University Staff Senate (USS) led a volunteer effort serving homeless communities in Milwaukee and also hosts regular donation drives to support the following local organizations: Casa Maria, Cathedral Center, Hope House, Joy House, and Meta House. The Service Subcommittee develops opportunities for staff to serve the larger community as part of Marquette’s commitment to be “women and men for others.” 

“WE ARE MARQUETTE. Those words mean something — in good times and bad.” This quote is taken from a letter written by the USS to all MU employees during the turbulent and challenging days of Covid. USS shows continual support of faculty, staff, and students through encouragement, cards for sick employees, prayer campaigns, letters of support, donation drives, and more.

In July 2018 the University approved a proposal submitted by USS to enhance the Bridge of Service Policy. The enhancement involves a bridge for benefit eligible years of service for vacation allotment; the original Bridge of Service did not include vacation.

The designation is offered to employees who have retired, assuming the following criteria has been met: the candidate is retirement eligible, has at least 15 years of Marquette service, and their retirement date is after November 18, 2020. As retirees of Marquette University, recipients of the Emerita-Emeritus Staff designation will receive the benefits established for retirees as specified by university policies and receive the option to have their name and biography listed on the Emerita-Emeritus Staff Honor Roll maintained by the University Staff Senate.

The Staff Senate is educational in nature and features guest speakers from across campus such as the Budget Office, HR, Mission & Ministry, Facilities, Research & Innovation. Please see agendas and minutes from monthly meetings for more information.

The Office of the President annually recognizes one staff member who demonstrates exemplary leadership that manifests the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion into practical action. USS receives a list of nominees for the award, we review the candidates and make a recommendation to the Office of the President. The Office of the President reviews the recommendation from USS for the award and gives final approval. 

In the summer of 2020, USS partnered with University Advancement, Human Resources, Office of  Finance, and Office of the General Counsel to create the Employee Emergency Grant Fund for furloughed employees. Contributions provided financial support to furloughed employees. The fund is now closed but in total received $40,220 from 259 donors. Funds were able to support 51 furloughed employees.