History

The idea of forming a campus organization similar to the Faculty Senate was initiated in April, 1984, by a number of college employees. A petition was circulated by these employees to find out how much support there would be. On April 30, 1984, Ohio Senate Bill #133 went into effect giving public employees in higher education the right to engage in collective bargaining, including dealing with grievances, labor disputes, wages, hours, policies, and other employment concerns. In the continuing effort to address employee concerns, the president of the college requested the vice president for Student Services to explore this concern in detail.

A series of meetings was held in May, 1984, with majority support from the clerical, technical and service/maintenance employees. At the conclusion of these meetings, it was clear the formation of a Staff Senate should proceed immediately. On June 15, 1984, the steering committee, comprised of 23 volunteers representing the three employee groups (clerical, technical, and service/maintenance), met with the vice president for Student Services for the purpose of forming a campus-wide organization. This group would represent the three employee groups and the vice president for Student Services serving as the college liaison. On July 27, 1984, the steering committee presented the first draft of the constitution and bylaws to the staff assembly. On August 16, 1984, the first draft was overwhelmingly approved by 94% of the staff, and on August 21, 1984, the constitution became official.

On September 11, 1984, the Staff Senate became an official campus organization after a unanimous vote of approval by the Sinclair Board of Trustees. The first Staff Senate Assembly meeting was held September, 1984.

Senate Presidents

Chronological list of Senate Presidents at Sinclair

Senate Secretaries