To: Voting Membership of the University Senate

I am writing in support of the motion to provide three Classified Staff Senators with the same rights as other Senators. There are many reasons to include three Classified Staff Senators as full members in the Senate but the most important reason is to add legitimacy to the motions and resolutions passed by the Senate. The University Senate is perceived as and used as the voice of the University. Speaking on behalf of a large institution like the University of Oregon should be done with official approval from all invested parties. "University Senate" as a name is not synonymous to faculty nor is the Senate body used solely for faculty perspectives. By including three Classified Staff Senators in the final decision process the University Senate fulfills its obligation to represent the entire University.

Additionally I am writing in regards to two concerns that some Senators hold, they are as follows:

• Classified Staff do not know or understand academics and university governance. It is the responsibility of every Senator to understand the motions, resolutions and issues presented. All Senators should make informed decisions.
• Is this an attempt by Classified Staff to take over the Senate or take on too much power? Classified Staff Senators would not be able to hold officer positions, sit on the Senate Executive Committee, and could not regularly change voting's out comes with only three votes. Instead, this would provide inclusion in an important governance body that voices the general opinions of and sets directions for the University of Oregon.

I urge you to vote in favor of giving the Classified Staff Senators full status. Thank you for taking time to consider this motion and read my statement.

Mandy Chong
EMU Cultural Forum, Office Manager
Classified Staff Training & Development Advisory Committee (CSTDAC), Co-chair
EMU Board of Directors Staff Representative
University Senate Classified Staff Representative
(541) 346-0847
mchong@uoregon.edu