Standing & Ad Hoc Committees
The University of Houston Staff Council Bylaws call for seven standing committees and special committees appointed by the Staff Council President on an ad hoc basis. Additionally, Staff Council has four representatives on the University System Staff Executive Council (USSEC). Current committee descriptions and memberships are below.
Staff Council is also represented on University-wide standing and other committees. See the Staff Council University-wide Committees page for more information.
Standing Committees
Leadership
| Jacqueline Chee | 713-743-8725 | jchee@uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 2nd Thursday of the Month | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Join the Teams meeting |
The Scholarships & Advancements Committee manages the Staff Council Scholarships Program and is responsible for advancement initiatives including donor relations and fundraising.
Leadership
| Jeffrey Lautenberger | 713-743-3054 | jdlauten@central.uh.edu |
| VACANT | ||
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| Bi-weekly Thursday of the Month | 1:00 pm -2:00 pm | |
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm |
The Communications Committee is responsible for all external communication, including releases to university media. Duties include managing and updating the Staff Council website, sending information out on the Staff Council listserv, researching ideas by calling other Committee chairs and getting information, and writing about current events.
Leadership
| Andy Moon | 832-842-4782 | andy@uh.edu |
| Shaneika Gradney | 713-743-7601 | sgradney@central.uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 1st Tuesday of the Month | 10:00 am -11:00 am | Join the Teams Meeting |
Cougar First Impressions (CFI) is sponsored by Staff Council and offers students a chance to receive campus maps, directions to class, and bottled water from UH staff members stationed across campus during the first two days of the Fall semester. The event is made possible by generous contributions without student fees. See the CFI home page for more information.
Leadership
| Antoinette Marvels | 713-743-3803 | armarvel@central.uh.edu |
| Vacant | ||
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 4th Tuesday of the Month | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Join the Teams meeting |
The Events Committee oversees specials events for Staff members and the UH community sponsored by Staff Council, such as:
- Staff Council Leadership Luncheon--This is a luncheon to recognize outgoing members and to welcome incoming members.
- Sock & Blanket Drive--During the holiday season, Staff Council collects items from the UH community to assist needy families.
- Spring Event--The Events is UH community family event.
- Homecoming Spirit Bell Competition
- Scholarships & Awards Luncheon
Leadership
| David Frankfort | 832-842-4658 | davidf@uh.edu |
| VACANT | ||
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 3rd Monday of the Month | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Join the Teams meeting |
The Membership and Elections Committee is responsible for reviewing the apportionment of representation among the University's Divisions, for making recommendations to fill vacancies, and for overseeing and conducting the annual campus-wide Staff Council Elections.
See the Staff Council Elections page for further information.
Leadership
| Vacant | ||
| Vacant | ||
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 2nd Thursday of the Month | 09:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Join the Microsoft Teams meeting. |
The Staff Affairs Committee is responsible for identifying and analyzing all issues affecting the University of Houston’s staff at all levels. The committee formulates and presents recommendations to Staff Council to represent the staff perspective and advocate for staff interests with UH executive leadership.
The scope of this committee’s work includes but is not limited to: employee benefits, parking and transportation, and campus safety.
Specific activities include:
- Organizing and hosting periodic public meetings with the UH President at which university issues are presented and discussed;
- Organizing and hosting periodic public meetings with staff and presenting topics of interest with speakers and opportunity for feedback; and
- Conducting employee opinion surveys and periodic issue-specific surveys, to identify areas of current and ongoing concern to staff and communicate them to UH executive leadership.
Leadership
| Debbie Samuels | 832-842-4660 | dcsamuels@uh.edu |
| Monique Wiltz | 713-743-9235 | miwiltz@central.uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 3rd Wednesday of the Month | 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | Join the Microsoft Teams meeting. |
The Staff Empowerment Committee (SEC) is responsible for recommending and promoting resources and initiatives that empower and enlighten University of Houston staff members and enhance their professional experience.
Objectives
- To disseminate information to the Council and staff concerning campus resources, community resources, and leadership and professional development opportunities.
- To foster a sense of belonging and community amongst staff members.
- To empower Council and staff members to grow and develop.
- To actively solicit, promote, and interact with centers, departments, and groups on campus and in the community in support of the University’s mission, vision, and goals.
Leadership
| Genny Lee | 713-743-4906 | gmlee@uh.edu |
| Trever Thomas | 713-743-9817 | tlthomas5@uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 2nd Friday of Month | 10:00 am - 11:00 am | Join the Teams meeting |
The Staff Engagement Committee plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and cohesive workplace culture. By organizing a variety of events, they create opportunities for staff to interact in more informal settings, which can lead to stronger team bonds and improved communication. These events might range from professional development workshops to social gatherings or team-building exercises. The committee's efforts in engaging employees not only contribute to a more dynamic work environment but also help in recognizing the diverse talents and interests of the staff, ultimately driving the organization's success. Their work is integral to maintaining high morale and a sense of community within the university.
Ad Hoc Committees
These special committees are appointed by the Staff Council President on an ad hoc basis.
Leadership
| Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| DaNesha Allen | 832-842-5614 | dnallen@central.uh.edu |
| Cesar Villagran | 713-743-5941 | cavillag@central.uh.edu |
Leadership
| Sharon Pellas | 713-743-5595 | schavez@uh.edu |
| Officer Felipe Gutierrez | 713-743-4210 | fgutierr@central.uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 3rd Tuesday of the Month | 03:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Join the Teams meeting |
Leadership
| Debbie Samuels | 832-842-4660 | dcsamuels@uh.edu |
| VACANT |
Leadership
| Monique Wiltz | 713-743-9235 | miwiltz@central.uh.edu |
| Juanita Hall | 713-743-9038 | jhall4@central.uh.edu |
| Meeting Date | Time | Location |
| 2nd Tuesday | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Join the Teams meeting |
The University of Houston Staff Council Community Outreach Ad Hoc Committee was established in 2020 to develop, support, encourage, and offer UH Staff the opportunity to participate in various camps and community service projects throughout the year that helped to make our Third Ward neighborhood and the City of Houston a better place.