Nuts & Bolts: Upcoming events, NTTs with 50% or greater continuing appointments, academic freedom webinar, sabbaticals, and MTA benefits

10/28/2024

FSU Calendar October 28th to November 1st

Monday, October 28th 5:00-6:00PM Yes on 2 Savin Hill Canvassing

Join with Yes on 2 supporters to canvas our neighbors.  See attached flyer for details.

Wednesday, October 30th 11:45- 1:30PM   Coffee, Tea and Yes on 2 

Stop by University Dining Club, Campus Center, 2nd floor for some caffeine and sugar

Thursday, October 31st 12:30 – 2:00PM CC 3 -3545   Collective Bargaining Session 

Your Core Bargaining Team is meeting with the administration who are scheduled to respond to our proposals.  Join us as an expanded team member (contact  the Core Bargaining Team to register)!

Friday, November 1st 4PM Deadline to Submit Anti Racism Grant Applications 

The application deadline is this Friday, November 1st.

Dear Members,

If it is the last week of October, then it is Halloween.   (I purposely did not say many of us are doing more grading this time of year!)   Check out the Library of Congress blog on the history of Halloween traditions.

NTTs With Continuing Appointments at 50% and Greater: a UMB Computer 

If you are at 50% and greater continuing appointment, watch for an email with instructions on obtaining a university computer. 

Academic Freedom in Higher Education Webinar Materials

Our October 1st webinar on academic freedom in higher education included an examination of federal and state laws governing academic freedom and described how contract language affords additional rights to union members.    If you missed the webinar and wish to see PowerPoints, please contact the FSU.

Sabbaticals: Information From Our Contract

Upon receipt of tenure or upon completion of 6 years of service, whichever is sooner, tenure track faculty members are eligible for a one semester sabbatical at full pay (see Appendix C; Librarians with continuing appointments are also eligible for a sabbatical after 6 years; see Appendix C(L)). Subsequent sabbaticals may be taken at various time frames utilizing accumulated sabbatical credits (the ‘flexible sabbatical’, members also have the ability to take a non-consecutive sabbatical, i.e. a two semester sabbatical spread out over different years). The member’s percentage of time and thus pay will vary depending on the number of applied sabbatical credits. Members should be aware that taking a sabbatical at less than full time pay will have an impact on their creditable time for retirement. Sabbaticals taken at less than 50% will also result in a loss of benefits eligibility. Members should also be aware that any money paid directly to the member (i.e. not given to the university) via grants as part of the sabbatical will NOT be counted as creditable time for purposes of retirement. Sabbaticals are subject to the approval of the Administration as outlined in section 2 of Appendix C. If you have been denied a sabbatical request and are concerned about the basis for such a denial please let the FSU know.

November 5th Election: In Person Early Voting Ends November 1st 

You still have a few days to vote in person.  Check your city or town clerk’s office for hours and locations.

MTA Benefits: Heating Oil and Propane

As we approach winter, heating our homes can be costly.  MTA Benefits provides discounts for those who heat with oil through Heat USA.  For those using propane, Tankfarm is the supplier. For details go to https://www.mtabenefits.com/benefits/utilities/heating-oil

Reminder: Daylight Savings Time Ends At 2AM November 3rd

It is that time of year when we change the clocks.  Spring ahead, Fall behind.  The November 4th sunrise is 6:21 and the sunset is at 4:33PM.

Sincerely,

Caroline Coscia                                 

FSU President                                   

Senior Lecturer II                               

Political Science Department