Â鶹ӳ»­

The name of this council shall be the Staff Employees' Council (SEC) of the Â鶹ӳ»­, hereafter referred to as the Council. The Council is a delegation of classified employees who represent each Council Division (Article IV) of the Â鶹ӳ»­, hereafter referred to as the University.

1. Purpose
   The Council's purpose is to serve in an advisory capacity to the President of the University, hereafter referred to as the President, with respect to all matters pertaining to classified personnel and employee relations. The Council shall provide a means of communication for disseminating information to classified employees of the University; and, the Council shall afford an opportunity for classified employees to have a role in the governance of the University with respect to matters pertaining to classified personnel and employee relations.
2. Policies
   1. The Council's policies shall be consistent with the Â鶹ӳ»­ Revised Statutes, Â鶹ӳ»­ Administrative Code, Board of Regents Handbook and Procedures and Guidelines Manual and University Policies. In the event that any provision of these Bylaws conflicts with the Â鶹ӳ»­ Revised Statutes, Â鶹ӳ»­ Administrative Code, Board of Regents Handbook and Procedures and Guidelines Manual or University Policies, those laws, regulations or policies shall control and the conflicting provision(s) of the SEC Bylaws will be brought into conformance.
   2. The Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.

1. Standards
   The Council shall associate itself with or endorse projects, programs or activities which meet the purpose and policies as previously set forth in Article II and which have the interest of the classified employees of the University as a priority. The Council will communicate pertinent information to their constituents on a regular basis. The Council's Executive Board shall present to the Council all proposed major programs/activities for ratification.
2. Practices
   1. Record minutes of Council meetings.
   2. Maintain membership rosters, including expiration dates.
   3. Maintain committee members' rosters.
   4. Maintain Council budget accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable UNR / Board of Regents policies. The Council's Executive Board shall review Council account activity.

1. The total Council membership shall at no time exceed 35 members.
2. The Council shall reapportion itself, if necessary, at three-year intervals. Apportionment shall be based on the number of classified employees (.50 FTE or more) employed in each Council Division of the University as provided in this Article. The number of representatives serving each Council Division shall be determined by using BCN Human Resources statistics for each Division divided by 50, with no less than 1 representative for each Division. The number of representatives serving each Division is subject to review and approval by the Council prior to appointments or as deemed necessary.
3. The standard for determining representatives to the Council is as follows:
   • 001-050 employees – 1 representative
   • 051-100 employees – 2 representatives
   • 101-150 employees – 3 representatives
   • 151-200 employees – 4 representatives
   • Over 200 employees – 5 representatives

When a Council Division reaches 201 or more employees, the Council reserves the right to split the department with the largest representation into multiple divisions to ensure adequate representation on the Council. The University of Â鶹ӳ»­, Extension will be represented by one representative from the South and one representative from the North without respect for the number of employees represented.

Council divisions

• Administration and Finance, Vice President of including:
  • BCN Human Resources
  • UNR Human Resources
  • Planning, Budget, & Analysis
  • Real Estate and Rentals
  • University Police Services
  • VPAF Office
• Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, College of including:
  • Â鶹ӳ»­ Agriculture Experiment Station
  • Extension
  • Extended Studies
• Business and Finance including:
  • Associate VP's Office
  • BCN Payroll
  • BCN Purchasing
  • Campus Card Program
  • Central Receiving
  • Controller's Office
  • Mail Services
• Education, College of including:
  • Child & Family Research Center
• Engineering, College of
• Facilities including:
  • Facilities Maintenance Services
  • Facilities Planning & Construction
  • Facilities Services
  • Parking and Transportation Services
• School of Public Health
  • Center for Program Evaluation
• Liberal Arts, College of
• Libraries/IT including:
  • Computing and Telecommunications
  • Information Technology
  • Libraries
  • VP's Office
  • Library & IT Administration
• Medicine, School of including:
  • Savitt Medical Library
  • Sanford Center for Aging
• President's Division and University Advancement including:
  • Athletic Academics and Compliance
  • Faculty Senate
  • Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Lawlor Events Center
  • President's Office
• Provost's Office including:
  • Advising Center
  • Business Administration College of
  • Core Curriculum
  • Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
  • Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center
  • Graduate School
  • Honors Program
  • Independent Learning
  • Intensive English Language Center
  • Journalism, School of
  • Â鶹ӳ»­ Humanities Committee
  • Northern Â鶹ӳ»­ International Center
  • KUNR
  • Nursing, Orvis School of
  • Provost Office, Executive Vice President
  • Scheduling Services
  • Social Work, School of
  • University Assessment
  • Office of Digital Learning
• Research and Innovation, Vice President for including:
  • Animal Resources
  • Core Laboratories
  • Enterprise and Commercialization
  • Enterprise and Innovation, AVP
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • Innovation Center, Powered by Switch
  • Â鶹ӳ»­ Center for Applied Research
  • Manufacture Â鶹ӳ»­ Research Administration, AVP
  • Research and Innovation, VP
  • Research, AVP
  • Research Integrity
  • Sponsored Projects
  • Undergraduate Research
  • (All other centers and programs that report to VP Research/Dean)
• Science, College of
• Student Services including:
  • Academic and Opportunity Support Services
  • Admissions and Records
  • ASUN Management
  • Campus Wellness and Recreation
  • Counseling Services
  • Disability Resource Center
  • Enrollment Services
  • Joe Crowley Student Union
  • International Students & Scholars, Office of
  • Â鶹ӳ»­ Wolf Shop
  • New Student Initiatives
  • Prospective Students, Office for
  • Residential Life, Housing and Food Service
  • Student Conduct, Office of
  • Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Student Life Services
  • The Center. Every Student. Every Story
  • Tutoring Services
  • Upward Bound

If a unit moves within the University, it will also move accordingly in the Council Division (unless otherwise approved by the SEC Executive Board in conjunction with the Dean of the unit).

1. Council representatives shall be elected by an electronic ballot from members of their Council Division in June of each year. The list for elections will be pulled on the first Friday of April each year. The votes shall be tallied by the Election The classified employees who receive the largest number of votes in each Division with a vacancy from their constituency shall be appointed as the representatives for their respective Divisions. In the event that an elected representative declines an appointment to the Council, the classified employee with the next largest number of votes shall be appointed in their place. If a vacancy cannot be filled after exhausting this method, the Council's Executive Committee reserves the right to appoint the appropriate number of representatives from the designated Council Divisions. The new representatives shall begin their term with the September meeting.
2. A "term year" is defined as September through Council members shall serve a three-year term and may not stand for re-election for one year after the expiration of that term. A member appointed to fill a vacated position may stand for election at the end of the term in which they were appointed according to this Article.
3. When a vacancy occurs on the Council for a reason other than the expiration of a term, the Chair, with the advice and consent of the Council, recommends to the President through the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, a temporary replacement member from within the Division having the vacancy to complete the vacant term. The appointed representative may stand for election.
4. When a Council member transfers from one division to another division within the University, that Council member may remain on the Council in their present capacity on committees and boards representing the department originally elected to, until the position in the transferring Council member's original division is filled. If the Council member desires to leave the Council upon their transfer, the Chair, with the advice and consent of the Council, shall recommend to the President through the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, a temporary replacement member from within the Division having the vacancy to complete the vacant term. The appointed representative may stand for election.

1. The following officers shall comprise the Executive Board and be elected as vacancies occur:
   1. Chair
   2. Chair-Elect
   3. Public Relations Coordinator
   4. Secretary
   5. Treasurer
2. All Executive Board positions shall serve no more than a three-year term. Except for the Chair-Elect, all officers are elected at the September Council meeting. The Chair-Elect position requires at least one term year or portion thereof of prior Council service before being elected to this position in August. Those receiving the greatest number of votes for each post are declared the officers. The outgoing Chair continues to preside until the new Chair has seated in September.
3. Should any officer's position, other than Chair, become vacant during the term year, a new election shall be held pursuant to Article VI Section 1. If the Chair's position becomes vacant, the Chair-Elect shall assume the duties of the Chair for the remainder of the term year.
4. The Immediate Past-Chair (ex officio member), Chair, Chair-Elect, Public Relations Coordinator, Secretary, and Treasurer shall hereafter be referred to as the Executive Board of the Council.
5. The Executive Board shall meet monthly or as needed to:
   1. Develop agendas for the monthly meetings
   2. Respond to requests for information or advice
   3. Develop goals and policies that the Council seeks to implement

The Chair shall:

• Preside over Council meetings
• Serve as liaison to the University administration
• Nominate members for University committees with the advice and consent of the Council
• Serve as an ex-officio member of all Council committees
• Attend New Employee Orientation presentations, if conducted, to provide information about the Council

The Chair-Elect shall:

• Assume the duties of the Chair in the Chair's absence
• Be responsible for other duties as assigned by the Chair
• Serve as liaison to the President via the Vice President for Administration and Finance when it becomes necessary to replace vacated positions on the Council within 60 days
• Chair the Bylaws Committee
• Maintain the Council's constituency lists
• Act as Parliamentarian at Council meetings
• If the Chair's position becomes vacant, assume the duties of the Chair for the remainder of the term year
• At the yearly election of officers, the Council reserves the right to endorse the Chair-Elect as the new Chair or elect another eligible representative
• The Public Relations Coordinator shall:
• Sit on the Website Committee
• Coordinate the broadcasting of Council-related information, including:
• Preparation and distribution of a newsletter or postcard
• Updates to the Council's brochure
• Posting of meeting dates, times, and locations
• Promotion of Council-sponsored events
• Assume liaison duties for the Chair when requested

The Secretary shall:

• Record, prepare, and distribute a rough draft of meeting minutes to all Council members at least seven days before the next scheduled meeting
• Prepare any correspondence or documents required by the Council
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date roster of Council members and committee members
• Contact and schedule guest speakers for monthly Council meetings

The Treasurer shall:

• Maintain the purchasing card issued by the Controller's Office
• Conduct the fiscal affairs of the Council
• Maintain a record of all fiscal matters related to the Council
• Obtain funding allocation from the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance for the Silver and Blue Salute and Open House events
• Develop budgets for these events in coordination with the Council Chair and committee chairs
• If the Chair and Chair-Elect are unavailable for a scheduled meeting, assume the duties of Chair

The Chair, or an appointed designee, shall serve as the Council's representative to the NSHE Classified Council by attending meetings.

Record keeping

1. Council officers shall maintain electronic records in Â鶹ӳ»­ Box documenting all activities and duties performed throughout the term year.
2. Access to the electronic records shall be given to the Chair prior to the August Council meeting.
3. The outgoing Chair shall transfer ownership of the Â鶹ӳ»­ Box account to the incoming Chair before the September Council meeting.
4. The incoming Chair shall grant access to the new Council Officers as soon as they are identified and remove access for former officers and representatives.
5. An annual monetary award for service from September through August will be recognized for service to the Executive Board:
   1. The officer positions will be awarded as follows:
      • Past-Chair: $750
      • Chair: $1,250
      • Chair-Elect: $750
      • Public Relations Coordinator: $500
      • Secretary: $750
      • Treasurer: $500
   2. The monetary award is distributed annually in May. If an officer vacates their position before the term year concludes in August, the award is prorated based on months of service, and the remaining amount must be returned.
   3. If the vacancy occurs before the award distribution month, the officer does not receive the award.

1. The Council shall meet at least monthly, or upon petition by the Executive Board, or a two-thirds majority of the Council members.
2. All meetings of the Council are open meetings.
3. Council members shall be allowed a reasonable period of time (up to eight hours per month) away from their regular duties to attend Council meetings and functions and to conduct Council business. University Administrative Manual (UAM) 2,359.
4. A simple majority (1/2 + 1) of the Council members (including proxy representatives) constitutes a quorum.
5. Any member unable to attend a regularly scheduled Council meeting shall send a representative to serve as their proxy. The regular member will provide the Chair of the Council an email statement designating proxy representation at least two working days prior to the meeting. The proxy may be designated as any classified staff member within the same Council Division, including other Council members of the same Division. Representatives may serve as a proxy for only one absent member per meeting.
6. In the event of a foreseen absence, the Council Member shall make every attempt to provide a proxy to cover representation. A Council member is allowed up to three absences without a proxy within a Council year (September through August). The Executive Board will review excessive absences on a case­ by-case basis.
7. With the exception of emergencies, any member who is unable to attend a regularly scheduled Council meeting and will not use a proxy shall attempt to notify a member of the Executive Board at least one day prior to the scheduled meeting.

1. The Fiscal year of the Council shall be from September to August.
2. Refer to Article VI Section 3f for the Treasurer's duties.

1. Excluding alternate membership, each Council member shall serve on no less than two (2) committees, with at least one of those committees being an SEC committee. Each SEC committee is to select a committee chair no later than the regularly scheduled November Council meeting and report the selection to the Council Secretary. The updated committee roster will be distributed prior to the November SEC meeting by the Secretary.
2. SEC Committees:
   1. Whenever possible, each SEC Committee should have at least one (1) member in their first, second, and third term year.
   2. SEC Bylaws:
      • A committee of three (3), including the Chair-Elect, shall review the Bylaws and make recommendations for changes to the Council.
      • Upon approval by the Council, the committee chair shall deliver the Bylaws to the President, through the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, for signing.
      • Once signed, the committee chair shall have the Public Relations Coordinator replace the old Bylaws document in Â鶹ӳ»­ Box and on the SEC website.
      • Upon verification that the new document is accessible online, Council members will receive the updated link.
   3. Classified Employee Recognition Program:
      • A committee of at least five (5) shall review monthly nominations and select no more than one classified employee each month who has demonstrated outstanding service, exceptional attitude, and excellence in work performance.
      • The committee shall also review yearly nominations and select employees for the following awards:
        • Foundation Distinguished Classified Employee
        • Foundation Classified Employee of the Year
        • Foundation Classified Outstanding Leadership
        • Regent’s Outstanding Classified Staff Awards
      • A committee member may not receive an award while serving on this committee.
      • The previous year's recipient of the Distinguished Classified Employee Award may serve as a committee member.
   4. SEC Annual Classified Employee Recognition Reception:
      • The Council, in collaboration with the President of the University, sponsors the Silver and Blue Salute, an annual awards reception.
      • A committee of at least five (5), including at least one (1) non-voting advisory member from BCN Human Resources, shall be responsible for planning and processing all matters pertaining to the annual award reception.
      • Recognition of retirement and years of service awards will be based on cumulative service years at the University with a cutoff date of December 31 of the previous year.
      • Classified Staff Honoree recipients (as of April 30 of the current year) will also be recognized with a certificate.
      • A joint sub-committee of the SEC Annual Classified Recognition Reception and the SEC Open House shall solicit donations for both events.
   5. SEC Open House:
      • A committee of at least five (5) shall invite vendors and organize the annual SEC Open House.
      • The event aims to provide employees with information on SEC and University Committees, campus programs, and community activities.
      • A joint sub-committee with the SEC Annual Classified Employee Recognition Reception shall work together to solicit donations for both events.
   6. Elections:
      • A committee of at least three (3) shall oversee the annual election process as outlined in Article V of these Bylaws.
   7. Classified Staff Development Fund/Educational Leave:
      • A committee of at least three (3) shall review and approve or deny applications submitted by classified employees seeking funding for workshops, seminars, or classes to enhance professional development.
   8. Joan Metcalf Cope Award:
      • The Executive Board will review applications and distribute award funds based on criteria and fund availability.
   9. SEC Website:
      • A committee of at least three (3), including the Public Relations Coordinator, shall review and request updates to the SEC website and social media pages.
      • Recommendations for major website revisions or improvements shall be presented to the Council for review.
   10. Benefits & Compensation:
       • A committee of at least three (3) and a non-voting advisory member from Human Resources shall research and recommend improvements to classified employee compensation, benefits, and any other special interests.
   11. University Committees:
       1. One (1) Council member and one (1) alternate shall serve on standing University Committees.
       2. The member or alternate shall report relevant information to the Council and convey Council opinions and concerns to the respective committees.
       3. These committees include:
          • University Administrative Manual (UAM) Review Board
          • ADA Plan Reviews
          • Arboretum Board
          • Balloon Race Scholarship Committee
          • Committee on the Status of Women
          • Cultural Diversity Committee (President's Office)
          • Facilities Resource Committee
          • Faculty Senate* (attendance as a guest only)
          • Dining Advisory Committee
          • Parking and Traffic Board
          • Police Advisory Board
          • University Disabilities Resource Coalition
          • University Leadership Alliance
          • University Athletics Committee
          • Committee on Video Surveillance
          • Organizational Resilience Committee
          • Sustainability Committee
          • Â鶹ӳ»­ Safety Committee
          • Faculty Diversity Committee
          • Work, Life, and Family Council
          • Other NSHE-designated Committees as appropriate
       4. *The Council members and alternates are not voting members of the Faculty Senate.
   12. Ad Hoc Committees:
       • The Chair may establish Ad Hoc Committees with Council approval to address short-term projects or tasks.
   13. General Committee Information:
       • Committee members may be appointed from within the Council or classified staff at large.
       • Appointed classified staff shall have voting rights only within their assigned committee.
       • Only an SEC member shall chair an SEC committee.
       • Committee chairs shall submit a written report or meeting minutes to the Council Secretary each month.
       • SEC committee chairs shall maintain electronic records of all activities and duties performed throughout the term year.
       • Electronic records shall be transferred to the outgoing chair at the August Council meeting and to the incoming chair at the September Council meeting via Â鶹ӳ»­ Box access.

1. The designated Bylaws Committee shall convene and conduct a biannual review of the Bylaws. Any proposed change(s) received from the membership or suggested by a committee member shall be submitted in writing biannually on odd-numbered years and distributed to the membership for consideration.
2. The proposed change(s) shall be voted upon by the Council. To become an amendment, the change(s) must receive a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the entire voting membership of the Council. Upon approval, the amendment(s) shall then be submitted to the President, through the office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, for signing.
3. Once approved, signed and dated by the President, the newly amended Bylaws shall be considered adopted and in full force until such time as they are once again properly amended. The Bylaws Committee Chair shall make arrangements for the Bylaws to be distributed electronically to Council members prior to the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The SEC website shall be updated by replacing the prior version in Â鶹ӳ»­Box, to reflect the newly adopted Bylaws.

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised addressing the main motion, subsidiary motions, privileged motions, incidental motions, motions that bring a question again before the assembly, renewal of motions, assignment of debate and voting shall govern the Council in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and any special rules of order the Council may adopt.