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Our Impact

What we have changed based on your feedback through the years.

From initial feedback to university-wide implementation, see how your voice has shaped Northwestern since 2010.

To access the tools, discounts, and support funds that have resulted from this advocacy, visit our Staff Support and Benefits page.

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2022

Anti-Racism Curriculum Rollout

Participated in the Education Council for an Inclusive Northwestern to execute curriculum for over 300 senior leaders.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2021

Bereavement Policy Update

Successfully advocated to expand bereavement leave to 10 days for most familial losses and allowed for petitions for extra time.
Benefits & Pay
Benefits & Pay
2022

Financial Statements Workshop

Facilitated a workshop in response to staff needs for clarity regarding University financial health and budgeting.
Benefits & Pay
Benefits & Pay
2021

Incidental Sick Time Update

Collaborated with HR to explicitly include absences due to mental health within the Incidental Sick Time Policy.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
2024

Mobile DMV Services

Partnered with the IL Secretary of State to bring essential DMV services directly to both the Evanston and Chicago campuses.
Benefits & Pay
Benefits & Pay
2016

Mothers' Rooms

Advocated for the creation of private lactation rooms on both campuses, leading to dedicated spaces for staff, faculty, and students.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
2020

New Employee Orientation

Integrated NUSAC initiatives into HR orientation to ensure new hires are aware of advocacy and support resources.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2010

NU Cares Fund Launched

Established the emergency assistance fund for faculty and staff experiencing financial hardship due to medical or catastrophic events. As of 2021, over $100,000 has been distributed.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
2026

NU Cares Fundraising

Raised over $100 for the emergency fund through a dedicated Staff Night at a Women's Basketball game.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
2019

NU Staff Profiles

Coordinated with HR and Global Marketing to increase staff visibility through featured professional profiles on the University website.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2023

NUSAC Listserv Launch

Launched a dedicated Listserv to provide timely updates and bridge communication gaps between quarterly newsletters.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2024

NVP (Northwestern's Valuable Personnel)

Launched a term-based spotlight program to recognize staff excellence and provide small tokens of appreciation.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2021

Office of the Ombudsperson

Provided critical staff input for the creation of this neutral, confidential resource for work-related concerns.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness
2022

Performance Excellence Form Edits

Provided feedback to the Wellness/Recognition committee to make performance reviews more meaningful and comprehensive.
Benefits & Pay
Benefits & Pay
2014

President & Senior Leader Forums

Co-sponsored live-streamed forums to facilitate direct engagement and transparency between University leadership and the staff community.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2024

Staff Appreciation in Qatar

Expanded ice cream socials and networking traditions to the NU Qatar campus to ensure global staff inclusion.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2017

Staff Engagement Survey

Pitched and advocated for a formal process to survey staff to ensure their perspectives are captured by Central Administration.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2023

Staff Engagement White Paper

Authored a formal white paper highlighting the need for routine staff surveys to align with Northwestern's mission of excellence.
Community & Events
Community & Events
2016

University Winter Recess

Collaborated with leadership to establish a planned recess between Christmas and New Year's as scheduled University time off rather than PTO.
Benefits & Pay
Benefits & Pay