As a new term begins for the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC), the newly released USAC annual interactive report reflects on how the 2020-21 academic year brought about opportunities for USAC to help staff adjust to the challenges of the pandemic, including through the focus areas of community engagement, communication, support and advocacy.
Among other highlights, this year’s actions from USAC include:
- Speakers at monthly USAC meetings shared information and updates across the University, as well as asked questions and gathered feedback on issues important to staff. This year’s speakers included Sonia DeLuca Fernández from the Education Equity Office, Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research Karen Vance and Shakoor Ward from the Affirmative Action Office, as well as representatives from Human Resources leadership including Lorraine Goffe, Patty Franklin Lisette Garcia and Christy Helms. Executive Vice President and Provost Nick Jones also held discussions with USAC twice over the 2020-21 academic year.
- USAC hosted its fourth annual summit in March 2021. More than 80 staff members representing 30 staff advisory councils across the Commonwealth convened virtually for a day of networking, discussion and learning, with a focus on inclusion, equity and wellness.
- Three outstanding staff members were honored in May as recipients of the 2021 USAC Staff Awards for their accomplishments and contributions to the University, after a rigorous nomination period that opened to everyone in January.
- Members of USAC's executive council discussed higher-education challenges and shared best practices of staff advisory councils from Big Ten peers.
- USAC increased staff communications by enhancing the resources found on the USAC website and establishing a channel to communicate with Staff Advisory Councils across the Commonwealth. USAC also increased the frequency of news releases and developed a USAC meeting brief that members can share with colleagues and that will be posted on the USAC website.
- In addition to the focused committees USAC members serve, a standing Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity (IED) committee was established to support these important populations.
Twenty-nine staff representatives from Penn State campuses served during the 2020-21 term year, and five were outgoing members of the Council. In addition to primary job responsibilities, serving on USAC includes at least a three-year commitment, participation in multiple meetings per month throughout that time, and time spent on special projects and events.
The Office of Human Resources and USAC expresses sincere gratitude to these individuals for their time and contributions:
- Mark Belkowski, business analyst, Outreach Information Technology, University Park
- Barbara Holmes, training coordinator, University Police and Public Safety, University Park
- Leigh Ryan, marketing and communications manager, World Campus, University Park
- Lori Sabatose, administrative assistant, Development (Penn State Launch Box), Penn State DuBois
- Amanda Szymanski, enrollment services manager, Undergraduate Education, University Park
About the University Staff Advisory Council
USAC—the voice for Penn State staff—consists of committed 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 his administration through the vice president of human resources, and accepts new members annually.
USAC can be contacted via email at askUSAC@psu.edu. Individuals interested in staying connected, learning more or getting involved can also visit the USAC Facebook page and the official USAC website.