The University Staff Advisory Council represents the needs of staff to senior administration and works proactively to make the University of Richmond an employer of choice.
The University Staff Advisory Council, in conjunction with HR, met with University Leadership for the fourth Staff Open Forum of the 2020-21 Academic Year. Staff submitted questions beforehand and in real-time for leadership to address concerning all things COVID-19.
For those who were unable to attend, a link to the recording can be found here.
2021 Nominations and Elections
Nominations for open USAC seats will take place March 1 - March 14. Elections will be held April 5 - 30. Links to nominate a colleague will be provided via campus wide communications when the window for nominations opens. For a list of open seats for the 2021-24 term, see here.
To nominate a colleague, click here!
Join us via Zoom at our next meeting on Tuesday, April 13th from 1-3pm. The Zoom link will be shared with the campus community in SpiderBytes on Monday, April 12th.
USAC Spider Staff Spotlight
The USAC SSS is a monthly feature to highlight our amazing colleagues across campus
Meet Sasha Hollister
Pronouns she/her/hers
Position/Department Program Manager of Community Relationships and UR Downtown with the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement
How long have you been at UR? 2.5 years
What should everyone know about your role or your department? I build relationships with community organizations and agencies in the fields of government, advocacy, research, economic and workforce development. Then I help students and faculty connect with these organizations through volunteerism, service-learning, guest speakers, community events, activism, and more. As part of my role with UR Downtown, I provide opportunities for students to explore the heart of downtown Richmond through local government excursions, arts excursions, First Fridays, and more. I also organize Summer in the City so that staff and faculty can connect with downtown organizations and culture! Currently, I am overseeing our virtual UR Downtown Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site. With the help of 28 UR students, we are providing free tax preparation services to those earning $57,000 or less. Learn more here!
How has the coronavirus impacted your day-to-day work/role? The biggest impact has been the administration of our UR Downtown tax site. In a normal year, we fill a waiting room that 400+ people pass through during the tax season so that we can help them prepare and file their taxes. I miss the high-fives when someone gets a big refund, our kids' coloring station, and seeing my student-volunteers in-person but we have seen great success with a transition to a virtual model. Each week I gather on Zoom with our IRS-certified student tax preparers to call community members, prepare their tax returns, and answer their many questions about new changes in the tax law and the stimulus payments.
What is a fun or unique fact about you? I am from Virginia Beach and used to be an EMT with the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. I have profound respect for those I served with and the tireless service they have done this past year during the pandemic.
More Kudos!
Anne-Stewart Freeman is such an asset to the ECSS team, I'd like to give kudos to her directly. She took on a large task this summer with our wonderful Support Services team and helped our office immensely. Not only was her task physically demanding, it also involved a lot of challenges with logistics and planning. She took those challenges head-on and did a stellar job. ASF is such an incredible and motivating person. She does everything with a smile and a laugh. Thank you, Stu, for everything you do!
A big shout-out to our Support Services team as well! They always, ALWAYS do such hard work and we appreciate everything they do. This summer they've done so much to ready our campus in preparation for our fall semester. Since our school semesters will look a little different this year, they've had a couple things to rearrange because of it. We are always amazed with what they do and we THANK YOU ALL for stepping in to help!
- Jennifer Bock, Administrative Assistant - Events, Conferences, and Support Services
Recent Retirees
Sandra "Sandy" Roman, Administrative Specialist - Admissions
Congratulations to Sandy Roman, who retired on June 30! We appreciate her dedication to the mission and vision of the University and her many contributions to the Office of Admission, particularly in the areas of multicultural and international student recruitment.
Contact Us
The University Staff Advisory Council invites all staff to submit a suggestion form with ideas, issues, or questions. All entries will be treated with discretion and confidentiality.
2020-21 Executive Committee
Chair: Mark Stanton, Athletics
Vice Chair: Jessica Washington, Bonner Center for Civic Engagement
Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer O’Donnell, Biology Department
410 Westhampton Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173
(804) 289-8000
(800) 700-1662