The association, established in 1972, advances the interests of all non-unionized, non-academic staff. It conducts regular discussions with the university administration on matters of mutual interest and tries to arrive at annual or multi-year agreements with the administration with respect to salaries, benefits, and other working conditions.
The Principal consults the association in naming staff observers to the Board of Trustees and Senate, and staff observers or full members to various Senate and Board committees.
In December 2010, QUSA became a union, represented by the United Steelworkers of Canada.