Staff Day’s Sharp New Format Stirs Up the Crowd

Staff members from across campus gathered to celebrate Staff Day 2018 on August 15. Sponsored by the Staff Council, the event began with Mass in the Chapel and a blessing for the staff, followed by a breakfast of fruit, pastries, parfaits, and more. Staff then heard about SMC’s successes and plans for the future, and attended smaller breakout workshops—a valuable addition to this year’s event. The day concluded with a down-home barbeque lunch with all the fixings, ice cream, peach cobbler, and great conversation.

After an introduction by Patrice Young, Staff Council chair, SMC President Jim Donahue warmly greeted everyone with accolades about our choirs’ success over the summer—winning silver awards at a South African competition—along with a talk about SMC’s many achievements. He identified two themes he’s interested in focusing on for the college, innovation in the context of change, and collaboration and coordination. 

“While as a community we function extremely well, I think we can be doing a much better job in terms of how we collaborate and coordinate across the different departments throughout the college. ...Each of these themes…requires increased communication and more transparency,” he added.

Donahue spoke about financial sustainability, crating formative experiences for staff, and responding to the spring survey. “We will support and take care of each other—that’s our commitment,” Donahue said. “I am very, very hopeful and confident about our future.” He concluded: “We will make it happen together. That’s what our promise is.”

Lisa Moore, vice president for advancement, discussed the capital campaign. “We are in the public phase,” she reported. “We have a $125 million goal and have raised over $106 million toward that goal.” Moore presented a rousing video entitled “Finding Your Voice” and encouraged us to share it widely.

Young returned to the stage to discuss the role of the Staff Council, which advocates for staff growth and welfare, along with a positive and supportive work environment. “Communication is going to be the focus for Staff Council,” she said. The council meets the second Tuesday of each month, staff were encouraged to participate.

Next up, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Margaret Kasimatis spoke about being a Lasallian educator. “I’m struck by how committed faculty and staff are to the Lasallian mission of the college,” she began. “At the core of our mission is the sacred task of educating students. …We are all Lasallian educators. We are all here for the students.” Kasimatis spoke about how staff across campus model care for the whole person, and help students with life skills like conscientiousness and collegiality.

VP of Mission Frances Sweeney brought her best teacher’s presentation skills to ask the staff: How are we all contributing to the mission? She shared the video “One Heart, One Commitment, One Life,” a moving look at the Lasallian vision, and added that her office hopes to advance SMC participation in regional, national, and international initiatives “related to our liberal arts, Lasallian, and Catholic identity.”

Finally, Vice Provost for Student Life/Interim Title IX Coordinator Jane Camarillo discussed the findings of the Campus Climate Survey taken last spring. Results indicated that female staff members have encountered sexism and transphobia more than males had, and felt more subjected to sexual harassment. All of this “verifies that sexual harassment is still going on in this community,” she said.

In the first breakout session, Camarillo went into further detail about the Campus Climate Survey, as participants asked questions. 

In the second workshop, Chief of Campus Safety Adan Tejada led a rousing discussion entitled “You Survived. Now What?" He encouraged everyone to have a "Bob" (bug-out) bag filled with necessary emergency items. Ideally, it's best to have a Bob bag at the office, at home, and in the car.

Sweeney led a session describing the mission engagement opportunities available on campus and beyond, including the popular Soup & Substance events, and mini Buttimer retreats on Lasallian history. See the website for additional spiritual opportunities.

At the Wellness 101 breakout, HR’s Jean-Ann Balassi introduced attendees to the roster of health and wellness opportunities available, starting with the rec center, where you can sign up your spouse and grown children. In addition, the Gael Fit 3.0 program offers staff fitness assessments, and a Weight Watcher’s program is also available. Find counseling, online wellness coaching, and more through the MHN Unum programs. Don’t miss HR’s Annual Wellness Benefit Festival on Oct. 10 for more info.

After this, the beloved Brother Camillus Chavez led the group in a meditation session. “Meditation is a way of quieting the mind,” he told the group. “We have an inner guide system we don’t know how to connect with. You can learn how to calm, to live from wisdom and love. That is Lasallian,” he concluded.