Nuts & Bolts: Upcoming events, GIC Proposed Co-pay increases, QuantCrit: Interrogating and Applying Research, Medical Leaves, FSU Annual Meeting and MTA Benefits
2/9/2026
FSU Calendar February 9th to 13
Thursday, February 12th UDC Pizza and Cookies 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Stop by the University Dining Club for some pizza (bring your own beverage) and relax, chat with colleagues and meet new colleagues. Pick up some FSU swag – stickers, buttons and t-shirts.
Upcoming:
Nominations for FSU Executive Committee closes Friday, February 20th at 4PM
For more information go to https://www.fsu.umb.edu/content/nomination-period-fsu-spring-2026-elections
Dear Faculty and Librarians,
February is Black History Month. Originated in 1926 as Black History Week it was expanded in 1976 to a full month to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Black Americans. UMB is holding events throughout the month, for details see the attached flyer.
GIC Health Insurance: Proposed Increases
There is still time to act. Together we can stop the increase. See our February 5th email with actions you can take.
The Massachusetts State College Association’s Legislative Action Committee is holding a zoom meeting on Monday, February 9th to discuss the proposed increases and actions you can take. (contact FSU or Caroline Coscia for Zoom information).
QuantCrit: Interrogating and Applying Research, an FSU Anti-Racism Grant Recipient
The QuantCrit: Interrogating and Applying Research team invites students, faculty, and staff across UMB to participate in a working group.
This working group will meet in person monthly to engage in readings and dialogue to help participants refine how they critically consume and conduct research using quantitative data. Goals include 1) develop working knowledge about the main assumptions and applications of QuantCrit, and 2) consider ways to incorporate or apply QuantCrit to our individual and collective scholarship and practices.
Please complete this interest form or scan the QR code on the attached flyer by Tuesday, February 17.
Know Your Contract: Medical Leaves
Our contract language is not the same as that for staff. When contacting the Administration/Human Resources regarding a possible medical leave, be sure to ask about your paid sick leave option from the FSU contract and, if needed, time from the Sick Leave Bank.
When contacting the Administration/Human Resources regarding a possible medical, family, or parental leave, be sure to ask about your paid leave options from the contract and the Sick Leave Bank. Contractual leaves cover your full salary while you are away from work. Please contact the FSU if you have any questions or concerns about this (information on paid leaves can be found in Article 27.3 of the contract).
FSU Annual Meeting: Thursday, April 16th 11:00AM to 12:30PM
Mark your calendar! Each year we hold an annual meeting to provide members with updates, adopt a budget, amend bylaws and to gather input from you on future activities.
MTA Membership: Benefits
Members are eligible for free legal services through the Massachusetts Teachers Association. These services are designed for legal matters that arise from workplace occurrences or issues (i.e. personal law suit against a member filed by a student) or for arbitration cases that involve matters of law (including but not limited to issues regarding termination, suspension, and non-reappointment). For more information, including the process for applying for legal services, go to the MTA website. Please note that standard 'contract' issues (i.e. contract violations) are dealt with through the grievance procedure (click here for more information).
MTA Benefits: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Looking for an indoor green space this winter? The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s courtyard might be the answer. MTA members received 2-for-1 or 50% off a single general admission ticket. Log into your MTA Benefits account.
Nuts and Bolts will return on February 23rd. Enjoy President’s Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department
