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:
- 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 campus community and other audiences we serve.
- Fostering a campus environment which 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 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
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
Talent, Classification & Compensation
Jenna Rakes, Director
Classification & Compensation
Expansion of Duties for Officers of Administration
Review of new and existing positions
Work out of class
Reclassifications
Lead work differentials
