Leadership, communication, engagement, and growth
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 university to meet the institution’s strategic objectives. To serve as a comprehensive, innovative, and results-oriented resource, delivering services and programs that 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 university community of HR practice/practitioners, will lead efforts to attract, select, retain, develop, and engage world-class faculty and staff by:
- Providing professional consultation which demonstrates principled problem solving to maximize organizational performance, improve operations, and guide strategic decision-making.
- Communicating openly and effectively with the UO community and other audiences we serve.
- Fostering an environment that maximizes engagement in and contributions to teaching, research, service, and student development.
- Offering a variety of programs, services, and educational opportunities to support professional growth and build connections within the university community.
Human Resources Leadership
Mark Schmelz, Chief Human Resources Officer and Vice President
Mark has over 25 years of human resources and labor relations experience in higher education and state government. Prior to coming to the UO, he was the Chief Human Resources Officer for the University of Maine system. As CHRO, Mark leads the university's strategic vision for the employee experience. He guides HR teams in strategic collaboration in the complex, intersecting landscapes of HR practice, academic excellence, and organizational development. Mark values the mission and vision of higher education and its impact on individuals. He is especially proud to have the opportunity to support the people who meet this mission at the University of Oregon, and looks forward to continuing to innovate and collaborate.
Employee & Labor Relations
Chris Meade, Senior Director
Employee & Labor Relations Staff
Union Negotiations
Grievance Management
Conflict Resolution
Policy Administration
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
HR Communications
Strategic Initiatives
Personnel Actions
Contract Renewal
Data Analysis and Reporting
Talent, Classification & Compensation
Jenna Schuttpelz, Senior Director
Talent Acquisition
Recruitment, Selection, and Hiring
MyTrack support
Candidate background checks
Orientation and onboarding guidance
Classification & Compensation
Expansion of Duties for Officers of Administration
Review of new and existing positions
Work out of class
Reclassifications
Lead work differentials