Why Join the P&A Senate?

Share Your Voice

The University of Minnesota has one of the strongest and most active shared governance  systems among large research universities. The Academic Professionals & Administrators  (P&A) Senate is one of the consultative bodies under the umbrella of the University Senate. This is a place to share your voice and ideas with the larger University.

By the Numbers

• 5 campuses + U of M Extension

• Represents ~7,000 P&A employees 

• More than 100 elected representatives in 34 units

• 4 active subcommittees

• 1 collective voice that is heard 

Our Voices Have Helped

• Expand professional development options for P&As 

• Guide changes to key administrative policies 

• Increase visibility and amplify the voice of P&As throughout the UMN system 

• Closely monitor job family study activities concerns   

In Their Own Words

Hear what P&A Senators say about why they joined the Senate:

• P&A senator Tracey Hammel

• P&A senator Toni Abts

• P&A senator Stacy Doepner-Hove

Benefit to You

• Develop as a professional and grow as a leader

• Build peer relationships throughout the University

• Deepen understanding of how the U operates and how units are impacted

• Share your voice, ideas and opinions with University administration

Time Commitment

• 5 P&A Senate meetings  per year, no more than 2  hours each 

• 1 subcommittee meeting  per month, no more than  1 hour each 

• Some subcommittee  work outside 

How to Apply

• Most P&A Senate members nominate themselves. By submitting a self-nomination, you are saying you want to bring your voice to University Senate Governance on behalf of all P&A employees in your unit.

• You can also nominate a colleague (with their permission, of course).

• Interested individuals should contact Senate Associate Geanette Poole for more information.

• Want to talk with someone first? Contact Outreach Subcommittee Chairs Toni Abts or Stacy Doepner-Hove with questions.

Become a VOICE for yourself and your colleagues!