Staff Council
About
The Staff Council is a body of staff members who support the interests of APU staff and facilitate communication among staff, faculty, and the general university community. Staff Council also serves as an advisory board to the administration and Board of Trustees, representing matters of importance to APU staff.
Mission
The Staff Council’s mission is to shape the staff experience by creating a healthier work environment. Our guiding principles are C.A.R.E.:
- Channel Staff Voices
- Advocate for Staff through Governance
- Represent Administration to Staff
- Engage our Community
Encouragement Fund
Do you know an APU employee facing financial difficulties due to an unexpected personal hardship, catastrophe, or trauma? The Encouragement Fund—established by APU employees for APU employees—is available to provide financial support during challenging times. If you or another APU employee is experiencing hardship, please fill out the Encouragement Fund request form.
Message from the Chair
I am honored to serve alongside a dedicated representative council who generously gives their time and talents to support staff at APU. As an alumnus with a wife (Rhonda) and children who are also graduates, I have deep roots in the APU community. I also have a pastor's calling and desire to see staff growing and flourishing, which I bring into my roles as a Director in IT and Chairperson in the Staff Council. During this challenging season, as I have reflected on the university's scripture passage, I have found inspiration in Romans 12:12, which reminds us to “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (NLT)
Rick Roberts
Chair, Staff Council
Director, IT University Systems and Engagement
Staff Council Initiatives
In addition to its ongoing advocacy and communication efforts, the Staff Council also undertakes a variety of initiatives to promote the interests and well-being of APU staff. These initiatives include:
- Providing face-to-face and virtual opportunities to hear from staff
- Participating in university governance task forces and/or committee work
- Creating an anonymous process for submitting comments to Staff Council
- Providing staff with financial support through the Encouragement Fund
- Partnering with HR on staff initiative implementation and execution
- Conducting periodic surveys to gauge staff satisfaction
- Improving and creating staff recognition programs
- Partnering with HR to welcome new staff to the university
- Facilitating staff engagement activities
The Staff Council is committed to making APU a great place to work for all staff. We encourage you to stay involved and let us know your thoughts and suggestions.
Meetings
The Staff Council convenes on the third Wednesday of each month. Starting in 2024, we aim to hold quarterly open Staff Council meetings for all staff, providing an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the Council's activities and raise concerns or suggestions.
Membership
As we look to fulfill our mission and objectives, our most important resource is having talented, passionate, and representative staff in our ranks. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact StaffCouncil@apu.edu. The application cycle begins in the early summer and terms typically run from August to September.
Current Staff Council members are listed below
| Name | Area of Representation | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Oh | Campus Life | Student Belonging |
| Andre Argaez | Center for Career and Community Engaged Learning | Provost |
| Camille Frigillana | Office of Admissions | Enrollment Management |
| Curtis Isozaki | Honors College | Provost |
| Dena Simpson | University Libraries | Provost |
| Doré Loury | Behavioral and Applied Sciences | Provost |
| Jared Votaw | Residence Life | Student Belonging |
| Jeff Graham | Auxiliary Services, Campus Store, One Card | Finance and Administration |
| Jeffrey Tirrell | Curricular Support and Effectiveness | Provost |
| Jennifer Jordan | SDRC Regional Campus, Admissions | Enrollment Management |
| Jonathan Lord | Classroom and Event Technologies | Finance and Administration |
| Jonathan Teague | Registrar | Enrollment Management |
| Kristi Hawkins | College of the Arts | Provost |
| Matt Browning | Office of Commuter Living | Student Belonging |
| Michelle Cross | Student Services Center | Enrollment Management |
| Mutoni Ingabire | Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity | Student Belonging |
| Nathaniel Fernandez | University Counseling Center | Student Belonging |
| Richard Martinez | Student Success | Provost |
| Rick Roberts | IT University Systems and Engagement | Finance and Administration |
| Sarah Quintana | Campus Safety | General Counsel |
| Saul Lynch | Facilities Management - Design and Construction | Finance and Administration |
| Tyler Welch | Cinematic Arts | Provost |
Contact Us
To contact the Staff Council, please email staffcouncil@apu.edu or reroberts@apu.edu.