Applications Sought for Staff Advisor to UC Regents

The University of California Office of the President is accepting applications for the position of staff advisor-designate to the UC Board of Regents. The staff advisor program, now in its fourth year, allows for two staff or non-Senate academic employees to participate in open sessions of designated committees of the board. The staff advisors bring the voice and perspective of staff and non-Senate academic employees to board deliberations. One new staff advisor is selected each year for a two-year term. The position’s term runs from July 2009 through June 2011. The staff advisors serve as nonvoting advisors to designated Regents’ committees, and they attend and participate directly in committee and board meetings throughout their term of service. A continuing goal of the UC Regents is to foster two-way communication between UC staff and the board. In January 2007, the Regents voted unanimously to establish positions for two staff advisors to participate in their deliberative process and to provide a staff perspective on matters coming before the board. UCSF’s David Bell, communication liaison for the Work~Life Resource Center, was one of the first two staff employees to serve as nonvoting advisors to the Regents, as part of a pilot program in July 2005. In fact, Bell and other longtime UC staff members had worked toward staff representation on the board since 1994, when the topic was first discussed with the Regents. One of the current staff advisors to the Regents, Bill Johansen, senior business manager of the Life Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, praised the opportunity and encouraged eligible employees to apply. “With the staff advisor positions, the Board of Regents has acknowledged the important role staff and non-Senate academic employees play in the ongoing success of UC,” said Johansen. “It has been extremely gratifying to take part in the governance of the University and bring to it a UC staff employee perspective. I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in being involved in the decisions that shape UC.” All employees are encouraged to learn more about the program at the staff advisors website and through local Human Resources offices. Questions about the staff advisor position or the application process should be directed to Randolph Scott, executive director, strategic planning and workforce development, human resources and benefits, at 510/987-9996. Applications forms will be accepted from Friday, Jan. 16, through Monday, March 2, 2009.