About HR

 

The people who work at the University of Oregon are our competitive advantage.

Together, we are transforming today's students into tomorrow's leaders.

 

 

Our Mission

To provide human resources expertise and thought leadership as we strategically partner with the University’s community of HR practitioners and the broader campus to meet the institution’s strategic objectives. To serve as a comprehensive, innovative, and results-oriented resource, delivering services and programs which demonstrate a commitment to engagement, inclusiveness, respect, fairness, best practice, principled problem solving, and accountability.

Our Vision

We strive to be proactive, consultative partners meeting the needs of employees and operations across the institution. University Human Resources, in collaboration with the broader campus community of HR practice/practitioners, will lead efforts to attract, select, retain, develop, and engage world-class faculty and staff by:

  1. Providing professional consultation which demonstrates principled problem solving to maximize organizational performance, improve operations, and guide strategic decision-making.
  2. Communicating openly and effectively with the campus community and other audiences we serve.
  3. Fostering a campus environment which maximizes engagement in and contributions to teaching, research, service, and student development.
  4. Offering a variety of programs, services, and educational opportunities to support professional growth and build connections within the University community.

HR Strategic Principles


 

Human Resources Leadership

Mark Schmelz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President

Mark joined the University of Oregon in 2019 with 20 years of experience in human resources, including 11 years leading employee and labor relations efforts in higher education. Prior to working at the UO, he was the Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Maine system, which has seven universities, as well as a law school and an additional 31 course sites, and a population of more than 29,000 students and approximately 5,400 employees.


Employee & Labor Relations

Chris Meade, Director

Union Negotiations
Grievance Management
Conflict Resolution
Policy Administration

Employee & Labor Relations Staff

HR Programs, Services & Operations

Kaia Rogers, Senior Director and
Chief of Staff

Benefits & Medical Leaves
Employee Recognition
Work-Life Resources
HR Service Center
Learning and Development
Strategic Initiatives
Personnel Actions
Contract Renewal
Data Analysis and Reporting


HR Programs & Services Staff

Talent, Classification & Compensation

Jenna Rakes, Director

Talent

Hiring and Selection
Orientation and Onboarding


Talent Acquisition Staff

Classification & Compensation

Expansion of Duties for Officers of Administration
Review of new and existing positions
Work out of class
Reclassifications
Lead work differentials


Class & Comp Staff