March 7, 2023
FSU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2023 (Zoom)
Executive Committee Members Present: Caroline Coscia (President); Jeff Melnick (Vice President); Chris Barcelos; Lynne Benson; Dana Commesso; Sana Haroon; Jessica Holden; Linda Liu; Jose Martinez-Reyes
Others Present: Lorenzo Nencioli (FSU Senior Staff Member); Katie D’Urso (MTA field rep); Travis Johnston (FSU member); Susan Mraz (FSU member); Joe Ramsey (FSU member); Natalia Scarpetti (FSU member); Todd Wolfson (Rutgers faculty union and HELU)
- Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the agenda as amended. Motion seconded. Motion passes.
2.Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve draft Executive Committee minutes of the February 21, 2023 meeting. Motion seconded. Motion passes.
3.Todd Wolfson from Rutgers – HELU: Remarks from Todd Wolfson, one of the leaders of HELU and the Rutgers faculty union. Three unions at Rutgers are in the process of a strike authorization vote. Discussion of HELU, a nationwide coalition of higher education workers. HELU is an opportunity to build solidarity and a national strategy amongst higher education unions. FSU will look at HELU’s by-laws and constitution and will consider a) signing onto the HELU vision statement and b) paying a solidarity fee (between 0.5% - 1.5% of our operating budget minus affiliation dues).
4.FSU Elections Update: Travis provides an update on this spring’s election cycle: although the nomination period was extended, the Elections Committee has not received additional nominees for the 2 tenured and 1 pre-tenure positions up for election. Proposal to accept nominations until Thursday, March 16 (ballot will go out Monday, March 20). Motion to approve extension of nomination period until March 16. Motion seconded. Motion passes.
5.Higher Ed for All Campaign: MTA wants all locals to endorse this campaign. There is no cost to endorse the campaign. Our logo would be on campaign materials. Motion to endorse the Higher Ed for All Campaign. Motion seconded. Motion passes.
6.Campus Center Garage: The Campus Center garage reopened on March 6. Discussion of the ADA shuttle, which has not been stopping directly in front of the Campus Center. The ADA shuttle is now at reduced hours since the Campus Center garage has reopened. FSU is going to push for the shuttle to stop in front of the Campus Center and to extend the hours. Caroline will ask PSU, CSU, and GEO if they will join us in sending a statement to the Administration.
7.Labor Management: Recent Labor Management discussions have focused on the proposed academic reorganization, online course development fees (which are no longer being paid by the Provost’s Office), and lack of faculty attendance at commencement. Discussion of making commencement ceremonies more student-focused and asking the Administration to pay for regalia for faculty that need them.
8.Healey Library: Summary of recent meeting between FSU and the library dean, as well as the physical state of the library and the working conditions of librarians. FSU will plan a virtual charette to discuss library-related issues and will draft a resolution that will be sent to the membership.
9.Emergency Prevention and Preparedness: FSU has not yet received a response from Justin Comeau on door locks. Kathleen Kirleis says there is more funding for student mental health, which went to University Health Services.
10.FSU Budget: Brian, Caroline, and Lorenzo will work on the FSU budget.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MEETING ADJOURNS