UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) will host two upcoming listening sessions to provide staff members across all Penn State campuses with the opportunity to share feedback on community and belonging with central administration. The events will focus on themes related to staff morale, including staff recognition, rankism and support provided by unit leaders and administration.
Two Zoom sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 2, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
USAC members will serve as facilitators and pre-registration is required.
This is the second year that USAC will host listening sessions. The council continues to work closely with University Executives on a variety of initiatives taking place across the University, according to Terra Ingram, USAC chair.
“As ‘the voice of Penn State staff,’ it is essential that we understand the needs and concerns of all staff so that we may clearly relay feedback to University executives who, in turn, use the information to inform their decision making,” says Ingram. “We hope staff from all campuses will attend the upcoming sessions so that we may continue to raise awareness on their behalf and work toward creating a better sense of community and belonging across the University.”
Questions related to the listening sessions can be directed to askUSAC@psu.edu. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about access may contact Rachel Galloway in advance of the program.
Anonymous comment form offered
Contact information of registrants will only be used to communicate session related information, including a Zoom link. All registrants can be assured that no identifying data will be shared included in the general summary report shared with central administration, which will be provided to raise awareness of staff perceptions regarding community and belonging.
Those who register and wish to provide feedback during the event will have the opportunity to sign up in advance to secure up to five minutes of speaking time during the session. If a staff member is unable to attend or would prefer not to speak publicly, they may submit written feedback in advance using USAC’s Anonymous Comment Form. Comments submitted through the form will be shared anonymously by facilitators during the event. A summary of anonymous feedback received will also be compiled and presented to central administration.
At any time throughout the year, feedback can be submitted to USAC via email to askUSAC@psu.edu or through the Anonymous Comment Form. Submitted comments will be shared with USAC leadership and be used to guide the council’s ongoing work to represent all members of the University’s staff.
While general feedback will remain anonymous as requested, USAC reserves the right to share submissions with the appropriate University departments in matters mandated by law. Additionally, comments submitted through the Anonymous Comment Form will be used primarily for informational purposes within USAC. Staff members who wish to submit a formal report that requires immediate attention from the University should do so through either the PSU Affirmative Action Office or their Human Resources strategic partner.
About USAC
USAC — the voice for Penn State staff — consists of dedicated staff who act in an advisory capacity to the central administration; explore issues, policies and practices that impact staff; suggest revisions to policies and new policy initiatives; and advocate for staff welfare and development. USAC serves the president and her administration through the vice president of human resources and accepts new members annually.
USAC comprises a diverse group of 30 representatives from across the commonwealth who welcome multiple perspectives, celebrate and appreciate differences, and unite around common goals. To learn more about the council, visit the Penn State Human Resources USAC website and for additional information, follow us on USAC Instagram, Facebook, Yammer and LinkedIn.