Council Committees
The University Staff Advisory Council Bylaws provide for the establishment of standing committees and the creation of ad hoc committees as needed.
Additionally, we are asked, from time to time, to provide nominations and appointments to various University-wide committees. In this section, are membership lists for USAC committees and staff representatives selected for some University administrative committees and initiatives.
Communications Committee, consisting of a chair and at least two (2) additional council members with at least one (1) from each election cycle. This committee leads USAC's operations in communicating internally and to staff across campus via email, our website, social media, and print.
2024-25 Members: Mary Wheaton (Chair), Kolby Ferguson, Meghan Gill, Erin Lowery
Elections Committee, consisting of at least six (6) council members with at least one (1) member from each election year cycle, and including one Executive Board member. The Elections Committee runs the annual election process for USAC membership and manages staff elections to the University's Planning & Priorities Committee.
2024-25 Members: Monica Booker (Chair), Holly Blevins, Matt Dewald, Wendy Sheppard, USAC Vice Chair
Volunteer and Engagement Committee will coordinate the Council's volunteer roles and evaluate and respond to invitations for USAC to participate in campus outreach events.
2024-25 Members: Ashley Blount (Co-chair), Justin Woodson (Co-chair), Mirinda McCants, Jennifer Phillips, Julia Trachtenberg, Mina Zatelli
Benefits Liaison serves as a connection, although without voting rights, to the University Benefits Committee. They attend the meetings, hosted by HR, in order to share information with staff at USAC meetings.
2024-25 Liaison: Jess Oliver
Faculty Liaison serves as a connection between the Faculty Senate and USAC. They attend the monthly Faculty Senate meeting in order to share information between the two constituencies. USAC, in turn, welcomes a Faculty Senate representative to attend our monthly meetings.
2024-25 Liaison: Dr. Cort Schneider
Planning and Priorities Liaison serves as the staff representative, although without voting rights, on the University's Planning and Priorities Committee. They attend the P&P meetings in order to share information with staff at USAC meetings.
2024-25 Liaison: Darrell Tyler
Plant Involvement Team Liaison serves as the Plant and Facilities staff representative to USAC.
2024-25 Liaison: John Shines
UR Campus Planning Steering Committee Representative serves as the staff representative to the 2025 University of Richmond Campus Planning (URCP) effort. Started in December 2023 by Dave Hale, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, the URCP will serve as the roadmap for future physical development of the campus over the near and long term. A steering committee composed of faculty, staff, students, and Trustee representatives, and assisted by the architectural and design firm Ayers Saint Gross, is leading the effort. One staff member, nominated by USAC, was selected to serve on the steering committee until the project is completed in 2025.
2023-25 Representative: Monica Booker