Nuts & Bolts: Grants, Leaves, Accommodations, Veterans Day campus openings
11/6/2023
Dear Members,
Update: Nov 1st Endowment and Grants Processing Forum
Thank you to those who attended last week’s forum. Thank you to those who were unable to attend yet sent us comments. We want to keep the conversation going. If you are managing a grant, please contact us to be added to the listserv.
Our Contract: Medical/Sick/Parental Leave
Because of your union, you have many options for medical and family leave. Besides unpaid leave mandated by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Commonwealth’s new Paid Family Medical Leave (state laws), if you are benefited (i.e. 50% or more), you are also eligible for sick leave and parental leave through the FSU contract (all tenure track faculty members, all librarians with 4 months of service, and all NTT with 3 years of full-time service are eligible for a paid semester of parental leave. Tenure track faculty who takes parental leave may also opt to delay their tenure decision year (see Article 27.3.5(g) for more info). Your sick leave time accrual, as well as other information on sick leave, can be seen in Article 27.3.3 of the contract.
You cannot be compelled to take time via FMLA or its MA state equivalent in lieu of the paid sick leave that you are eligible for under the contract. Please contact the FSU if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Accommodation: Right to Workplace Accommodations.
You have the right to an accommodation related to a disability, a medical condition, pregnancy, or religious beliefs. Please contact us if you have any questions including providing us any experience you have related to seeking an accommodation.
Save the Date: International Faculty Gathering, December 6th 9AM
Join with other international faculty to mingle and discuss issues of concerns.
Veterans Day, November 11
This year Veterans Day is a Saturday. It is one of a few federals holidays that is always on its day. According to the academic calendar, classes are cancelled Saturday.
Members of the CSU and PSU and FSU members who are on calendar year appointments are entitled to the holiday and as such, will be taking either Friday or Monday off. Be aware when you are planning your week.
The FSU office will be closed on Friday, November 10th.
MTA Membership Benefit: Propane Discount
Do you already use propane in your home or are you thinking about converting? With the MTA Propane Discount Program from Tankfarm you can save an average of $300-$500 a year on propane without sacrificing quality of fuel or service.
NEA Membership Benefits: NEA Travel Dollars
The NEA Travel Program is a free benefit for NEA members. Receive exclusive deals and discounts, saving you up to 60% on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Plus earn NEA Travel Dollars to use like cash along the way and help you save even more (1 credit = 1 USD).
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department