About CASI
The School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Committee Advocating for Staff Interests (CASI) was established in 2000, following the campus Academic Staff Assembly’s creation of CASIs in 1998.
After a period of inactivity beginning around 2009, SMPH CASI was revitalized in 2014. Since then, the committee has completed two professionally facilitated strategic planning efforts, resulting in 5-year plans that continue to guide our work and priorities.
Our Name and Mission
In 2026, CASI voted to change its name from “Committee on Academic Staff Issues” to “Committee Advocating for Staff Interests.”
This change reflects our evolving mission and our commitment to representing the broad and diverse range of staff we serve—beyond the original academic staff constituency.
Our Growth and Impact
As we have put these plans into action, interest in CASI involvement has grown significantly. This momentum has led to:
- More competitive elections
- Increased participation on CASI subcommittees
- Greater staff representation on schoolwide committees
We are committed to representing and advocating for the interests of staff across SMPH.
Strong Partnerships
We are proud of the strong, collaborative relationships we have built with the Dean’s Office and other key leaders. These partnerships help ensure that staff perspectives are heard and valued in decision-making processes.
Connect With Us
Your voice matters. If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, we encourage you to reach out through our Thoughts and Questions page. We welcome your feedback and engagement.
Our Vision
The School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Committee Advocating for Staff Interests
(CASI) promotes a positive culture that reflects a welcoming and inclusive destination workplace where all staff are engaged, included, empowered and recognized.
Our Mission
CASI shall advise the Dean on the formulation, development and review of all policies and procedures concerning the school’s academic staff, university staff, and CHS/CT faculty members.
Values
- Respect
- Belonging
- Transparency
- Considerate of input from all levels of SMPH staff
- Collaborative Spirit
- Members are engaged and attend regularly
Strategic Plan Overview
The School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Committee Advocating for Staff Interests (CASI) has updated their strategic plan and added a new priority to better align with the current landscape. With the addition of the new priority and the collective ideas of the team, the SMPH CASI feels confident they will be able to support their clients.
Increase awareness, communication and engagement among SMPH Staff
- Establish the infrastructure for two-way communication channels and media between CASI and SMPH Staff and partner organizations.
- Develop relationships with key SMPH Staff constituencies.
- Build trust through transparent communication and action.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key constituencies
- Collaborate with leadership to propose ideas and strategies to improve climate and advocate for policy in support of a shared vision for SMPH.
- Represent SMPH Staff perspectives, efficiently convey SMPH Staff concerns and aspirations, and recognize successes.
- Create, develop, and maintain relationships and effective communication channels with key constituencies and leaders within the organizations.
Foster representation from all parts of SMPH staff community
- Do directed outreach to groups
- Use our appointed positions to add members if needed
- Consider the option of adding more appointed positions