; it is either presented to the UTSC or the person submitting the issue is contacted if clarification or additional information is needed.
• The issue is presented to the Executive Committee, if approved, the issue is listed on the next Staff Council agenda for vote by the UTSC.
• The issue is presented to the Staff Council, there may be discussion, then a vote to decide if the issue will be pursued.
• If approved by the Council, the issue is assigned to a Working Committee for research and recommendations.
• Progress reports will be made by the committee assigned to work on the issue.
• The assigned committee will make a recommendation which may be discussed at the UTSC and eventually voted on for action.
• Desired outcome will be presented to the appropriate UT administration/department for negotiation.

6) Is submitting an issue the same as filing a grievance?

Proposing an issue is not the same as filing a grievance. A grievance is filed regarding a specific problem experienced by an individual staff member; an issue proposal is an attempt to research, clarify, and/or improve working conditions for all UT staff members.