Why Run for the PSO Board
Being part of the PSO board is a tremendous way to learn more about UW and the professional staff role, share ideas, resources, and connections, and make impactful contacts all across campus! The PSO works with UW leadership at the President’s office, Human Resources, The Whole U, faculty committees, and the membership to support professional staff and advocate for their needs and priorities. In addition, board members come from all across the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses, Harborview Medical Center, and UW Medical Center, providing opportunities to meet other professional staff members in a variety of areas.
If you are looking for leadership opportunities that you don’t have in your daily work at the UW, there are many ways a PSO position can provide this professional growth for you. Chairing a committee, organizing outreach, and supporting our various events are just a few of the ways you can expand your skills with a supportive group of colleagues.
Not only can you develop your leadership skills, but you can make an impact on the more than 10,000 professional staff. Board members work together to advocate for and enrich our roles at the UW.
PSO Board Election Process
Board applications for the 2025–2027 term are now closed. Keep an eye out for updates on the next opportunity to apply! We accept new board member applications every year on a rolling basis from January through March. Board elections are held in April, with results announced in May.
Technology note: The PSO Board application is available in MS Form. To access the form, you must be logged in to Microsoft 365 with your UW account. Users should log out of all personal Microsoft accounts before launching the voting form. Please contact your department’s IT person if you have any issues accessing the form.
Duties and Responsibilities
UPDATED May 30, 2025
PSO Board Member Job Description
PSO Bylaws
(Excerpt from the Job Description document linked above)
Board members are required to:
● Serve according to all bylaws and PSO group agreements.
● Participate in monthly Board meetings from September through June. If you are unable to attend, please let the Secretary know as soon as possible.
● Attend the Board retreat, which happens in August and is scheduled collaboratively to align with Board members’ calendars.
● Participate in at least one Board committee or Faculty Council.
● Participate in a minimum of 1 PSO event a year (Diversity Forum, Annual Meeting/Awards Ceremony, or outreach/engagement events).
● Engage with PSO business on all relevant platforms (email, Teams, etc.), including responding to PSO member queries as appropriate.
For records retention compliance, store any PSO-related information on the shared PSO Teams channel.
Benefits
- Meet and network with other professional staff across campuses (Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma, Harborview, UW Medical Center).
- Hear from UW departments and administrators on topics that impact professional staff.
- Develop skills to advocate for professional staff on topics such as benefits, salary, recognition, etc.
Questions? Contact us at psoboard@uw.edu.