About PLUSC

The Pacific Lutheran University Staff Council was established in 1992 (originally as the Administrative Staff Council) to help facilitate communication between staff and campus leadership. PLUSC has 13 representative positions representing Admission, Advancement, Finance, Provost, Student Life, and Marketing and Communication. Representatives are elected by their department peers, and the positions are allotted to departments with a goal of each representative having a reasonable number of constituents with whom to communicate.

PLUSC representatives serve a two-year term. Elections are held each Spring as terms expire, or as needed in the event a representative is not able to continue his/her full term.

Internal elections are held to determine leadership positions within PLUSC. Those positions include 2 co-chairs, a treasurer, and a secretary. Co-chairs are ideally elected so that both co-chairs’ terms will not expire in the same year providing better continuity for the Council. The Council also determines which representatives will sit on committees, which include the following:

  • Budget Advisory Committee
  • Long Range Planning Committee
  • Benefits
  • Retirement
  • Parking and Parking Appeals
  • New Employee Outreach
  • Distinguished Staff Awards
  • Events: PLUSC Open House, Veteran’s Day, Winterfest, Night at the Rainiers, Stuff the Bus, Christmas Luncheon

Get Involved

Your participation matters!

In order for PLUSC to properly advocate for staff, we need your feedback, questions, and suggestions. As we progress through the year and get more involved in our committees, we will do our best to communicate broadly about important topics or to ask for your input; however, you are always welcome to contact a representative or email plusc@plu.edu if you have concerns or want more information on what PLUSC is focusing on.

Hot topics currently on PLUSC’s agenda include:

  • How we as a group can better serve PLU staff.
  • The upcoming comprehensive campaign – what effect will campaign priorities have on employees or campus generally?
  • Minimum wage and minimum exempt salaries – how should PLU respond if minimums increase?
  • New employee orientation – where are there gaps in orientation and how can we help better inform new employees?
  • Work/Life balance – in what ways might PLU be able to support employees with scheduling flexibility, childcare, etc.?

If you have questions about these topics or wish to suggest other topics we should address, please contact a representative or fill out our feedback form. The feedback form can be submitted anonymously if you prefer.

Become a Representative

Representatives’ commitment to PLUSC is crucial to our success. Our expectation is that representatives will spend one hour each month attending the general PLUSC meeting, and an additional hour communicating with constituents or meeting with other members about PLUSC projects. Committee roles will require some additional time, but representatives have the option to select a role which will fit best with their work schedules. Committee participation is not required but greatly encouraged. In addition to informing PLUSC about key issues effecting staff on campus, committee participation provides significant opportunity for professional development and networking with campus leaders.

If you would like more information on how to become a representative, feel free to contact us at plusc@plu.edu or get in touch a current representative.