Spring into action is our collective theme this term. Our Speaker series kicks off on Thursday, April 9th, at 4:00pm with Steve Hicks from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania who will speak to us about the privatization of higher education (the talk will be held in the College of Urban and Public Affairs on the second floor in the Urban Gallery). In light of the recent Board of Trustees' decision to raise tuition and with contract negotiations beginning on May 1st, this topic is very timely for all of us. Click here to see our internal organizer's message below as we begin to prepare for bargaining.
Gatherings such as our Speaker Series are essential as we build and strengthen our solidarity.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Speaker Series:
Privatization of a Public Good
Steve Hicks
April 9th at 4pm
Second Floor of the Urban Center Building in the Urban Gallery
Steve Hicks is an English Professor at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and former president of the largest independent faculty union in the US. He will lead us in examining the language used by education policymakers at multiple levels, from the national to the local. What are the “reformers” trying to reform? Whose interests do they serve? Hicks’s speech will elucidate the privatization agenda driving current discussions on higher education.
Help us win another strong contract!
Organizer Training will take place Friday April 17, 1-4pm, SMSU 328/9. We’re bargaining again this May, and campaigning outside the bargaining table to win another strong contract. We need volunteers in every department who will talk to no more than 10 colleagues throughout the bargaining process, keeping them engaged and providing opportunities to take action.
Organizers are the glue that holds our campaign together and ensures its success.
This role takes about 1 hour per week, no previous experience required. If you’ve never organized before, feel free to come try it out, then decide for yourself. Email Michelle (michelle@psuaaup.net) for more details, or to RSVP.
Upcoming Caucuses:
Tenure Track caucus. April 14, 12-1pm. SMSU 294. Lunch Provided. RSVP to attend Tenure Track Caucus
NTTF caucus. April 22, 12-1pm. SMSU 298. Lunch Provided. RSVP to attend NTTF Caucus.
Academic Professional Caucus. April 29, 12-1pm. SMSU 327/8. Lunch Provided. RSVP to attend AP Caucus.
Make-up Caucus. April 29, 4-5pm. SMSU 327. Light snacks provided. RSVP to attend the make up caucus.
Update on Food Insecurity at PSU:
News from the Committee for Improving Student Food Security (CISFS)
A wonderful partnership with the Oregon Food Bank called Harvest Share which brings free fresh fruits and vegetables to PSU students once per month will begin on April 13th, 2015. It is geared towards students, but is actually open to the greater community. Everyone is welcome. The first Harvest Share will be Monday, April 13 at Noon on the Park Blocks outside of Shattuck Hall. Distribution is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All are encouraged to bring reusable shopping bags.
If all goes well, a Harvest Share will be held on the second Monday of the month at the same time in the same location, and volunteers are needed! Please consider signing up for a short rotation helping with set-up, distribution, line-control, or clean-up. To sign-up please click here.
PSU has an arrangement with Multnomah County Department of Human Services Community Services Division to have an Outreach Specialist here on site 2-3 times per week to assist eligible PSU students in signing up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP) and other such benefits through the county or to connect them with benefits within outlying counties. This will take place in SHAC.
Here is what to know:
- Office hours began March 30. Click here for the schedule. These will also be posted on the CISFS website.
- Office hours will take place in the SHAC Health Promotion & Education Suite, University Center Building, 3rd floor. Students should enter through UCB Suite 307, but the Outreach Specialist will be working out of 310A. This info will also be posted on the CISFS website.
- Assistance is on a walk-in basis.
PSU-AAUP thanks the CISFS for their time and effort on these great accomplishments!