USAC is excited to announce the election results for their 2022-2023 Executive Team. Officers for this year will be:

• Chair - Laurel Van Dromme, College of Nursing
• Chair-Elect - Debbie Pond, College of Medicine
• Vice-Chair, Secretary/Treasurer - Allison Jones, Fisher College of Business
• Vice Chair, Communications - Shelby Dawkins, Wexner Medical Center (pending approval)

Congratulations to our new officers.

APPLICATION SEASON OPEN July 18 – August 19, 2022!

The Staff Career Development Grant provides staff with an opportunity to further their growth and development. Eligible staff can apply for up to $1,250 for individuals or $1,750 for groups of 2-10 and $2,000 for groups of 11 or more.

Grants can be used for professional development, education or training costs related to job and/or career goals. All funds are granted on a reimbursement basis only.

All applicants are encouraged to review the rubric, prior to completing the application.

The funding period for July 2022 grants is October 2022 through April 2023.

Join USAC in congratulating our newly elected Staff Senators for the 2022-2024 term:

• Katie Culbertson, Fisher College of Business
• Steven Loborec, Wexner Medical Center
• Steven Mentz, Office of Human Resources, College of Public Health (filling 2nd year term)
• Ramsey Piazza, College of Education and Human Ecology

Alternates:

• Kevin Petrilla, Office of Administration and Planning, WOSU 

Thank you to our outgoing Staff Senators:

• Ashely Bersani, Wexner Medical Center
• Andrew Jordan, Office of Student Life
• Courtney Sanders, OCIO
• Alex Thomas, Office of Student Life

In an effort to strengthen our partnership with Senior Leaders and to ensure the Staff Voice is heard in all University-Wide decisions, the Chair of USAC will now be a permanent member of the Senior Management Council within the Office of Academic Affairs as well as a member of the newly created HR Advisory Council.

Over the course of the last academic year, the university implemented several new safety initiatives. The Ohio State University Police Division recruited and hired five additional sworn police officers for the Columbus campus since January 2022, and more will be hired over the summer. The university also increased the presence of police off-campus by partnering with the Columbus Division of Police on a joint patrol program to patrol off-campus neighborhoods where many of our students live. In addition, Ohio State added non-sworn security patrols to the off-campus area using both OSU security personnel and Buckeye Block Watch. We have also added, additional lighting, license plate readers and more security cameras in the area including on-campus garages. The university expanded the Lyft Ride Smart program hours and areas of operation. Work to enhance safety will always be ongoing and the Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor crime trends and adjust efforts accordingly. We remain fully committed to refining and broadening our holistic approach to addressing crime, including education and community-wide engagement. 

Staff Spotlight nominations are accepted for any OSU staff member who exemplifies what it means to be a Buckeye and is in good standing with the University. Staff may be nominated by a supervisor, colleague, or campus customer.  This is a great way to recognize your staff members or colleagues for their great work ethic, hard work or volunteer work to help fellow Buckeyes. To have a colleague considered for our Staff Spotlight, remember to submit your nominations. 

The 2022-23 parking permit year begins August 1. If you plan to park on campus on or after that date, you may order a 2022-23 annual permit, or a monthly or daily permit, online at osu.campusparc.com. All 2021-22 permits expire after July 31 and do not auto-renew. As additional reminders: 2021-22 access keycards are to be reused during the new permit year, and all vehicles must park with a license plate visible from the drive lane.

Summer is a wonderful time to get outdoors and soak up the sun. However, harmful UV rays from the sun can damage our eyes, so it is important to moderate time in the sun. Protective eyewear can prevent damage to eyes and vision. Avoid staring directly at the sun and choose sunglasses that block 100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays. This wellness tip brought to you by University Chief Wellness Officer Bernadette Melnyk.