Self‑Nominations Are Now Open: Join the UMB Staff Senate and CUSS

The wait is over — self‑nominations for the UMB Staff Senate and the Council of University System Staff (CUSS) are now officially open!

This is your opportunity to lend your voice, strengthen staff advocacy, and play an active role in shaping decisions that impact UMB and the University System of Maryland (USM). If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved or stepping into a leadership role, now is the time.

In uncertain times when feeling powerless is common, Staff Senate offers a real chance to make a difference. Our work directly impacts colleagues across campus, amplifies diverse voices, and transforms challenges into positive change for our entire community.

We're seeking purpose-driven hard workers ready to create meaningful change for UMB staff. 

Election Timeline

Date Phase Details

April 13–27

Self-Nomination

Nomination form will go live on this page on April 13

April 27–May 4

Candidate Confirmation

• Candidate eligibility (exempt status) confirmed by HR

• Candidates contacted to confirm nomination information

• Campaign materials distributed (optional to use)

May 11–18

Voting

All exempt staff may vote (faculty not eligible) 

May 22

Announcement of Winners

 

June (Date TBD)

New Senator Orientation

 

July 9

First Meeting

First Staff Senate meeting with new senators

Eligibility
  • Only exempt staff (non-union) members are eligible to apply
  • Executive Leadership is not eligible (pay grade Z)
Voting

Announcements will be circulated across campus announcing the voting period. A voting button will appear on the front page of the Staff Senate webpage beginning on May 11.

Benefits of Being a Staff Senator
  • You have a voice in setting university policies that affect UMB staff
  • Opportunity to connect and collaborate with new people from across the UMB campus
  • Engage with University Leadership
Why serve on CUSS?
  • Advocate for staff: Provide a voice for employee concerns regarding basic decisions affecting the welfare of the USM and its employees.
  • Influential collaboration: Participate in yearly joint meetings with the Chancellor and other shared governance councils.
  • System-wide networking: Meet monthly with staff from all 12 USM institutions to discuss regional issues.
  • Professional growth: Review Board of Regents Awards and participate in vital committee work. 
Terms of Service

Two-year obligation (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028) with monthly meetings (currently via Zoom) where information is disseminated and discussions are held on current events and issues that relate to and affect the staff of UMB. Members are expected to participate in ancillary Staff Senate committees and liaise with other campus groups.

Questions?

Contact an Elections Committee Member:

Michael Penney
Committee Chair
Manager, Facilities Admin & Operations
Central Administration 

Joe Howarth
Committee Co-Chair
Lead Training Specialist
The PATIENTS Program
School of Pharmacy

Stephanie Brandal
Research Security Specialist
Office of Research & Development
Central Administration

Terria McClain
Administration Specialist
School of Nursing

Tom Hockensmith
Executive Director, IT Services
CITS
Central Administration

Nia Speaks
Program Manager
Oncology Program
School of Medicine

Taylor DeBoer
Assistant Director
The Grid
Graduate School

Amanda Barnes
Office Manager for Student Services
Francis King Carey School of Law

 

2026 Staff Senate Nomination Form

Fill out my online form.