PSU USAC Mark

ABOUT US

The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) is the Voice for Penn State Staff. USAC was appointed in January 1995 by the Associate Vice President for Human Resources to act in an advisory capacity to the Central Administration.

Mission, Vision, Values

USAC Strives to elevate the role of staff, promote staff general welfare, enhance work environments, increase staff representation in decision-making, and drive improvements that further the institution's ability to accomplish its mission and goals.

Vision

USACs vision is to serve as a vital advocacy and consultative body that works alongside University leadership and stakeholders to strengthen Penn State’s position as a model employer that supports, values, and recognizes the contributions of all staff

Values

Within all of our Council deliberations, we emphasize equity, trust, and integrity in support of the overarching values set forth by the Penn State Mission.

  • Equity in exploring issues, policies, and practices that impact or are impacted by staff.

  • Trust in open communications during Council meetings and in encouraging input from the University community.

  • Integrity in always keeping the issues impacting staff at the forefront of our discussions and recommendations.

USAC believes that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are the driving forces behind all innovation and discovery because we value the opinions, abilities, and backgrounds of all staff at the University. We pledge to develop and foster a diverse culture where equity is cultivated, and inclusiveness is instinctive. We are committed to an inclusive environment where staff feel empowered to be their authentic whole selves. We strive to educate, increase access, and broaden opportunities for all identity groups. Further, we commit to efforts that build respect and self-worth, advocate caring, and celebrate the diversity within our university

What We Do

  • Acts in an advisory capacity to the central administration

  • Explores issues, policies, and practices that impact staff

  • Recommends revisions to policies

  • Suggests new policy initiatives

  • Serves to advocate for staff welfare and development

  • Liaisons with college and campus Staff Advisory Councils

Learn more about USAC in our Annual Reports here.

Impact

Beyond internal meetings and subcommittees, the University Staff Advisory Council represents Penn State staff in a variety of ways. Some recent examples of USAC involvement:

  • USAC Summit (2023)

  • Budget Working Group (2023)

  • Executive Vice President & Provost Search Committee (2023)

  • General Counsel Search Committee (2023)

  • Optimized Service Teams Representation (2023)

  • Health Care Advisory Council (2023)

  • AD102 Consensual Relationship Policy Committee (2020)

  • Big Ten Collaboration on Staff Advocacy (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

  • BoT Committee on Academic Affairs (2020, 2021, 2022)

  • BoT Committee on Outreach, Development, Comm Relations (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

  • CHRO / VP of HR Search Committee (2022)

  • Employee Training Advisory Committee (2020)

  • Flexible Work Arrangements Change Resource Group (2022)

  • Greek Life Advisory Committee (2019, 2020)

  • Joint Committee on Insurance & Benefits (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

  • Organizational Excellence Steering Committee (2020, 2021, 2022)

  • Remote Work Task Force (2021)

  • SIMBA Change Management Committee (2019, 2020)

  • University Police and Public Safety Advisory Council (2021, 2022)

  • USAC Summit (2021, 2022)

  • VP of Finance & Business Search Committee (2019, 2020)