Join CSAC

CSAC strives to have a membership that reflects the diversity of the UC Berkeley staff community. As part of their committee appointment, members of CSAC become an extension of the campus administration and may not advocate on behalf of any organization, department, or special constituency. The opportunity to serve on the Committee is available to all non-executive tier and non-academic campus staff who have completed their probationary period.

CSAC is a confidential committee of up to 16 members, appointed by the Chancellor. During the membership process, the committee selects up to six new members, depending on the number of vacancies in the given year. The committee also selects up to 3 alternate members who may be asked to serve as a member in the event that a position becomes vacant.

Applications for the 2025 Cycle are now open!

The application process for the 2025 Cycle includes the following milestones:

  • August 23, 2024: Application form available
  • September 2024: Information sessions via Zoom (registration required via links below)
  • October 4, 2024: Application submission deadline (11:59 p.m.)
  • Early November 2024: Finalists are invited to participate in group interviews (after submitting a release form signed by supervisor). Applicants who were not selected for interviews are notified about their application status.
  • November 13, 14, and 18, 2024: CSAC membership interviews
  • December 2024: New members and alternates selected and notified
  • January 2025: Onboarding and CSAC Retreat. New members begin three-year committee service.

View a 2024 Information Session Recording

Check back for a 2025 information session recording!

2025 Membership Application Form

Application form now available!

CSAC Membership Information Slide Deck

Eligibility

All non-academic, non-executive-tier career or contract employees of the Berkeley campus who have completed their probationary period are eligible to apply for and serve as members of the Chancellor's Staff Advisory Committee. However, the Committee will consider admitting staff with less than six months of service. The Committee aims to reflect the diverse campus staff population with consideration of race, gender, control unit affiliation, job classification, and years of experience on campus.

Member Selection Criteria

The following Member Selection Criteria are provided to aid you in completing the application. The Committee needs individuals who can or are willing to learn to:

  • Take a broad and objective view of Berkeley campus issues
  • Show interest and awareness of Berkeley staff issues
  • Interact effectively with fellow committee members and invited guests
  • Network with staff and administration to address issues

The ideal CSAC member will demonstrate the potential to:

  • Effectively work within the University's complex administrative framework to find positive solutions to problems and issues affecting staff on the Berkeley campus
  • Provide group leadership - develop the ability and willingness to achieve consensus by participating actively and constructively in a collaborative group decision-making process
  • Plan and organize time to be an active member of the committee: attend all meetings; accept and complete committee assignments, which can include background research, data collection, and writing reports
  • Have a good working relationship with their supervisor to permit full participation with the committee

Committee Structure

CSAC members are appointed by the Chancellor for three-year terms; terms start at the beginning of the calendar year. Committee goals are set on an annual basis each calendar year. Goals are influenced by a number of factors, including current issues and long-range or identified future issues. The Committee speaks through the chair with a unified voice developed through a strong commitment to the group and consensus-building processes. The Committee is guided internally by an elected executive committee. Work is accomplished through standing and ad hoc subcommittees and is presented to the full committee for discussion and action. For more details, see the About CSAC portion of this site.

Time Commitment

Full participation in CSAC requires work. Time commitment and expectations include:

  • Attend General Meetings every other Wednesday from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Attend an annual one-day CSAC orientation/retreat held during the first or second week of January and a half-day, mid-year retreat in June
  • Serve on a subcommittee that may meet during work hours and require time for subcommittee tasks.
  • Prepare for meetings by studying issues, drafting recommendations/talking points, and participating in online discussions.
  • Attend three half-day meetings for Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Awards recipient selection, new membership selection, and new member interviews.
  • Participate in other CSAC activities such as the Chancellor’s Outstanding Staff Awards, membership information sessions, Summerfest tabling, and other outreach activities to promote CSAC.

On average, members will spend 2-4 hours each week on CSAC-related work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my probation period ends after the application date but before CSAC terms begin in January?
Your probation period must be complete before you apply to become a CSAC member.

Can I become a CSAC member if I am a contract employee?
Contract employees on the University payroll are eligible for CSAC membership. Contractors are not eligible for membership.