APSAC chair Q and A: Sam Guffey

Sam Guffey, APSAC chair for 2016-17 and a laboratory manager in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. Download image

Sam Guffey took office June 1 as the 2016-17 chair of the Administrative and Professional Staff Advisory Committee. His seat on APSAC is as a representative of the College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service and College of Veterinary Medicine. Here, he answers questions from Purdue Today about his perspectives and plans in leading APSAC.

How long, and in what positions, have you worked at Purdue?

I have been at Purdue for three years. My day job involves managing the research laboratories for the fisheries and aquatic sciences section of our Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. It’s an interesting job because our group comprises about one-third of our department with similar research interests all working together.

As APSAC chair, I work to help make Purdue a great place to work, with a special focus on the welfare of the A/P staff.

Why did you decide to become involved in APSAC? In what capacity/on which committees have you served?

When I joined APSAC, I simply wanted to help my colleagues and learn about the inner workings of Purdue. Over the ensuing months, I slowly realized how APSAC’s discussions, resolutions and communications benefited staff as well as the mission of the University. By combining our brainpower and sharing our experiences across this diverse group from throughout the West Lafayette campus and the other campuses, we are able to see patterns and devise creative solutions that would not be possible for just one office to realize. I have served on APSAC’s membership and communications subcommittee, have served as the editor of The Sentinel, and have represented APSAC in the University Senate.

What did you learn as vice chair or as a committee member that will assist you as chair this year?

In my first two years on APSAC, I learned three things are pretty important. 1) Foster an inclusive environment that eschews “us versus them” thinking. 2) Encourage clear and frank communication so that opportunities aren’t lost due to the fear of speaking up. 3) Consider all of people's thoughts and feelings that come forth, but don’t let that stop you from making decisions. These ideas help APSAC function better, and I think they apply to all groups.

What will APSAC be working on during the upcoming academic year?

Providing professional development lectures and grants twice per year. Communicating the process for rating grant applications. Remodeling the APSAC website. Honoring outstanding staff with the Community Spirit Award and the APSAC Excellence Award. Educating staff about benefits and perks via the staff Resource Fair. Collaborating with Organizational Effectiveness to provide professional development opportunities.

What are your own goals as the chair of APSAC?

1) To communicate with staff regarding existing benefits, perks, training and professional development opportunities that are already available, and

2) To support staff and supervisors affected by changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

What would you like faculty and staff to know about APSAC?

We don’t make the rules; we tell administrators what we think about their proposals. APSAC is a valued and respected partner to the administration, and we are often involved in reviewing and providing feedback on developing strategies and procedures that will affect all University employees. Recent major changes, including a new treasurer, the unification of Purdue Northwest, the ongoing search for a new vice president of human resources, and the changes to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, have led the Purdue administration to look to us for guidance.

How can faculty/staff get involved with APSAC?

If you ever find yourself thinking that you can provide something -- information, training, or whatever -- that will benefit Purdue staff, please contact your APSAC member to start a conversation. Please visit the APSAC website (www.purdue.edu/apsac) and connect with the APSAC member(s) representing your area. Their communication role is two-way -- give and receive.

What do you hope to have contributed as chair to APSAC and the University once your term ends?

My main goal is for APSAC to never miss an opportunity for vibrant discussion whenever opportunities and concerns are brought forth. I want to see more employees capitalizing on opportunities for professional development and personal satisfaction. Aside from that, I hope to resolve a few particular inefficiencies and inequities that APSAC is already discussing.