The University of California Office of the President today (Jan. 20, 2015) announced the opening of the application period for the next staff advisor-designate to the Regents. The position's term runs July 2015 through June 2017.

The staff advisor program allows for two staff or non-Senate academic employees to participate in open sessions of the Board of Regents as well as designated committees of the board. The staff advisors bring the voice and perspective of staff and non-Senate academic employees to board deliberations.

The current staff advisors to the Regents are Donna Coyne, associate director of admissions at UC Santa Barbara, whose two-year term will expire in June, and, Deidre “De” Acker, ombuds at UC Merced, who began her term in July 2014.

"Serving as Staff Advisor is an opportunity to ensure staff input is considered in decision-making at the highest level,” Coyne said. "As a staff advisor, you can have a real impact in guiding UC forward."

All employees are encouraged to learn more about the program at the staff advisor website. Questions about the staff advisor position or the application process should be directed to Juliann Martinez, UCOP Employee Relations, at 510-287-3331 or via email: Juliann.Martinez@ucop.edu. Applications will be accepted from Jan. 20 through March 6, 2015.

About the staff advisors to the Regents

A continuing goal of the UC Regents is to foster two-way communication between UC staff and the board. In January 2007, the Regents voted unanimously to establish positions for two staff advisors to participate in their deliberative process and to provide a staff perspective on matters coming before the board.

One new staff advisor is selected each year for a two-year term. The staff advisors serve as non-voting advisors to designated Regents' committees; they attend and participate directly in committee and board meetings throughout their term of service, and visit many of the campuses to solicit input from staff. Staff interested in public policy, advocacy and understanding the future direction of the university are encouraged to apply.