On September 29, 2021, MSS held an open forum via Zoom, attracting about 100 participants with lively discussions. The virtual session provided an opportunity for staff to “meet and greet” their senators and to hear about current priorities surrounding a safe post-pandemic return to campus, the Mānoa reorganization, and the impact of football on the campus.

We also discussed other topics raised by staff from previous forums such as:

• remote/teleworking policies
• flexibility of daily office hours
• mentorship opportunities for staff

SUMMARY OF STAFF RESPONSES 

There were three main topics that were discussed during the meeting.  

Return to Work

1. Concerns have come from staff members from various departments who have been serving employees, as well as non-employees (visitors), and students throughout the pandemic. There were concerns with not enough communication with the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Policy.  They stated that the messages coming from UH Administration have not been clear and have been struggling with those that are visiting the campus.  The Vaccination and Testing Policy is not being monitored by anyone or any department to enter the UH Campus.  Concerns are if there are any other checkpoints when visitors are coming onto campus.  Another concern is with International Vaccination cards.  
2. One staff member had a concern/question regarding the type of Leave that was available to use while having to quarantine.  Staff are under the assumption that Sick Leave is unacceptable and Vacation Leave must be utilized.  For example, are staff allowed to use sick leave while in close contact with a family member who recently contracted the COVID-19 virus?  This especially applies to staff members who are not able to work remotely, including custodial and landscaping staff.  
3. Benefits that staff see from remote/teleworking:
   1. Staffs’ child care or schools have been closed, allow for the flexibility;
   2. Staff that have to travel far and travel during traffic periods;
   3. University uses less electricity, water, paper products;
   4. University has more parking availability;
   5. Potential to have less cars on the road and less traffic;

Football

1. At the time of the forum, University of Hawaii Football had no fans in the stands. 
2. MSS had our 1st meeting with VP Gouveia, Athletic Director Matlin, and Provost Bruno on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 (President Lassner was unable to attend). 

Mentoring Programs for Staff

1. Discussed the possibility of having a mentoring program or programs for staff, 
   1. Manoa Human Resources previously had a Mentoring Program for newly hired entry level HR employees, meeting once a month and discussing different topics, HR Systems, policies & procedures, and familiarizing them with UH. 
   2. Informal training and discussion groups have been formed for staff in similar positions at UHM; An example is a quarterly meeting for lead assistants across UHM.
   3. Discussed the possibility of having a staff development office like they have a faculty development office.
2. We currently don’t have a consistent New Hire Orientation for staff which staff would like to see. 
3. Discussed the University of Hawaii President’s Emerging Leaders Program (PELP) as an option that more staff should apply.

Other Concerns that were brought up after the main topics:

1. 360 Evaluations
2. Possibility of eliminating the S-Faculty positions

Course of actions by MSS:

The Manoa Staff Senate plans to meet with the units with the above mentioned concerns to get additional information so we can work on a resolution.