About

The Professional Staff Organization (PSO) is one of the main constituency groups established in 1978 that comprise the governance system at Western Washington University. It represents highly trained and educated individuals who formulate and direct the university’s day-to-day operations.

In their leadership role, professional staff create and facilitate effective programs supporting Western’s student learning experience, and share the responsibility of educating and supporting students by providing essential services and expertise.

PSO staff:

• Contribute to student success through advising, counseling, and teaching;
• Provide technological innovation and support that keeps Western more efficient in meeting the needs of the university, the state, and the nation;
• Conduct academic and institutional research, providing data that support the university and state decision-making;
• Provide mid-level management, confidential administrative and organizational support to Western; and,
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with outside constituents (alumni, parents, and friends).

The PSO membership consists of state employees in positions exempted from the provisions of the Civil Service Law (RCW 41.06.070) and are therefore not represented by a union. As such, they serve solely at the will of the appointing authority or designee.