UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.— The Penn State University Staff Advisory Council (USAC) recently voted to update its membership model to include a representative from every college, campus and unit beginning July 1, 2025.
The new membership model will more than double the total size of USAC and help to establish more direct lines of communication between staff at all campuses. The change was prompted in response to two of USAC’s 2023-24 priorities: to increase representation of staff membership and strengthen the staff voice.
“USAC is intended to be the ‘Voice for Penn State staff,’ but it’s impossible to do that without hearing from staff voices across the entire Penn State system,” said USAC Past-Chair Rachel Galloway.
Under the new membership model, staff at each Commonwealth Campus (20), academic college (14) and unit (23) will have the option to elect one full-time staff member to serve a three-year term on USAC. New members will be selected during spring 2025, and the new model will take effect next summer.
USAC currently consists of 30 staff members from across the University who have applied, interviewed and been selected for membership by the council. Under the new model, USAC plans to maintain an at-large body of 15 members who will continue to be selected in this manner, giving dedicated staff members who wish to serve on the council the opportunity to join even if they are not elected by their respective unit. The at-large membership will also support the council’s goal to comprise a diverse representation of staff.
“USAC plays a vitally important role at Penn State and this expanded membership model will further strengthen its ability to represent and serve our staff,” said Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. “President Bendapudi and I are grateful for the council's important work, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with staff from across the University.”
In the months leading up to the transition to the new model, USAC will lay groundwork for the updated structure and engage existing Staff Advisory Councils at colleges, campuses and units across Penn State in preparation for their representatives’ inclusion on the council.
About the University Staff Advisory Council
The University Staff Advisory Council strives to elevate the role of staff, promote staff general welfare, enhance working conditions and drive improvements that further the institution’s ability to accomplish its mission and goals.
USAC can be contacted via email at askUSAC@psu.edu. Individuals interested in staying connected, learning more or getting involved can also visit the official USAC website or follow USAC on facebook or instagram.