Council of Councils

       

History & Purpose

Several civil service senate/council members from Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Chicago State University (CSU) were asked to attend the Civil Service Day program and luncheon at Governors State University (GSU) in December 1996 at the invitation of Civil Service Senate President LouElla Rozier.

After the event, council/senate members from the three universities participated in an open and lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of working at each university. The discussion included concerns such as the current state of affairs in Illinois, benefits offered to current and retired employees, and many other important issues.

The participants found the discussion rewarding and beneficial. They thought it would be great to network and share knowledge annually. They originated the idea of inviting all senate/ council members from the 12 universities to meet annually.

In October 1997, the NIU Operating Staff Council under the leadership of Andy Small moved forward to host what became the 1st Annual Council of Councils. Since then the Council of Councils has met yearly, with the exception of 2008 and 2016. The agenda varies by institution but the information provided is always timely, current, and addresses issues of concern for all state employees. Each meeting includes guest speakers, including state legislators, who address concerns and answer questions. Top - level university administration often provide great insight as well, and will generally be available to welcome all the guests.

CSU hosted the Councils in 2007 & 2013.

 

Year	Hosting University
2023	Northern Illinois University Friday, October 20, 2023 at Barsema Alumni & Visitors Center
2022	Virtual  Meeting Program October 14th 9:00am to 4:30pm
2021	None due to Covid
2020	Southern Illinois University Springfield School of Medicine
2019	University of Illinois at Chicago
2018	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2017	Northern Illinois University
2015	Illinois State University
2014	Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
2013	Chicago State University
2012	Northeastern Illinois University
2011	University of Illinois at Chicago
2010	Governor State University
2009	Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville
2007	Chicago State University