Greetings from the University Staff Advisory Council!

February Meeting Highlights

USAC was joined by Rory Dicker, Director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center. The Women's Center provides programming, consultation, and support in the areas of feminism and gender equity, sex education, and in self-advocacy to the Vanderbilt Community.
Vice Provost Doug Christiansen discussed various topics around undergraduate admissions, enrollment affairs, and the impact of the recent supreme court ruling on the work of his areas. He also highlighted Opportunity Vanderbilt, which has recently been expanded.
Krista Vaught and TaShunda Franklin from Employee Learning and Engagement went over their spring offerings, which include various learning experiences, conversation circles, and self-paced sessions.

Payroll Deduction Campaign

USAC is asking the University staff community to give a gift from the heart during the month of February and setup a recurring gift to the employee critical support fund via payroll deduction.

Please join colleagues across campus and setup your sustainable gift using payroll deduction TODAY.

The Employee Critical Support Fund provides assistance to qualifying faculty and staff who are experiencing a temporary hardship. In recent months, the fund has been used to help colleagues recover from house fires, natural disasters, and other life-altering events. Your ongoing support via payroll deduction will increase the number of colleagues who can benefit. Even $5 monthly makes a huge difference!

Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center Annual Awards

Please consider nominating a colleague, student, instructor, or administrator for one of the awards given by the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center each spring. The awards include the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center Leadership Award, the Mentoring Award, and the Mary Jane Werthan Award.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, February 29, 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact Rory Dicker, Director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women’s Center

The Broadview at Vanderbilt is an exclusive community designed for Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff. It is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown just steps from campus. The Broadview apartment complex was designed to provide all you need--right at your fingertips. Both furnished and unfurnished units are available with utilities included, and all units include washer & dryer, modern floor plans, and high-speed internet! Do not miss the state-of-the-art amenities: private working areas, 24/7 fitness center, and coffee shop. The Broadview is the perfect space to call home!

Staff WAVE Speed Networking Event

February 27, 2024

9am - 10am

Sarratt Student Center 325/327

The Women's Advancement and Equity Council is hosting an interactive opportunity to meet campus colleagues and learn about their professional experiences in a fun, low-key setting. Question prompts will be provided to facilitate conversation during two speed networking sessions. The Staff WAVE Council is aimed at all women staff at the university; however, anyone who is interested is welcome.

February’s USAC Tip of the Month is highlighting MoveVU, Transportation, and Sustainability. MoveVU aims to give commuters more options to choose from when making their daily decision on how they will travel to and from campus. MoveVU’s programs aim to provide Vanderbilt commuters with more choices beyond driving alone to campus and using a traditional annual parking permit.

For more information on MoveVU and to explore your commuting options, visit the MoveVU website.

Vanderbilt's Master of Liberal Arts and Science

MLAS is reviving Saturday University! Come engage with Vanderbilt’s renowned faculty!

March 2, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm in Cohen Memorial Hall on the Peabody campus

A one-day symposium at which six Vanderbilt College of Arts and Science faculty will give presentations on engaging topics relating to their research and teaching interests. There is no fee to attend; coffee/pastry and a lunch reception will be provided. The program and faculty participants are detailed here.

MLAS is an interdisciplinary, flexible graduate degree program designed for working professionals that offers weekly evening courses on campus with VU faculty in the summer, fall, and spring terms. Upcoming courses include World Cup Soccer and Socio-Politics, Seeking Adventure through Literature, Modern US Foreign Policy, Italian Cinema, and Shakespeare.

The Vanderbilt Employee Tuition Benefit offers a 70% discount on MLAS courses.

Now accepting applications for Summer and Fall 2024

Meet a Member:

Cassanora Lampley

Associate Director of Employee Experience and EDI Excellence in Career Advancement and Engagement

"In 2020...I felt that many of us in student facing roles were pouring out an abundance of support while also navigating COVID and racial injustice. I needed and desired support and there just weren’t enough available resources for employees. That experience fortified my desire to support my colleagues – which led me to my current role but also to serving in USAC."

For Cassanora's full feature and to connect with USAC representatives from around the university, visit our Blog.

Whether you are working from home or are on campus, know that USAC remains committed to being a champion for staff, and our digital door is always open. Do not hesitate to share your feedback or experiences via usac@vanderbilt.edu or via our contact form.

All are welcome! USAC Meetings are held virtually from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and are always open to staff members served by the council. Email usac@vanderbilt.edu for a Zoom link.

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.