Get Involved

Membership offers staff valuable connections, professional development, and chances to make improvements that benefit everyone.

Become a Member

The University Staff Advisory Council is a great way for staff at all Penn State campus locations to get involved and serve fellow staff members. Selected USAC members have voting responsibilities and serve three-year terms, beginning July 1. Monthly Council meetings typically occur during normal University hours, last approximately three hours, and are considered University business. 

Applications are now closed.

The application process has been updated for 2024-2025.  

• Applications will be reviewed and selected to participate in a Zoom interview with the membership and elections committee.  
• Interview topics will be shared in advance and a USAC member will serve as an advocate. The advocate’s role is to support applicants, answer questions, and serve as a neutral party during the interview process. The advocate will reach out to applicants prior to and following their interview.  
• Applicants will be evaluated in the areas of leadership, inclusion/belonging, interest in USAC, time management, and confidentiality.
• Finally, applicants recommended by the Membership and Elections Committee will be reviewed by Human Resources to ensure they are an employee in good standing. 

As part of the online application, staff will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation in support of their application. Selected candidates and their supervisors will be notified when staff are approved by Human Resources for participation in the council. They will each receive a welcome letter which will outline the responsibilities and level of commitment that is to be expected.  

Eligibility

• Full-time staff employees (non-bargaining unit) are eligible to apply

• Council approves member appointments based on Committee recommendations

Members

• The Council consists of up to 30 staff members (exempt and nonexempt) 

• Appointments include a diverse representation of staff from a variety of units and locations 

• Term of office (voting position) is three years 

• Members are required to serve on at least one sub-committee within the larger council

LOCAL STAFF GROUPS

There are several advisory committees, councils, and groups for staff to join. Find one near you and if a local group does not exist in your area or campus, consider establishing one! Contact your HRSP/HRC to find out what it takes to form your own.

• Abington campus Staff Advisory Council

• Altoona campus Staff Advisory Council

• Brandywine campus Staff Advisory Council

• Dubois campus Staff Caucus

• Berks campus Staff Advisory Council

• Fayette, the Eberly Campus, Staff Senate

• Harrisburg campus Staff Advisory Council

• Hazleton campus Staff Advisory Council

• Lehigh Valley campus Staff Advisory Council

• Mont Alto campus Staff Senate

• New Kensington campus Staff Senate

• Outreach and Online Education, OOE Ambassadors

• Schuylkill campus Staff Advisory Council

• Scranton campus Staff Advisory Council

• Shenango campus Staff Advisory Council

• University Park campus

  • College of Agricultural Sciences Staff Advisory Committee to the Dean

  • College of Arts & Architecture Staff Advisory Council

  • College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Staff Advisory Committee

  • Eberly College of Science Staff Advisory Committee

  • College of Education

  • College of Engineering Staff Advisory Committee

  • College of Health and Human Development

  • College of Liberal Arts Dean's Staff Advisory Committee

  • Smeal College of Business Staff Advisory Committee

  • Corporate Controller's Office Staff Advisory Council

  • Libraries Dean's Staff Advisory Council

• Wilkes-Barre campus Staff Advisory Council

• York campus Staff Advisory Council