The Professional Staff Senate

Senators and committee chairs gathered at the 2015 PSS Planning Meeting.

The General Membership of the UB Professional Staff is comprised of non-academic, exempt employees in State, UB Foundation, Research Foundation and Faculty-Student Association. The Professional Staff Senate, elected by the General Membership, represents the interests and concerns of the Professional Staff by:

  • Participating in University Shared Governance;
  • Promoting Professional Development;
  • Cultivating Collegiality, Community and UB Culture.

Mission of the Professional Staff Senate

Representing the interests and concerns of the UB Professional Staff, the PSS mission is to promote the general welfare of its members and of the University by:

  • Actively participating in the policy decisions of the University.
  • Providing a forum for exchange of information, discussion of ideas, and consideration of matters related to the administration of the University.
  • Promoting the professional development of individuals committed to careers in higher education.
  • Cultivating collegiality among all members of the University community.
  • Maintaining liaisons with other organizations concerned with shared governance and University affairs.

The Professional Staff Senate shall be a fact-finding, deliberative, and consultative body, with authority to make studies, reports, and recommendations on all governance matters which have a significant bearing on professional employees. The PSS shall operate, in accordance with the policies set forth by the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York, as a recognized part of the University's shared governance system, and shall, as appropriate, work jointly with others within the five pillars of shared governance: faculty, staff, students, administration and councils.

History

The UB Professional Staff Senate (PSS) was established July 30, 1971, by proclamation of President Robert L. Ketter. The PSS Constitution was ratified in 1972, defining the purpose of the Senate to “seek an active role for the professional staff in the governance of the University; provide advice and counsel in administrative matters; and assist in the development of administrative policies and procedures.”