Budget cut update and FSU General Assembly on Thurs. Oct. 12

10/2/2017

Dear Colleague,

►Budget Cut update:  The university is informing us that

• They currently do not anticipate any further significant reductions in the NTT workforce in response to the deficit, nor do they expect any retrenchment (layoffs) of tenured or tenure track faculty.  However, they anticipate that a very limited number of searches will be authorized during this year to replace tenure track faculty. 
• They expect to review academic programs in concert with Deans, departments, and faculty governance, but have no present plans regarding cuts to programs.  
• They are examining the research institutes to make these self-supporting. 
• Whether or not staff layoffs are necessary will be decided as part of final decisions regarding budget plans over the next couple of weeks. 
• The budget reduction plans submitted by the various departments and colleges are being reviewed and discussed with the Vice Chancellor's and Deans, and the administration should have additional information on the budget by the town hall on the budget on Thursday, October 12, from 2:30 to 4 pm in the Campus Center Ballroom.  

►FSU Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 11-1 pm, Campus Center, 2^nd Floor, 2540:  We will discuss the budget cuts (what has occurred, what we have done) and bargaining.  We will also hold an FSU General Assembly meeting at approximately 12:15 or 12:30 to discuss and vote on a proposed change to the bylaws (see here; the FSU Executive Committee proposed and approved this proposed change—see Article III, Section 5). Only FSU members in good standing will be able to vote on this item at this General Assembly!  Lunch will be served; let us know if you plan to attend so we can ensure adequate food for you.  Note:  a previous email incorrectly said this was on a Wednesday. 

►  FSU Pre-Tenure Faculty Meeting: Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3^rd, 2017, 11-12, Campus Center, 2^nd floor, room 2540. Meet fellow pre-tenure faculty, share concerns and issues, and learn about bargaining issues specific to pre-tenure faculty. FSU president, Marlene Kim, and Sofya Aptekar and Jason Rodriquez (pre-tenure track FSU Executive Committee representatives), will listen to your concerns and answer questions.

► DPC/CPC Chairs training:  Thursday, October 5^th at 2:30 pm in the Chancellor’s Conference room, Quinn, 3^rd floor. Co-sponsored by the Office for Faculty Development and the FSU, this is designed to aid DPC and CPC Chairs of responsibilities in promotion and review.

The union is only as strong as members are involved.  Let us know if you want to be involved in the union, serve on our membership drive, a committee, or help with any of these issues. If you have not yet joined as a full member we urge you to do so now! (contact the FSU office for membership materials).

Marlene Kim

FSU President

Professor, Economics

Please “like” the  FSU Facebook Page.

Follow us on Twitter at @FSU_UMB