Staff Senate Begins New Year with Focus on Engagement and Representation

The University of Kentucky Staff Senate has officially begun its 2026-27 term, with committees organizing and establishing priorities for the year ahead. Early discussions have focused on employee engagement, communication, healthcare workforce concerns, technology modernization, campus infrastructure, and supporting employees through ongoing organizational transitions. 

During recent leadership and committee meetings, senators received updates on the University's FY 2026-27 budget, institutional planning efforts, and organizational changes affecting employees across the enterprise. These conversations reinforce Staff Senate's role in helping ensure staff perspectives remain part of important university discussions and decision-making processes.

Staff Senate leadership has also continued building relationships with university leaders, healthcare representatives, governance partners, and enterprise stakeholders while welcoming new senators and supporting committee organization. These efforts are intended to strengthen communication, representation, and shared governance across the University community.

As the new academic year begins, Staff Senate remains committed to listening, engaging, and advocating on behalf of staff while working to strengthen connections between employees and university leadership. Meaningful progress is only possible when employees share their ideas, concerns, and experiences. We encourage our colleagues across the University to stay engaged, participate in conversations, and help shape solutions that make UK an even better place to work, learn, and serve.

Together, we can continue building a stronger university by fostering collaboration, supporting one another, and ensuring staff voices remain part of the conversations that shape our future.

Carl Harper
Chair, University of Kentucky Staff Senate