History of USAC
The committee was established in 1986 by President Jennings. He envisioned a committee that would help the university in its quest for excellence and appointed 17 members at that time. The original charge from Jennings’ office follows:
The academic support role of all of the University’s staff members is a central and crucial one to building on our base of excellence. To more fully acknowledge the importance of our University staff, a new Staff Advisory Committee is being formed. As an advisory body to the President, the committee will provide a forum in which University staff can raise, discuss and make recommendations on current non-academic concerns and events, such as staff involvement in University activities and the amount and quality of communication for the diverse staff members on our campus. The committee’s general purpose was to facilitate good communications on behalf of and among University staff members. Additionally, it will provide a means for staff members to develop and exercise an institutional perspective as they advise on various matters.
Structure
The current structure of USAC has evolved since President Jennings' original vision. It now includes 30 total members. USAC members serve a three-year term as members of the volunteer committee. A rotating appointment structure allows new members to be appointed on an annual basis without depleting the experience base of the committee. In order to involve more staff over time on this committee, membership is generally limited to one term. The committee elects its own officers for one-year terms. USAC has one ex-officio member from The Office of Human Resources and the president can appoint ex-officio members at their discretion.
Subcommittees
USAC is guided by the Executive Committee, and the tangible work of the committee is divided into four subcommittees: Governance, Inclusive Excellence, Outreach and Engagement, and Staff Affairs. Each member participates on one subcommittee.