Nuts & Bolts: Upcoming events, FSU 2026 elections, Know your contract phased retirement, PSU support, Updated Campus Master Plan and MTA Benefits
12/1/2025
FSU Calendar: Dec 1st to 5th
Tuesday, December 2nd NTT Promotion Workshop 2:00PM to 3:00PM
We are hosting a zoom workshop to provide information on the promotion process and materials to be submitted. The submittal date is January 26, 2026. (contact FSU or Caroline Coscia for Zoom information).
Wednesday, December 3rd FSU Pizza and Cookies 11:30AM to 1:00PM, Campus Center, 2nd floor
Stop by UDC for some pizza, relax, chat with colleagues, and meet new colleagues. Pick up some FSU swag – stickers, buttons and t-shirts.
Wednesday, December 3rd at 4PM EST Deadline to submit an Anti-Racism Grant Application
The FSU is accepting grant applications that support anti-racism initiatives that seek to collectively transform UMB’s campus culture (see here for more information).
Application Materials: Maximum 2-page double-space proposal that includes a budget, CV for each applicant and submit as attachments to fsu@umb.edu by December 3, 2025, at 4PM EST.
Friday, December 5th FSU Executive Committee Meeting 3:00PM to 4:30PM
Executive Committee meetings are open to all members in good standing. The meetings tend to be a mix of routine, keep-the-trains-running, agenda items along with more substantive discussion about the larger issues facing faculty and librarians.
Dear Faculty and Librarians,
I am watching the tv meteorologist show a map of Tuesday’s weather with snow, sleet and rain. As a true Bostonian (remember the blizzard of 1978) when I hear snow, I immediately dream of a snow day. UMB’s inclement weather closure policy can be found at https://www.umb.edu/preparedness/campus-closure-policy/ .
For those new to the Boston area, surviving winter is an art. Walking in the snow can be tricky. Boston.com readers provide some suggestions.
FSU Executive Committee Spring 2026 Elections
The election for the FSU’s Executive Committee begins in late January with a call for nominations culminating with voting in mid-March. The Elections Committee will announce the schedule by mid-December.
Know Your Contract: Phased Retirement
Tenure track members and NTT/Librarians on continuing appointments may participate in this program that allows members to reduce their percentage of time to 50% for up to 2 years prior to separation from the university (see Article 27.14 for more info).
PSU Contract Update: Action Request
PSU members continue to be at the bargaining table. In late November, PSU sent a letter to President Meehan regarding the issue of merit pay and the cost of living adjustment (COLA). To support PSU please call President Meehan and personally leave a message. Here is a script plus the telephone number to call.
PSU is asking sister unions to use our union power to send a message to state legislators asking them to urge UMass to settle the contract. It only takes a few clicks at https://secure.ngpvan.com/3DN7KrH4lEOhcSV2C7NZGA2
Campus Master Plan Updated: Nursing and Health Sciences Building
UMB has filed plans with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) updating the campus master plan to include construction of a new Manning College of Nursing and Health Science Building
to be located at the current Quinn loading dock and parking lot across from the West Garage.
The Dorchester Reporter newspaper provides a project overview. To see the MEPA filing click here.
MTA Membership Benefit: Legal Services
MTA provides expert attorneys at no additional cost to members for legal assistance and representation on issues that may arise from your employment.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department