Nuts & Bolts: Anti Racism Grants, Library Archives Open House Academic Freedom, Faculty of Color, Mentorships, Political Activity policy, Yes on 2 Information session and NEA benefits

9/30/2024

Dear Members,

October is upon us. A time of cooler weather, apple picking, cider donuts, foliage and through October 15th Hispanic Heritage Month.   

Anti Racism Grants: Announcement

Watch for an email with grant details including the application and timeline.

A pool of $45,000 is available.  Past years, most grants awarded were in the $3000 to $7,000 range.

Since the program’s inception, the number of faculty submitting applications either individually or in collaboration with colleagues has far exceeded the funding.  The Core Bargaining Team has proposed increasing the funding to $100,000.   

The UMass Boston Archives Open House on Tuesday, October 1st from 2:00 - 3:30PM

Join the University Archives and Special Collections department's archivists and staff members to learn about our archival holdings and how they can support your teaching and research.

Contact library.archives@umb.edu to RSVP or for more information.

Presentation and Conversation about Academic Freedom in Higher Education, Tuesday, October 1st 3:30-5:00

MTA legal counsel will explain the law and the union’s work to defend academic freedoms and demand protections.

Join us at (contact FSU or Caroline Coscia for Zoom information).

FSU for coffee and tea!  Wednesday, October 2nd 12:00-1:30PM

FSU is sponsoring a coffee and tea station in the University Dining Club, Campus Center, 2nd floor. Bring your lunch, catch up with colleagues, and learn about all your union does.

If you are unable to stop by this Wednesday, we will be in the UDC on Wednesday, October 30, Tuesday, November or Wednesday, November 13.

Faculty of Color Mentorship Program

The MTA Retired Members Committee and the MTA Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee have developed a mentorship program for new faculty of color.  The purpose is to increase retention of faculty of color by focusing on those faculty at the beginning of their careers.  A retired MTA member will be paired with a new faculty member.  The commitment is a once a week (text, email, phone, or in person) meeting.

To participate or to learn more, click here.    

Save the Date: FSU Member Gathering Wednesday, October 9th 11:30AM - 1:00PM

Join us in the Campus Center Ballroom to have a bite to eat, mingle with old friends and meet new colleagues and hear updates on union activities.

Political Activities

As public employees, we have some rules regarding our political activity. The policy is attached   

MTA: Yes on 2 Campaign Information Webinar, October 1st

Want to learn more about ballot question 2 which eliminates the MCAS as a graduation requirement? Join MTA members for a webinar of Tuesday, October 1st 7PM to 8PM.   Click here to register.

NEA benefits: Student Debt Navigator

Your FSU membership includes membership in the NEA. Check out the NEA Student Debt Navigator for educators on how to manage your student loans.

Sincerely,

Caroline Coscia                                 

FSU President                                   

Senior Lecturer II                               

Political Science Department