Apply to Join USAC
Staff members must meet the following criteria:
- 1 year of continuous, full-time regular staff service at the time of USAC appointment.
- FTE of 75% or greater.
- CCS, A&P, or Senior A&P classification.
- Only one regional campus staff member per year may be appointed if paid through a cost-shared appointment. If not, there is no limitation on the number of regional campus staff appointed.
- Staff from bargaining units and members of a union represented at the university are not eligible.
As a member of the University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC), you will have the opportunity to:
- Directly impact and have input on university policy development.
- Provide leadership and guidance about university governance and operations.
- Engage with staff and administrators across Columbus and regional campuses.
- Collaborate with colleagues dedicated to enhancing the staff experience.
- Network with university and statewide partners.
To apply for USAC membership, please ensure you complete the following steps:
- Online Application: Complete the application and attach all required documents, including the Participation Agreement.
- Resume: Indicate involvement in university-related organizations.
- Essay: Maximum 2 pages, double-spaced, addressing:
- Why you are interested in serving on USAC.
- How your involvement would positively contribute to the staff experience.
- Current issues USAC could address to aid staff. Please include types of advocacy efforts that USAC could undertake to address the issues. Give specific examples where possible.
- Department/Unit Support: Ensure support from your supervisor for participation. Document link below.
- Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter from a supervisor or professional colleague addressing why you would be a strong candidate to serve on USAC. The letter should reference specifics around your leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Application deadline: All application materials must be received by 12:00pm March 1, 2025. (Note: Application materials are available to USAC new member task force only and are otherwise kept confidential.)
If you have questions regarding USAC or the application process, contact usac@osu.edu.
USAC members serve 3-year terms, meeting several times a month for committee activities, including:
- A full-day retreat in July or August.
- Biweekly business meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
- 2nd Tuesday morning online meeting 9:00-10:30 a.m.*
- 4th Tuesday afternoon in-person (online option) 2:30-4:30 p.m.*
- Monthly subcommittee and/or task force meetings.
- Quarterly meetings and events with senior leaders.
- Special events hosted by USAC, the Office of the President, senior leaders, and university groups.
USAC members are expected to dedicate approximately 5 hours per month to committee activities, in addition to any necessary preparation for meetings and events.
Note to Supervisors: USAC members should be able to participate in committee activities during their regular work hours. They should not use compensatory time, sick leave, or vacation time for these commitments.
*Meeting days and times may be adjusted to accommodate the various roles and schedules of staff across the university.
Successful USAC members are expected to:
- Serve on one of four subcommittees, attend regular meetings, complete assigned tasks, and participate in events.
- Exercise independent decision-making and sound judgment in matters related to USAC initiatives and responsibilities.
- Plan, prioritize, balance, and review multiple initiatives and projects simultaneously.
- Think critically about evolving issues facing staff.
- Combine creativity and content knowledge to offer solutions for staff professional development.
- Seek input from staff constituents and translate it into viable recommendations for university leadership.
- Review and provide recommendations on new and revised university policies and initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive information discussed during USAC meetings and activities.
Successful USAC members should possess:
- Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Good time management and administrative skills.
- Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work closely with individuals from a variety of colleges and units.
- A desire to learn more about the university’s culture, structure and leadership processes
The University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC) follows a structured selection process to identify and welcome new members each year. USAC accepts a cohort of approximately 10 new members annually. The selection process is designed to identify individuals who are passionate about serving the university community and who bring diverse perspectives and skills to the committee.
Compelling Reason to Serve
Applicants are encouraged to provide a thorough and detailed response explaining why they would like to serve on the USAC. This response should highlight their passion for the committee's mission, their commitment to enhancing the university environment, and their desire to contribute to meaningful change.
Contribution to the Staff Experience
Applicants should provide compelling examples of how their involvement would enhance the staff experience. This could include their ability to foster collaboration, bring innovative ideas, and support the professional growth of their peers.
Addressing Current Issues
Applicants must identify current issues and propose efforts that USAC can undertake to address them. This demonstrates their awareness of pressing challenges and their proactive approach to problem-solving.