Contact: Dr. Thomas Walker or Dylan Morris
Attachments: Staff Assembly HR Updates
The UNC System Staff Assembly met Oct. 19–20 at Appalachian State University. The meeting marked the 20th anniversary of the UNC System Staff Assembly. The agenda included governance and election updates, remarks from Faculty Assembly Chair Dr. Toby King, staff service and leadership awards, and presentations on innovation and sustainability at App State. Human Resources updates were presented by Dr. Thomas Walker, Dylan Morris, and Raisa Dunton.
Two annual awards were presented during the meeting, including:
– The Thomas W. Ross, Sr. Visionary Leader Award, presented to Dr. Jameco McKenzie from NC State University in recognition of his leadership and service to the Staff Assembly; and
– The Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award — the highest honor presented by the Staff Assembly to a staff member of the UNC System — presented to Ms. Charlissa Rice from UNC-Chapel Hill for her community engagement and service both on-campus and off-campus. Charlissa will be recognized at a future Board of Governors meeting.
New executive committee members were elected, as follows:
– Timothy Sampson, Chair-Elect – UNC Pembroke
– Charles Hall, Technology Officer – NC State
– Mario Lewis, Delegate At-Large – North Carolina A&T
– Penny Smith, Delegate At-Large – North Carolina A&T
The HR-related discussion covered several changes affecting employees across the UNC System:
- 2027 benefits enrollment: Open enrollment had been extended through Nov. 6. The presentation reviewed State Health Plan premium and plan design changes, updates to supplemental benefits, and reminders about available cost-saving options.
- New state personnel law and leave policies: Chapter 126A took effect Oct. 1, replacing Chapter 126. The presentation outlined policy changes that institutions will need to reflect in their policies and regulations. Highlights included up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible permanent SHRA and EHRA employees, expanded bereavement leave definitions, and increased SHRA vacation accruals, including a new tier for employees with 25 or more years of state service.
- Adverse weather policies: Following a review of adverse weather and emergency event policy, System staff discussed how these policies apply across the 17 institutions. The review identified areas where institutional guidance could be clarified, including communications, required approvals and accounting for missed work time. Planned next steps include recommending technical edits to the EHRA regulation and developing standardized guidance for institutions.
The HR presentation also connected these changes to broader efforts to attract, retain and support the state workforce. Delegates were encouraged to use staff expertise to build relationships with System leaders and pursue shared goals across institutions, aligning with the System’s strategic priorities.