I can’t believe that we are already in the second week of Winter term 2024. This academic year seems to be flying by. We began by welcoming a new President, VP of Public Affairs, Interim Provost, Interim Vice Provost, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, VP for Research & Graduate Studies, and a new Faculty and a new staff member on the Board of Trustees.
Fall term was a vibration of change, anxiety, and realizing our PSU students need us more than ever. Administration asked us to take on more. Many core areas of the University, including Advising and Career Services, the Disability Resource Center, Sponsored Projects Administration, and other units are grossly understaffed. Yet, instead of filling positions to support the students already at the University and providing them necessary on-the-ground services, the Administration continued to point to “hard decisions that will need to be made” about the University’s budget.
On top of this, we have borne witness to harrowing world events spiking trauma and fear as we witness mass suffering from the terrorist attack in Israel and the subsequent war. We are feeling deeply. Our students are feeling deeply. These deep feelings threaten division in our community. Division is not the way. Mutual care, compassion, and empathy are core tenets of unionism. As we navigate these times and deep feelings, these tenets should remain central to our work. PSU-AAUP is built and powered by you and your co-workers. Each and every one of us needs to be checking in with one another. What do you need? Are you okay? How can I support you?
We must also continue advocating for PSU’s bright future. PSU is your university. You and your co-workers have the power to forge PSU's bright future. How? Show up. Be engaged.
In June, less than six months from now, we will begin bargaining for a new contract. This term, you and your coworkers can provide pivotal input to steer the direction of bargaining priorities and to surface and address the issues you face. To get ready to bargain a strong contract in this context, it's important each of us fill out our bargaining survey. Also important, at least one person from each department joining the Contract Action Team (CAT). Being on the CAT entails getting folks in your department filling out bargaining surveys and facilitating communication between your department and the bargaining team during bargaining.
Join the PSU-AAUP General Membership Meeting on Thursday, January 18th to hear more about bargaining preparations, and to connect with your union co-workers!
In Solidarity,
Emily Ford, President
Other opportunities for Engagement:
Strategic Planning Engagement (choose one of the following times)
- Monday, Feb. 12 (3:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
- Thursday, Feb. 15 (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
- Wednesday, Feb. 21 (9:30 - 11:30 a.m.)
Winter Budget Forum
- Wednesday February 21st 2024 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Board of Trustees Meetings
January 26, 2024
- Coffee Hour before the board meeting - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
- Board Meeting - 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
April 5, 2024
- Coffee Hour before the board meeting - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
- Board Meeting - 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
June 7, 2024
- Coffee Hour before the board meeting - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
- Board Meeting - 9:30 am - 12:30 pm