CSSAC: A case for supervisor support

Members of the clerical and service staff play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the University, helping professors, researchers, and administrators effectively achieve their goals. From preparing documents to maintaining grounds, their contributions are evident in every area of campus. In 1965, in recognition of their vital role, the University created the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (CSSAC).

CSSAC's purposes and responsibilities include:

• Providing members of the clerical and service staff with a means of representation on issues affecting conditions of employment
• Providing an effective means of communication between clerical and service staff and the University administration
• Acting in an advisory capacity and making recommendations to Human Resources Services, which is responsible for policies concerning personnel and staff benefits

CSSAC includes 20 clerical and service staff members, representing more than 3,800 constituents, and one representative each from the Calumet, Fort Wayne, and North Central campuses. Members serve a three-year term, and approximately one-third of the membership is replaced each year. The committee meets monthly, and members serve on one of six subcommittees, as well as represent the clerical and service staff on a number of University committees.

Through the efforts of CSSAC, all Purdue faculty and staff are eligible for a Purdue discount at participating local businesses for goods and services. CSSAC's Purdue Employee Activity Program (PEAP) subcommittee plans several trips a year to interesting locations for shopping and events. The trips are open to all Purdue faculty, staff, retirees, students, and friends. CSSAC also offers educational grants to clerical and service staff, as well as their dependents. These are just some of CSSAC's many accomplishments.

How can supervisors help support CSSAC? Invite the CSSAC Communications Subcommittee to conduct a presentation for your department. If your department is small in number, invite other departments within your building to participate. Encourage your clerical and service staff members to consider applying for membership on CSSAC. The whole department benefits, as CSSAC members often share information and ideas they have gathered through meetings or contacts they have made throughout the campus. Above all, create a supportive work environment for your clerical and service staff.

To learn more about CSSAC, visit our Web site. Also note the clerical and service staff page in each issue of Inside Purdue.

- CSSAC Communications Subcommittee