This is the final instalment of our “UWSA 101” series, in which we explain how the UWSA works, your rights as a member, and how to participate!
In the last post, we talked about the difference between the work of the Board and the work of the presidents and Operations Team. Now we’ll hear directly from current directors and presidents about what it’s like to serve in these roles!
President of the UWSA
The president sets short-term and advocacy priorities, supervises the UWSA's day-to-day activities, and sets the tone for the association. The complete term is a three-year commitment with three distinct roles: you train part-time as president-elect for one year, then take on a full-time secondment for a year as president, and then stay on as a part-time mentor in the role of past president.
Agata Jagielska, current past-president says:
Serving as president-elect, president, and past president of the UWSA has been an inspiring journey, filled with moments of growth, collaboration, and purpose. The experience has been a rewarding opportunity to lead, support my peers, and work towards a brighter future for UW staff.
President Yessenia Guerrero shared:
Being involved in the UWSA, within any capacity, is an eye-opening experience in which you begin to understand the structures, systems, and people of our campus. It is an opportunity to discover your role within the UW community and to empower yourself with knowledge about your rights as a staff member.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is all about steering the UWSA in the long-term and making decisions in the best interests of the association. Here’s what current directors have said about their time in the role:
"The most valuable part for me has been getting to work with a diverse group of employees from all across the campus. It's a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the university’s inner workings. Plus, I've learned a ton from everyone’s different perspectives and expertise!"
The UWSA is so important; without it staff would not have input into policies, working conditions and much more. There is a group of UWSA members that really care and are willing to work diligently to make an impact campus wide.
We also asked directors what skills they think are useful for directors to have
"No special skills are required. A willingness to put in the time commitment and share your thoughts on matters is all that is needed. A diversity of thoughts is welcomed, allowing different perspectives on an issue. UWSA works as a team to achieve consensus."
"[Valuable skills include] clear and effective communication for sharing ideas, listening to others, and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Working well with others, valuing different perspectives, and building strong relationships [are also important.]"
Learn more about the range of suggested—but not required—skills that make for a good director.
Finally, some thoughts on why you should consider running—for either role:
"It gives you a platform to voice the concerns and needs of your colleagues, ensuring that their perspectives are considered in university-level decision-making processes. Serving on the board will also help you build valuable skills like leadership and strategic thinking."
"Build on the strengths you already have. It’s an opportunity to make a difference and expand your skills such as leadership and advocacy. Each person can play a role. There is no shortage of work to be done, allowing you to choose where you would like to focus your efforts."
Learn more about all the current directors and presidents and why they stepped up for the role.