Jason Koski/University Photography

President Skorton addresses more than 450 staff members Oct. 9.

Cornell's staff is "a very critical component of why this university is considered nationally and internationally such an excellent institution," said President David Skorton in his annual address to staff Oct. 9. He noted that their efforts earned the university recognition on several "best workplaces" lists, are one of the reasons Cornell had the largest pool of first-year applicants in its history this year, and helped the university end the fiscal year with a balanced operating budget a year ahead of schedule.

But Skorton spent most of his address to an audience of more than 450 in Bailey Hall by focusing on steps the university is taking to improve campus climate, discussing the "Toward New Destinations" diversity planning project, and updating staff on work that is under way to address some of the results of last year's Employee Survey.

Recent incidents of violence and bias have "left many of us ... feeling angry and anxious and vulnerable," Skorton said. He thanked the Cornell University Police and Chief Kathy Zoner, staff at Gannett Health Services and the dean of students' office, and staff in the Division of Student and Academic Services for their work addressing these issues.

"Each of us has to reaffirm that violence and bias have no place on our campus," he said. "How we treat each other, how we think about ourselves, and the prudent measures I hope that we will all take for safety and for individual respect … are very, very important."

Skorton noted the universitywide diversity planning project, "Toward New Destinations," is well under way. Each college and administrative unit has selected five initiatives to improve diversity and the climate of the organization in general. About a third of these initiatives relate to staff, Skorton said. And "Respect@Cornell," a program from the Office of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations, furthers Cornell's diversity initiatives, he said.

Skorton also discussed the Employee Survey conducted last fall, noting that 80 percent of those who responded were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with working at Cornell. He outlined ongoing work on four areas of concern identified through the survey:

Committees addressing these concerns and staffed by employees across campus have sent their recommendations to Mary Opperman, vice president for human resources and safety services. By the end of December, Skorton will finalize actions the university will take on those recommendations. He invited staff to provide further feedback and ideas to the committees on the Employee Survey website.

Initial recommendations include creating career ladders that help staff grow in their careers; offering resume editing and mentoring to help staff apply for Cornell positions; discontinuing work that no longer needs to be done; developing creative and flexible ways for staff to manage their own well-being; exploring ways to offer wellness activities in more locations across the university; and finding better ways for staff members to conduct constructive dialogue with their supervisors.

To build a "culture of appreciation," Skorton announced that the Employee Assembly Kudos program will be updated and three new annual peer-nominated awards will be established for individual excellence, management excellence and diversity. Nominees will be considered for a president's award, and leaders who "live the university's values" and demonstrate the "skills for success" and/or "leadership skills for success" will also be recognized.

Skorton ended his annual address to staff by announcing that "to acknowledge your hard work," the winter break would be extended an extra day this year to include Monday, Dec. 24.

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EA honors grounds crew

Prior to the President's Annual Address to Staff, Tanya Grove, chair of the Employee Assembly, presented the Employee Assembly Appreciation Award to the Grounds Department for "their lasting contributions and continuing service to Cornell University." Maria Cimilluca, senior director of facilities management, accepted the award on behalf of the team.

The event was coordinated and sponsored by the EA, which also provided lunch to all attendees.