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SSAC and PAC--more than 25 years of service

Maxine Colm (far left), vice president for administration, meets with SSAC members.

11:43 a.m., Aug. 18, 2005--When UD’s PAC (Professional Advisory Council), and SSAC (Salaried Staff Advisory Council) convene, it’s like a UD town hall meeting--a forum where announcements are made and concerns, ideas and opinions are exchanged between administration and the representatives of professional and salaried staff employees.

“PAC and SSAC represent an important arm of the human resources program at the University,” Maxine Colm, vice president for administration, said. “Members are elected by their constituents and serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ for both professional and salaried staff on campus. Indeed PAC and SSAC have been an important part of my vice presidency. I value the advice and counsel of both groups. Moreover, they help ensure that personnel policies and procedures are implemented fairly, both centrally and across campus.”

Richie Holland, manager in the Office of Human Resources, coordinates the meetings and elections and follows up on constituent concerns for both groups. “PAC and SSAC were established in the late 1970s and provide face-to-face meetings and a structured method of communication between staff and administration for gathering, disseminating and exchanging information,” he said. “We appreciate the time, energy and effort representatives give to serving on the councils.”

PAC is composed of 14 districts and SSAC has 17 districts, representing all professional and salaried staff members on campus. Colm, Tom La Penta, assistant vice president for labor relations, and Holland represent the administration at the bimonthly meetings.

PAC holds elections in April, and SSAC holds its elections in December, with even-numbered districts holding elections in even-numbered years and odd-numbered districts holding elections in odd-numbered years. Representatives are elected for two-year terms and communicate with their constituents, informing them about different issues and encouraging them to voice their concerns, comments and ideas.

Communication is much easier and more efficient now than it was in the past, thanks to modern technology, which has furthered interaction and streamlined the process, Holland said.

Both PAC and SSAC devote part of their meetings to constituent concerns from employees who have contacted their representatives about different issues. Parking, safety, recreational facilities, benefits and retirement are frequent topics.

Meetings also feature speakers from on and off the campus, such as an officer from Public Safety or a representative from TIAA-CREF. Each year, UD President David P. Roselle talks to the councils.

PAC and SSAC members also serve on University committees, including the Commission on the Status of Women, the Commission to Promote Racial and Cultural Diversity, the Dining Services Committee, the Parking Advisory Committee and the Transportation Services Committee. SSAC also is represented on the Wellness Advisory Committee, and PAC has an observer to the Faculty Senate.

In addition, PAC and SAC are involved in grievance procedures at UD with members serving on Grievance Advisory Boards and Grievance Hearing Boards.

“PAC and SSAC play an active and important role at UD--airing issues, networking with staff, accessing information and participating in many phases of campus life, all of which benefits the entire University community,” Holland said.

Article by Sue Moncure
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson

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