The University of Houston System Staff Executive Council (USSEC) held its quarterly meeting at the University of Houston-Downtown on July 2.

USSEC exists to support the UHS mission by recognizing staff as an integral part of UHS, to promote UHS staff issues through a positive and meaningful exchange of ideas, to provide a positive collaboration between campuses concerning staff issues, and support the need for system wide staff development. The Council's purpose is to:

• serve as a system-wide forum for staff to work together to find mechanisms for addressing staff issues at all UHS component campuses
• represent each UHS staff councils or associations to the Chancellor and the Board of Regents as needed
• advise the Chancellor on issues of importance to system-wide staff
• assist the UH System in the selection of staff to serve on task forces, committees, and subcommittees
• serve as the appropriate staff body for the discussion of UHS governance
•  provide recommendations concerning UHS policies and procedures that affect staff system-wide

This month's meeting included a welcome by UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz and a presented on professional development opportunities for UHD staff.

"Our UHD Staff Council leadership was pleased to host the July University System Staff Executive Council meeting," said Dr. Liza Alonzo, director of Alumni relations and president of UHD Staff Council. "This meeting allows an opportunity for our System Staff Council leaders to come together and discuss staff affairs as they relate to each respective campus. We learn a lot about from one other through this process, which has led to increased collaborations and shared best practices."