The OUHSC Health Sciences Center:

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is the only comprehensive academic health center in Oklahoma training physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, public health specialists, allied health personnel and research scientists. 

The campus is home to seven colleges, all within walking distance of each other.   Intermingled among the colleges are OU Physicians, OU MEDICAL CENTER, Dean McGee Eye Institute, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Veteran's Hospital and numerous other health related entites.  

More than 2,600 OUHSC support staff work on the campus within the academic, medical, research and clinical areas.  

Staff Senate:  Who Are We?

• The Staff Senate is the employee liaison group representing the OUHSC staff and is comprised of members from designated groups on campus.
• Staff Senate Senators and Alternates are elected annually by the constituents of their group.

What is Our Purpose?

• To serve as a representative body of the staff employees of The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Aid in the exchange of information between the University and its staff employees.
• Function for the welfare of the university and to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among all staff employees of the University.
• Function as an advisory body to study and make recommendations to the President through the Provost on such policy matters as may directly affect staff employees.

How Do We Contribute?

The Staff Senate works to make the campus a better place by fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation between staff employees and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  

Staff Senate Activities:

Every spring the Staff Senate sponsors various daily activities for the staff during Staff Week, with special events and activities designed to thank the Staff for all they do throughout the year.    Proceeds from sales of items throughout the year provide the funding for the food and celebrations sponsored by Staff Senate during this special week.   

During Staff Week, the annual Staff Recognition Luncheon is held at which individual employees are recognized for their dedicated years of service to the university.  Also recognized are the outstanding employees who were named Employees of the Month during the year.  Awards are also presented for Regents Award for Superior Staff and the Staff Senate Appreciation Award.   

The Staff Senate sponsors several special projects throughout the year to raise funds to support staff activities.   The Staff Senate also offers opportunities for staff to assist and support several charitable projects throughout the year.  

In 2009, the Community Outreach committee was formed to identify community service projects that employees, led by the Staff Senate, can participate in and work together to benefit local organizations and causes.  Projects on campus include the Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception, a Christmas project such as a food-drive, toy-drive, etc., as well as raising funds to benefit a nonprofit organization on campus (i.e., United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Cavett Kids).  

One of the activites led by the Community Outreach Committee is the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception, a joint event with the KIPP Reach College Prepatory Academy, a unique school within walking distance of the campus.  Students at the school are in 5th through 8th grade.  The KIPP Academy is a college-preparatory public school where underserved students develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits needed to succeed in top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond.  By providing a safe and structured learning environment, more time in school, and high-quality teachers, KIPP schools have helped students make significant academic gains.

As part of the students' art classes, they make the decorations are made for the tree.    Additionally, students who have 'earned the right' are given the opportunity to attend the Christmas Party and sing carols and enjoy visiting with Santa.  

During the Spring and Summer, we collected arts and crafts supplies for Cavett Kids, a nonprofit that provides diversionary play for children with life-threatening and chronic illnesses while promoting character, coping skills and connection.   

In the Fall of 2009, they will serve a meal at the Ronald McDonald House which provides a 'home away from home' for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical treatment in the Oklahoma City area.   By providing lodging, meals and laundry facilities, the House helps relieve some of the financial burdens and stress for families during difficult times.

The supportive and positive environment at the House allows families to focus on helping their children heal.

YOU Can Make a Difference!

• Serve as a Senator for your area or building
• Help with a committee
• Volunteer for special events and projects

For more information, to volunteer for an event, or serve on a committee, serve as a Senator or Alternate on Staff Senate, please email the Chair-Elect or the Staff Senate Office.    We welcome all staff members to become involved in the Excitement on Campus!  

Staff Senate Office

Service Center Building, Room 206B

405-271-2054