The Employee Council is sponsoring an essay contest on what makes Emory good or creative ideas for departmental improvements.

Emory staffers can submit one- to two-page essays on either of these topics:

• "What Is Good at Emory?" — an essay talking about what is good in a department that staff members would like to make known.
• "How to Make Emory Ours" — an essay with creative ideas to make a department better, that also states "how you would make Emory ours."

The winning essay will be followed up by an invitation to university President James Wagner or one of his cabinet officers to meet with the department and engage in a social activity or tour.

"This contest is intended to acquaint the president and cabinet members with challenges and successes at the department level through interesting essays that describe departmental activities," says Employee Council president Anita Yarbrough.

All entries must be submitted by Monday, Feb. 9.

The Council executive board will vote on the winner prior to the 2015 Spring Town Hall Meeting, which will be in April.

Participants are asked to include their department’s name in the essay, which can be submitted to Council departmental representatives or via email to Yarbrough at ayarbro@emory.edu. Confidential submissions can be made to: President of the Employee Council, 49 Jesse Hill Dr. NE, FOB, Suite 102, Atlanta, GA 30303.