ABOUT US
What is SAC?
History
In January 1995, Dr. Billie S. Willits, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, appointed the Staff Advisory Council, formerly known as the Staff Advisory Committee to act in an advisory capacity to the Central Administration.
Mission
Created in 1995, the Staff Advisory Council is a forum for exchanging ideas about the welfare and development of staff. Members explore University policies, procedures and programming that affect staff and make suggestions to the Central Administration through the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Vision
The Staff Advisory Council aspires to be an influential voice for staff advocacy and thereby enhance the Penn State mission by equitably promoting the knowledge, skills, and abilities of all staff.
Values
Within all of our Council deliberations, we emphasize equity, trust, and integrity in support of the overarching values set forth by the Penn State mission.
- Equity in exploring issues, policies, and practices that impact or are impacted by staff.
- Trust in open communications during Council meetings and in encouraging input from the University community.
- Integrity in always keeping the issues impacting staff at the forefront of our discussions and recommendations.
SAC By-Laws
What We Do
Council members contribute to various committee efforts throughout the year and meet annually with President Graham B. Spanier. They also attend human resources benefits and policy presentations. SAC additionally sponsors the Staff Recognition and Appreciation Program, which honors staff members for going above and beyond their normal routines in resolving a variety of challenges.
SAC Past Accomplishments and Recommendations:
- The development of the current Staff Vacancy Announcement Policy
- Domestic Partner Benefits
- Improved layoff and recall communication; and expedited return to work processes
- The development of flexible work schedules and telecommuting policies
- The development of a Career Ladder Web Site
- Inclusion of Diversity Link on the Employment Web Site
- Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in the workplace