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The Staff Senate exists in part to contribute to the growth and welfare of the staff and to promote a positive and supportive work environment. It is a recognized part of the University governance system that provides a forum for open communication among staff and between staff and administration. It is a consultative and deliberative body with authority to make recommendations on all matters which have a significant bearing on the working environment of the staff. It also serves as the official nominating body for staff appointments to administrative committees, and for other task forces and search committees.

In the past, the Senate has promoted the interest of the staff in a number of ways: sponsoring annual events such as the Staff Fair; promoting sustainability by advocating for a limited number of free parking permits for those who bike to work; sponsoring forums related to staff concerns; providing staff with opportunities for volunteer service; publishing State of the Staff reports; and much more.

The Staff Assembly is divided into groups of departments based upon a "commonality of interest." For example, staff members in the Philosophy, Music and Physics departments are assigned to the Arts & Science group while staff in Undergraduate Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Records are assigned to the Student Administration group. Each group has one or more representatives depending upon the number of staff in the group. Senators are elected for a term of two years, and terms are renewable.

Typically the Staff Senate meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Senators are expected to attend these meetings regularly and in-person. A Zoom option is provided in case a Senator is not able to attend in person. The Zoom option is also made available to all staff.

Senators are also encouraged to serve on one of the following committees: Events & Service, Communication, Elections & Bylaws, Awards & Recognition, as well as to University committees external to the Senate.

As to the time commitment, Senators may expect to devote two hours per month to simply attend the monthly Staff Senate meeting and communicate with their constituents, while a Senator who volunteers to serve on a Staff Senate committee should expect to devote perhaps four or five hours a month to Senate business.