Voices of the Staff program to continue, volunteers sought

Voices of the Staff (VOICES), a volunteer-based initiative that gives staff members a forum for sharing ideas and defining the campus community issues that matter most to them, has received approval to transition from a three-year pilot to a sustained and ongoing program of the University.

Along with the announced continuation, VOICES funding has been increased so that the program may continue to support the work of its six topic-focused network teams, broaden development opportunities for volunteers and offer key events, such as an annual supervisors' conference.

"Voices of the Staff has produced important and enduring benefits for our community," says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources. "We envision that universities around the country will emulate our design as they strive to increase employee engagement."

In 2008-09, the VOICES network teams will continue exploration of the following topics:

• Benefits, health and well-being

• Diversity

• Parking and transportation

• Career development

• Faculty and staff communication

• Rewards and recognition

Network team volunteers serve for two years and meet once a month for 1.5 hours. Volunteers are chosen from the pool of applicants to create a microcosm of the larger staff community. Staff members with at least one year of service can volunteer to serve on the network team of their choice by completing an application between now and March 31 at www.voices.umich.edu.

More Stories

• University leaders respond to athletics, academics coverage
• Seven to receive honorary degrees
• Gathering connects cultures, communities
• Gift for history program makes history at U-M-Flint
• GEO contract negotiations continue
• Four elected to SACUA board
• Spotlight: Pixie dust, parachutes, piloting: She can fly
• New ethics center selects Chamberlin as director
• U-M offers $1,000 reward for return of gems, stones
• Privatizing school lunches may be bad for academic performance
• Report: Minority faculty gains stagnant in some areas
• Tough economic sledding will get smoother by year's end
• Voices of the Staff program to continue, volunteers sought
• Expanded Lurie Nanolab could boost state economy
• Michigan Radio named Station of the Year
• LSA lecturer finds the right fit
• U-M-Dearborn study shows innovative activity slows in 2007
• Testicular cancer gauge often not used
• Prostate cancer treatment type affects quality of life
• Exhibit reveals life, creativity behind prison walls
• Stress levels can make brain flip from desire to fear
• Faculty Governance: Benefits and best interests
• Researcher honored for progress in cancer prevention, treatment
• Don't Miss: Concert benefits students with Crohn's disease or colitis
• Photo: Request for closure
• Photo: Wolff's work at Taubman through April 15
• Photo: Downs among discounted UMS faculty, staff tickets