SAC FAQs!
What is SAC?
SAC is the President’s Staff Advisory Committee. SAC’s mission is to facilitate active and direct communication between University staff and the President and to provide a forum for discussion and investigation of issues important to the staff and the University. SAC then presents formal recommendations to the President.
Who is eligible to be on SAC?
Any University staff member with two years of regular University service who is not a member of a union is eligible for membership. The membership of the committee is limited to not more than twenty members appointed by the President. The President appoints ex-officio members. including a SAC Advisor, at his/her discretion.
How can serving on SAC help me?
SAC has many rewards for its members, but many of these are internal. You will represent your fellow staff members as you meet with some of the most influential people on campus, and have a direct impact on what the President hears from our group. Participating in SAC can give you a great feeling knowing that you are making a difference on campus, and are providing a much needed service to this great institution.
Your work on a subcommittee will provide you with an opportunity to do a variety of services for the University. It could be helping to determine the selection of a staff member on another key committee, or working to get important information out to staff members in different ways, or assisting on an event that helps staff and others in the Providence area. These activities are also very personally satisfying.
In addition, you will meet members of the University that you may not have had a chance to meet if you were not on the committee. We are constantly meeting with guests and University officials including some events with the President.
Participation in a group like SAC sends a message to your coworkers and supervisors that you are interested in contributing above and beyond your regular duties. It shows a lot about your character and that you care about the staff as a whole. This message can only help you in your career at Brown.
Who can vote for SAC nominees?
Members of the committee are selected by a Membership Selection Board consisting of the current SAC advisors, the current SAC chair, the current SAC co-chair, the past chair and three current members. The Membership Selection Board reviews all applications filed and makes recommendations to the full Committee. For each Committee opening, the Membership Selection Board presents one nominee.
The Membership Selection Board submits to the full Committee one nominee for each committee opening and a list of five (5) alternates in priority order which stays in place until the next selection process occurs. All nominees and alternates must be approved by the full Committee by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting.
How are candidates for SAC nominated?
Any staff member can nominate a colleague for Staff Advisory Committee. Additionally, any staff member who is not a member of a union and has worked at Brown for at least two years can apply for SAC. The call for nominations is typically in September. A written application must be filed by the specified deadline for that year at which time the Membership Selection Board screens and reviews all applications.
When is the election for SAC members?
The SAC Membership Selection Board reviews all applications in late fall and makes recommendations to the full committee. All nominees and alternates must be approved by the full Committee by a majority vote of the members present at the December meeting. The approved membership recommendations are made to the President. Each year SAC appoints 10 new members whose terms run for two years starting every January
How long do SAC members serve?
SAC members serve for two years.
How many terms can a member serve?
A single term of service in SAC is two years. In no event does any member serve longer than two consecutive years, including the balance of any unexpired term initially assumed by an alternate or by special appointment. There is a minimum twelve-month waiting period before any member who has served a full term can be eligible for reappointment to the committee. The exception to this is the chair, whose status will change to past chair and whose term will extend for 12 additional months. At the discretion of the chair and/or subcommittee chair, former members may participate in new or ongoing business. Former members shall not have voting privileges nor serve as an officer or in a chair capacity.
Does SAC have officers?
The Officers of the Committee are a chair, a co-chair, past chair, Advisors, and ex-officios as designated by the President.
How often does SAC meet?
Members attend one full committee meeting (2 hours) and one subcommittee meeting (1.5 hours) per month on alternate Tuesdays.
How much time is involved in serving on SAC?
The full committee meets twice a month, and some additional time will be necessary for various projects/events as they arise.The time involved will vary from member to member, but an average member will spend 5 to 8 hours per month.
How does SAC help staff?
SAC’s mission is to facilitate active and direct communication between University staff and the President and to provide a forum for discussion and investigation of issues important to the staff and University. SAC then presents formal recommendations to the President.
How often does SAC meet with the President?
President Simmons attends one regular SAC meeting per year for updates on staff concerns and to hear about SAC accomplishments. In addition, SAC schedules an annual "Forum with the President", which is open to all Brown staff members.
What permanent committees are there on SAC and what is their charge?
SAC has three permanent subcommittees: staff participation, outreach and communication, and events.
Staff Participation: To investigate and make recommendations on staff participation in the University's governance and on appropriate staff involvement in decision-making processes.
Outreach and Communication: To oversee and make recommendations on communications, including print communications and the SAC Web, and to make recommendations on facilitating communication between University staff, SAC and the senior administration.
Events: To plan and organize events on behalf of SAC.
Must my supervisor give me permission to be on SAC?
Yes. The average time commitment can be up to three hours per week, so we encourage all interested staff members to discuss their interest in SAC with their supervisors before applying, as an important responsibility of membership is full participation.
Who can serve on the subcommittees?
Subcommittees are composed of at least three (3) members of the committee. Therefore, anyone who is eligible for SAC is eligible for the subcommittees.
How does SAC communicate to the staff?
Morning Mail and www.brown.edu/SAC are the primary methods by which SAC communicates with staff. We also hold periodic open meetings that we invite you to attend.
How can I communicate with SAC?
We are always eager to hear from you! The best way to contact SAC is by sending us an email at SAC@brown.edu. You may also call or email members individually – our contact information is located at www.brown.edu/SAC/members