Parliamentarian provides 25 years of meeting guidance

Elaine Staley, academic staff parliamentarian at UW–Madison, will retire after 25 years of service to the Academic Staff Assembly.

Staley has served in this position since the assembly’s inception in 1986. As the assembly’s only parliamentarian, members of the academic staff are forever appreciative of her kindness and patience.

“A parliamentarian’s work is generally a thankless job, but I find Elaine’s humor to be invaluable when running meetings,” says Bruno Browning of the Academic Staff Assembly.

When Staley was a UW–Madison student, she took a parliamentary procedure course. She had strong interest in Robert’s Rules of Order over the years, and eventually joined the National Association of Parliamentarians and the American Institute of Parliamentarians.

As a part of the administrative staff of the UW School of Social Work, Staley balanced her job with her volunteer position as parliamentarian. Though she retired in 2001 from the School of Social Work, she continued to serve in the assembly.

Besides upholding Robert’s Rules in assembly meetings, Staley ensured that officers within the group were aware of the agenda and knew how to proceed with certain items. Her presence at meetings was vital, says Browning.

“The meetings of the assembly are a real variety,” says Staley. “Sometimes it’s adopting a resolution, other times the chancellor may come in and speak.”

Staley officially retired from her position Dec. 12 after the assembly meeting. She will continue to volunteer, however, in different capacities. A member of the board of Big Brother-Big Sisters, Staley maintains a presence in the community as an advocate for children. She also works with people with developmental disabilities in Janesville.

“I know I’m going to miss the assembly, but I think it’s time,” says Staley. “They were a good group to work with, that’s for sure.”