Nuts & Bolts: FSU Elections, Final Grade Submittal, University Closure, Know your Contract: January Pay Raise, NTT Promotion, Fall Semester Payroll, NEA Article on UMass and MTA Benefits

12/15/2025

Dear Faculty and Librarians,

This is the last Nuts & Bolts of the semester. Although you will not receive another until January 26, the FSU works all year.  During winter break, the FSU is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have, albeit a few days off in the next couple of weeks.  If there is an urgent or important issue that arises, we will inform you.

We are all busy with exams and grading, yet Saturday’s event at Brown University and in Australia are reminders of the world we live in.  The City of Providence has a webpage with information about assisting Brown students along with resources for us.

FSU Elections: Upcoming

Watch for an email with the Spring FSU Executive Committee election schedule.

Final Grade Submittal Due Date

December 29th is the due date for submitting final grades.

University Closure December 30th and 31st

The University is closed for the last two business days of the year, which are December 30 and 31st.  In addition, the university is closed for New Year Day.

Know Your Contract: Cost of Living Increase January 2026

Our next 2.25% cost of living increase is effective January 1, 2026, and will be paid in our January 11, 2026, paycheck.

Article 26.1.1

NTT Promotion Materials: Deadline is Monday, January 26th

The last day to submit promotional materials to your department chair is Monday, January 26th.  Promotion information can be found in Article 21.12.2 to 21.2.4.  

Fall Semester Payroll

Fall semester payroll begins September 1st and continues for twenty-six weeks and thirteen paychecks.  This year Fall semester payments end late February 2026.

NEA Today: UMass Staff Fight for a Living Wage: ‘One Job Should Be Enough.’

Did you read your NEA Today? (December 10th email to you from NEA).  Check out UMass Staff Fight for a Living Wage: One Job Should Be Enough?  

MTA Membership Benefit: Winter Break Activities

Looking for something to do in January.  Go to Seasonal Offers and Tickets (under Giveaways and Tickets)  in MTA Benefits.

On behalf of myself, Vice President Jason Rodriquez, Senior Staff Lorenzo Nencioli, MTA representative Katie D’Urso and the whole FSU Executive Committee, we wish you a happy and enjoyable Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.   Do take time to relax and maybe use your MTA membership discounts for some fun activities.

Sincerely,

Caroline Coscia                                 

FSU President                                   

Senior Lecturer II                               

Political Science Department