Dear Fellow Staff,

We recognize that the recent changes to USC benefits have raised significant concern and understandably strong reactions among staff. Since this information has circulated, the Staff Assembly has heard from many who are deeply affected by these adjustments. We want to make it clear that the Staff Assembly, too, is dismayed by these changes.

While Staff Assembly members sit on the Employee Benefits Advisory Committee (EBAC), our role is purely advisory; we do not have a vote in final decisions, which rest solely with senior leadership. Our priority is to represent staff perspectives, and we take seriously our responsibility to amplify the voices of those impacted, particularly those experiencing hardship.

We are here to receive and listen to your feedback regarding these issues. However, we encourage you to direct specific questions regarding benefits directly to the HR Helpdesk, as Staff Assembly is unable to answer detailed inquiries on the changes. Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., the HRSC can be reached by phone at 213-821-8100 or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Rest assured, we will be forwarding all feedback we receive to HR for further action. We’re also here to hear stories of personal hardship or suggestions for additional advocacy, as we continue to push for staff needs and support.

Please know that Staff Assembly will release a formal communication to address these concerns in more detail soon. This forthcoming message will aim to further clarify our stance, actions, and commitment moving forward. We appreciate your continued engagement and advocacy as we navigate these changes together.

Stacey Croomes
USC Staff Assembly President