University Staff Advisory Council of the Pennsylvania State University

10/20/2026

ICYMI: Paul Smith, 2026-27 USAC Chair, was recently featured in Penn State Today! Read more about his path to leadership, his goals for the council, and the team supporting this year's work.

As Paul Smith settles into his new role as 2026-27 chair of the University Staff Advisory Council (USAC), he said the job comes with real responsibility — and a real team behind him.

10/08/2026

Did you know? Staff are welcome to submit ideas for future monthly digests. This edition's voter resource information came to us courtesy of Dr. Kate Hynes, coordinator of Penn State's Civic Education Collaborative. (Thanks, Kate!) Have something you'd like to share? Email us at [email protected].

10/01/2026

Throwback to our July 30 retreat, a day of fun and future visioning. Special thanks to Stacey Budd, program coordinator for the Team Development Center at Shaver's Creek, whose lineup of activities had us laughing, moving, and problem-solving.

Looking for a customized leadership and development program for your unit? Email the Shaver's Creek Team Development Center at [email protected] to learn more.

09/17/2026

Know someone who deserves an award? Of course you do! Nominate a colleague today for one of the five Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards (FSAA). Each award includes a stipend of between $500 and $1000. The nomination period ends November 16.

Penn State Human Resources is accepting nominations for five of the Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards  for 2027. These awards, given annually, recognize the efforts of faculty and staff who go beyond their basic duties to bring about positive and lasting change to the University and/or to the...

09/10/2026

The summer recap is here. Check your inbox for the latest monthly staff digest. Pairs well with morning coffee.

09/01/2026

We spent last week welcoming new students, but we don't want to forget to extend a warm welcome to new staff, too! The New Employee page is a great resource for everything from getting connected to finding the information you need to succeed. https://newemployee.psu.edu/

08/25/2026

Happy first week of the fall semester! We asked USAC members to share a photo of what the first day of classes looked like for them. Whether you're student-facing, supporting faculty, or working behind the scenes, we'd love to see what the first week looks like for you! Email your pix to [email protected]!

08/18/2026

Kudos to the employees named in this week’s “We Are!” feature, including USAC member Sharon Patterson!

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 22 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.