Draconian budget cuts and other important information from the FSU

Dear Colleagues,

Please join is on Monday afternoon to prevent draconian budget cuts.  Information on other events is below:

► Budget Crisis and cuts.  We are hearing that the university is considering cutting 20% of all department and unit budgets across the board, and increasing parking fees up to $10. 

Tell the administration to cut ribbons, not budgets! 

• Gather at the lower level campus center, inside near the bus pick-ups at 3:45 pm, this Monday, October 17.

• Or gather at University Hall at 4 pm for the ribbon cutting.
• Help flyer for this event here
• Let us know if you want someone to speak to your class for 15-20 minutes to inform students about the recent cuts and tuition hikes, their impact, and how students can get involved in saving the urban mission and public education.  Contact the FSU.

► Bargaining will start soon:  Let us know if you have any issues you want addressed or if you can help us write proposals or otherwise help out. 

► Save our Public Schools: The FSU will be canvassing with the Massachusetts Teachers Association against expanding the number of charter schools with the No On Proposition 2 Campaign:

• In Boston tomorrow, Saturday October 15, 10 am at Dunkin Donuts, 1200 Hyde Park Ave, Boston, MA  02136.  Let us know if you can attend. 
• In Boston Saturday, November 5 for only two hours (10-12 noon).  Let the FSU know if you can attend.  
• Canvass every Saturday at 9:30 am at the MTA office in Quincy. 
• We will be phone banking on Wed. October 19, Tuesday Oct. 25 and Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5-7:30 from the union office.  Dinner will be provided.  Let us know if you can attend. 
• We will also be phone banking in Porter Square on Thursday, November 3, 6-8:30 pm: 

15 Arlington St., 4 minute walk from Porter Square T.

Contact Wendy Schoener – wendell1212@gmail.com or 617-354-4551 if you can attend

►NTT Orientations: Learn about your rights in the contract and about the FSU:

Wednesday, October 19th, 2-3:30, Campus Center, 4th floor meeting room (4201)

Thursday, October 20th, 1-2:30, University Hall, 2nd floor, Seminar room (2320)

►NTT Caucus:  Next meeting is Friday, October 21st from 3:30PM to 5:00PM in the Crossley Lounge (W-6-047).

►The next NTT Gathering for adjuncts across UMass and other universities:   UMass Lowell, November 20, 10-2 pm.  Contact John.Hess@umb.edu for more information.

Marlene Kim

FSU President