Dear Staff Colleagues:

Would you like to help represent staff voices and participate in our University’s shared governance?

The Staff Council is seeking Seattle U staff members who are interested in serving as non-voting staff representatives on the following committees for the current academic year 2020-2021.

Board of Trustee Standing Committees

The Board of Trustee standing committees meet on the Wednesday prior to the regular Board of Trustees meetings which are scheduled for September 10, 2020; November 19, 2020; and February 11, 2021.

The subcommittees and their meeting times are listed below:

• Academic Affairs (Wed, 2-4pm)
  • This committee is responsible for the University's academic mission, execution of academic strategic priorities, and ensuring the quality and integrity of academic programs, including but not limited to providing oversight on academic program development, major academic initiatives, and similar matters.
• Athletics Oversight (Wed, 4-6pm)
  • This committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the University's program of intercollegiate athletics.
• Brand, Reputation and External Affairs (Wed, 4-6pm)
  • This committee provides oversight, support and advocacy in the areas of marketing, branding, reputation, communications, government affairs and external relations.
• Facilities and Technology Infrastructure (no set date, meetings occur in early mornings)
  • This committee is responsible for Board oversight of planning, budgeting, construction, renovation, and maintenance of all University buildings, grounds, facilities and technology infrastructure and services.
• Finance (Wed, 4-6pm)
  • This committee is responsible for safeguarding and monitoring the University's financial stability and long-term economic health, including but not limited to consideration of matters relating to business operations, administration, budgets, financing, and financial reserves.
• Mission, Inclusion & Culture (Wed 2-4pm)
  • This committee is responsible to review and make recommendations and reports to the Board about the areas for which the Board has fiduciary responsibility in regard to the University's Catholic and Jesuit mission, its inclusive excellence and diversity, its campus culture and workforce excellence.
• Student Development (Wed, 2-4pm)
  • This committee provides Board oversight to ensure the highest possible quality of student experience for University students, including their safety and wellbeing, and helps to foster programs that embody the Jesuit principles of educating the whole person, in and outside of the classroom.

Retirement Plan Investment Committee (RPIC)  

The Retirement Plan Investment Committee (RPIC) provides oversight for the Seattle University Employees Retirement Plan (Plan).  The RPIC is seeking an applicant to fill a non-voting member role to represent the University’s staff (non-faculty).

Responsibilities:

• Establishing, periodically reviewing, and maintaining a written policy documents.
• Managing the Plan to ensure regulatory compliance pertaining to Plan investments, including required Plan amendments and document retention.
• Retaining counsel or consultants as needed to advise the RPIC.
• Reporting to the President and the Finance Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees regarding investment policy changes or performance concerns.
• Overseeing administration of the Plan in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, including:
  • Selecting an appropriate number and type of investment asset classes and management styles for Plan participants, including for default investment elections.
  • Establishing performance criteria and benchmarks for selected asset classes.
  • Researching, selecting, and withdrawing Plan investments as appropriate for specified asset classes or styles.
  • Reviewing communication methods and materials to ensure that Plan participants receive adequate investment education and performance information.
  • Monitoring Plan investment costs.
  • Ensuring the RPIC and the Plan comply with applicable laws, regulations, and the terms of the Plan pertaining to investments.
  • In coordination with the University’s offices of Finance and Human Resources, reviewing the Plan’s annual independent financial audit.

Non-voting member qualities/background:

• Comfort with financial concepts and investment principles.
• Familiarity with vendor management and oversight.
• Ability to represent the interest and views University’s non-faculty staff as it relates to the Plan.
• Commitment to regularly attend quarterly and ad hoc RPIC meetings.

If you are interested, please nominate yourself (with a short 50-100 word bio, particularly on your interest or suitability) to the specific subcommittee(s). Nominations should be emailed to staffcouncil@seattleu.edu by Tuesday, September 8.

The Staff Council will develop a list of potential staff representatives for each committee and send it on to the respective entities for final consideration.