Return to Campus Concerns – Forum and Update

8/4/2021

Dear FSU Members,

Fall Opening Forum:  Tuesday, August 10, 3:30-4:30 -- Please join us for a FSU Forum about issues of health/safety around the Fall semester opening.  The FSU has invited someone from UMB’s “Return to Campus Committee” to provide information and answer questions.  (contact FSU or Steve Striffler for Zoom information).

Vaccine Update:  The FSU notified the Administration in the Spring that the union was open to negotiating a policy that would require faculty to be vaccinated for the Fall semester.  We met once with Admin, after which they announced the current policy (which was not discussed beforehand with the FSU) that does not require the vaccine, but does require those who do not upload proof of vaccination to be tested weekly.  We subsequently had a second meeting where Admin indicated that they now want to move towards a vaccine requirement that would require proof of vaccination.  Faculty/librarians who do not have a medical/religious exemption would have to be vaccinated to be on campus in the Fall.  We are waiting on a draft MOU from the Administration – to get the discussion going.

Beyond the vaccine, the FSU has expressed concerns to the Administration about the University welcoming back what amounts to a full campus as the Delta variant swirls – concerns about commutes on subways and campus shuttles (which are packed during peak hours), concerns about classrooms (which at capacity don’t allow for meaningful social distancing), concerns about ventilation (many offices haven’t had adequate air for years!), concerns about masking (and enforcement), etc.  The FSU has also urged Admin to consider opening the possibility of remote teaching to more faculty – as a way of reducing density on campus.

We urge you to share your concerns with the FSU (fsu@umb.edu) and the Return to Campus Planning Team (ReturnToCampus@umb.edu).

Steve Striffler

FSU President

For information on the FSU, links to our contract and bargaining updates, and a calendar of events, see the FSU webpage