Reflections from the Chair

Rosemary Burns Velez, 2025-26 chair, Civil Service Senate and Civil Service Consultative Committee

On April 16, 2026, I presided over my final Civil Service Senate meeting, and in May I will chair my last CSCC meeting before handing the reins over to Daryl Richard Lawrence, our chair-elect. With the end in sight, I’m finding myself contemplating my year as chair. It is sheer gratitude I feel for the many dedicated people who offered their time and expertise on a daily basis to benefit all civil service employees. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank Deena Barker, our senate associate. Without her guidance, I would not have known what to do next at any given moment. Thank you to the Senate Office staff who keep the University Senate running. A big thank you to Daryl Richard Lawrence, our chair-elect who is so hard-working and supportive. Thank you to those who chaired our 3 subcommittees so ably, and will be passing the baton at the end of the 2025-26 fiscal year: Hannah Berquist – Compensation and Benefits, Charles Rank – Rules, and Sarah Backman – Communications. Although I was the senate chair, these are the folks who led so much of the work that has been accomplished this year.
 
It has been my honor to be the chair of the Civil Service Senate and CSCC for the 2025-26 session, and I am grateful that I had this opportunity to serve.

A Report from the Chair-Elect

Daryl Richard Lawrence, 2026-27 chair, Civil Service Senate and Civil Service Consultative Committee

The academic year came to a close and, with it, much of the student activity on campus. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t underline that the work of so many of us continues, even as the campus goes through its annual summer period. I think the visibility of staff on campus is especially prominent during the break periods and underscores how vital our work is to the continuity of service of the entire University system. I urge us all to reflect on the good work we have done this academic year and continue to serve the campus and all who interact with it as we move into the warmer months. 

I want to recognize our outgoing chair, Rosemary Burns Velez, who took on the role without the benefit of a year in the chair-elect position. She has done an incredible job advocating passionately for civil service employees and setting a standard I can only hope to meet in my own term as chair on July 1. She has led with distinction and grace. Equally worthy of recognition is our senate associate, Deena Barker, who makes things run smoothly for us senators and leaders behind the scenes. Without Deena, we would spend most of our time doing administrative tasks rather than engaging with our constituents and one another. 

In the coming month or so, I will be launching our next professional development opportunity. I have been working closely with the Libraries staff to identify a common read and develop a program for us to enjoy. The details for the read are almost complete, and I cannot wait to share them with you! 

Civil Service Consultative Committee

The Civil Service Consultative Committee represents the civil service staff, rather than the individual campuses, institutes, colleges, schools, or departments of the University. The Civil Service Consultative Committee serves as the consulting body to the president and as the executive committee of the Civil Service Senate and ensures that civil service is represented in decisions that affect the university and our employee group.

The CSCC meets more regularly than the full Civil Service Senate and provides continuity of leadership for the group. In attendance at its meetings are representatives from the Office of Human Resources, as well as special guests to speak to more individualized interests across the University system. In this smaller group setting, guests are able to interface with Civil Service leadership and hear about successes and challenges we encounter as employees.

Reach out to a Civil Service executive member

Digital Accessibility: Everyone's Responsibility

Digital accessibility is everyone’s responsibility and there are resources to help around the University of Minnesota. A good place to start is the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) for guides, resources, tools, events, training, and communities. While the University brings its websites, mobile apps, course sites, software, and other digital content into compliance with updated web accessibility guidelines, the need for digital accessibility is ongoing. Think about it, do you want everyone to be able to get information that you worked hard to curate to get lost by those with accessibility needs? Of course, we want everyone to access University resources and a good place to start are the 7 Core Accessibility Skills. 
 

In addition, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) has information about how to ensure that people with disabilities get the accommodations and services they need at the University of Minnesota. Whether you are holding an event, hosting a meeting, or interviewing someone for a position at the University of Minnesota, asking about accommodations and accessibility needs helps to ensure that people with disabilities can participate. 

Communications and Outreach Subcommittee 

Sarah Backman, chair

The civil service senators who serve you are seeking your input. As you will see below, we publish a section named "Because You Asked."  We haven't heard from many of you! To provide resources, we need to know: what's on your mind?! What are you curious to learn more about to enable your work at UMN? What are the topics the Civil Service Senate communications and outreach committee can provide resources and information on that would help you most?

Please use this Form to let us know what you need more information on, and we will try to provide it. Because you asked! 

Did You Know?

About purposeful spaces for you at the U 💡

The University is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment by ensuring employees have access to spaces that meet a variety of personal needs throughout the workday. From lactation support to reflection areas and accessible restrooms, these resources are designed to promote comfort, dignity, and well-being for all. To ensure access, contact your building manager or facilities partner today. For nursing parents, the Lactation Advocacy Committee (LAC) helps ensure access to clean, private, and comfortable lactation spaces across campus. The LAC is a volunteer group of University employees and students who support breastfeeding and chestfeeding parents at the University of Minnesota. You deserve support regardless of how you feed your baby, and your right to breastfeed is protected by state and federal law. Email LAC at [email protected] — they look forward to hearing from you.
 

Employees seeking a quiet place to recharge can take advantage of prayer, meditation, and reflection spaces across campus. In addition to dedicated reflection rooms, the University Libraries offer quiet spaces for focus and relaxation, including large quiet study areas, reservable rooms, and wellness rooms designed specifically for meditation and reflection. Employees can use prayer, meditation, and reflection spaces across campus—including quiet study areas, reservable rooms, and wellness/meditation rooms in University Libraries (e.g., Health Sciences, Wilson, Walter)—which offer soft seating and calming features to support focus and well‑being. 
 

Creating an inclusive environment also means ensuring access to all gender restrooms. These facilities provide safe and accessible options for individuals of all gender identities, as well as caregivers assisting children or family members. For example, all-gender restrooms are available in several campus buildings, including library spaces, helping ensure that all employees and visitors feel respected and accommodated.
 

These inclusive and quiet spaces, and tools like the interactive campus map, can allow employees to feel supported and empowered to bring their full selves to work each day.  If additional assistance is needed, Facilities Management Services can help identify nearby options and access these spaces.

👉 View Lactation, Meditation & Gender Neutral or Family Restroom Space Twin Cities Map

Accessibility and Inclusion Resources Across UMN Campuses

Because you asked…
 

Q: How are the holiday calendars determined, and why do they differ across campuses?

A: The University of Minnesota’s holiday calendars differ across campuses because each campus develops its own academic calendar based on instructional needs, governance processes, and operational priorities. Proposed calendars are created by each campus registrar or calendar contact, reviewed through faculty governance, and approved through campus-specific processes, which can lead to differences in semester timing and holiday schedules. The University also considers religious and cultural observances, employee impacts, and scheduling coordination across campuses when reviewing calendars.

Submit a question to “Because You Asked…” Fill out this Google form if you have a topic you would like to see addressed in this section of the newsletter. The communications subcommittee reviews these submissions for common themes and timely topics for publication to best address the inquiring minds of our civil service work group.