Get Involved
What can PSO do for me?
As part of the governance structure, PSO can be an advocate for issues that you deem important, such as benefits and personnel management. PSO also provides input into the performance review process for the President of Western Washington University. If you have a job-related issue or conflict, the PSO Executive Committee can direct you to the appropriate University resources that are available to you. PSO provides numerous opportunities for professional staff to network through regularly scheduled general meetings and a PSO listserv. Staff can pose questions to all PSO members and receive information on current PSO activities.
What can I do for PSO?
You can get involved in PSO by:
- Volunteering to represent PSO on various University committees.
- Serving as a representative from your University Division on the PSO Executive Committee
- Attending PSO general meetings and participating in discussions.
- Members are currently participating in a number
of University committees and PSO subcommittees
as outlined in the PSO Committee
Descriptions and University Representation.
Stay informed by monitoring the following websites:
- Western Advocates
- FYI Pac
- Tracking State Bills
- Council of Presidents
- Select Committee on Pension Policy
- Budget information at various websites under Executive Committee (see navigation pane)
PSO Award for Excellence
PSO employee awards, initiated by the Professional Staff Organization, are generously supported by President Bruce Shepard. Award recipients receive a certificate of recognition, an engraved paperweight, and her/his name added to the PSO Employee Excellence Award plaque housed in the Board of Trustees’ Room in Old Main.
The PSO Award for Excellence honors one professional staff employee who is recognized for one or more of the following qualities: Exceptional communicator with excellent interpersonal skills in the performance of her/his job duties to the benefit of faculty, staff and students; Exceptional level of integrity, professionalism and job performance that inspires excellence in others and contributes to Western's mission and values; Exhibits and encourages excellence in initiative, creativity and willingness to explore new ideas through work and interaction with others. Nominations are received in spring and the award is presented annually at Fall Convocation by President Bruce Shepard.
Past PSO Award Recipients
The PSO Excellence in Service Award was retired in 2010 and awarded in recognition of an exceptional level of altruistic service to the University community. Recipients have included the following PSO members:
- Renee Roberts (2002)
- Jim Tragesser (2003)
- Gayle Shipley (2004)
- Clara Capron (2005)
- Linda Beckman (2006)
- Rick Osen (2007)
- Marilyn Johnson (2008)
- No Nominations (2009)
The PSO Excellence in Job Performance Award was retired in 2010 and awarded in recognition of exemplary accomplishment in job performance. Recipients have included the following PSO members:
- Elva Giddings (2008)
- Ichi Pencil (2009)
The PSO Outstanding New Professional Staff Employee Award was retired in 2007 and awarded in recognition of outstanding accomplishments by a new professional staff employee. Recipients have included the following PSO members:
- Megan Watt (2002)
- Gary Roberts (2003)
- Diana Cline (was Diana Scoles) (2004)
- Susan Hoidal (2005)
- No Nominations (2006)
- Lara Welker (2007)
Community Involvement
PSO members are currently involved in the following community activities:
- Staff Arts & Crafts Show
- Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run in Bellingham
- American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Watch for announcements about these and other activities on the PSO listserv.