Information from the FSU

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you had a restful break and are back in the swing of things. Here’s an update on what’s happening on campus.

The Administration has notified us regarding a potential early retirement incentive for faculty with 32+ years of service. This plan would include a one-time cash incentive only and would not add years of service to one’s pension. We are still waiting for a final written proposal and will keep you informed.
For those of you in CLA, we are assessing the move from the 3:3 to the 2:2. Please fill out the survey if you have not done so, from your reminder email yesterday (2/10/16) shortly before 11 a.m.
The Governor’s budget again proposes that as of July 1, 2016, everyone would pay 25% of your health care premiums (up from 20% for some), and anyone who retires after 6/30/16 will pay the 25% share (up from 20% for many). Contact your State legislators to oppose this (click here to get contact information for your elected representatives).
We continue to bargain the tuition and fee waiver benefit for spouses and dependents. If you have any comments on this benefit, contact us.
The Workplace Health and Safety Committee has been busy on the asbestos problem and other issues. Click here for an update.
The Massachusetts Teachers’ Association Annual Meeting is May 13-14, 2016. Let us know if you want to be a delegate. All offices up for election are contested, so we are looking to fill our slate of delegates this year.
Faculty should have received notice from the Provost’s Office of the amount of Research and Educational Support Funds you have to spend this year. You must submit your receipts and paperwork by May 15, 2016. Please be sure to do this.
Nominations for FSU Executive Committee members end tomorrow. For more information on this, see here.
The FSU and the Administration continue to work towards resolving the contract implementation process regarding non-tenure track faculty. We’ll have an update on this as well as on pending grievance matters soon.