Updates: Title IX, All IN Challenge, state budget, support our community college colleagues and Yes on 2

8/16/2024

Dear Members,

We write with updates.

Title IX Regulation Effective Date: Update

On Tuesday, July 16th we sent you an email about the new Title IX regulations taking effect on August 1, 2024.  Subsequently, on July 30th the Provost office and Valérie Imparato sent information on impacts to faculty.

As a result of a federal court injunction, implementation has been delayed. Although Massachusetts and UMB are not specifically listed in the injunction, we are included. Therefore, pre August 1st policies remain in effect.

Voting and Sharing with your students

The UMass University system is participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (https://www.massachusetts.edu/umass-votes).   

ALL IN is a national nonpartisan organization that works to empower ‘colleges and universities to develop an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy and instilling the value of lifelong voter participation.’   Actions taken to meet these goals focus on registering voters and then having young adults’ vote.

The website contains important information including key election dates, how to register to vote, and how to check your registration status.  Please share with your students.

Massachusetts Primary Election is September 3rd

Yes, the state primary election is the first day of Fall semester.  If you teach on Tuesdays or just completing final semester tasks and unable to make it to your polling location, you can still vote. 

Massachusetts law allows all to vote by mail.  A postcard has been sent to all registered voters where you can select the vote by mail option.  All you need to do is return the postcard (or print one) and a ballot will be mailed to you.  The deadline to request a mail in ballot to vote on September 3rd is August 26th.

You can also early vote prior to September 3rd.  This is where you go to your city or town’s election office and complete your ballot. This year early voting is August 24th to August 30th.   To find voting hours, please contact your city or town’s election office. 

Bayside Parking Lot

Late Spring the unions were informed that the Bay Side lot would close at end the of the summer.  In a meeting this week, we asked about the closure date and were told that the lot remains open but may close sometime during Fall semester.   

Semester Parking Passes

Fall semester parking passes become effective September 1st.   Please allow up to 72 hours from pass request to when you need it to be active.

Massachusetts State Budget News

Yes, we have a state budget!  The Governor signed the budget only a few days into the new fiscal year (a marked difference from past years).  The FY25 budget includes over $1 Billion in additional Fair Share Funds allocated to public education and public transportation. This means tuition and fee-free community college across the commonwealth, increased financial aid for students attending 2 and 4-year public colleges and universities, and more money for student support services. You can read more about this budget here and find a breakdown of money to all Massachusetts colleges and universities as well.

Solidarity with our Community College Colleagues

While we have all received the 8% offered by the governor last negotiation session, our union siblings in the community colleges have not. With their contract expired for over a year, they have been waiting for 5 months for the legislature to pass a budget that includes appropriation for their salary increases. Please consider standing with them and sending a message of support to your legislators. 

Yes on 2 Ballot Question -

The MTA campaign to eliminate MCAS as a high-stakes graduation requirement is in its final stage and will be in the hands of voters this November. To learn more about the issue, please visit the YES ON 2 website. Look for opportunities to GET INVOLVED with helping to win this important legislation in November.

Enjoy the last few weeks and see you in September.

Sincerely,

Caroline Coscia                             Sana Haroon

Senior Lecturer II                          Professor

Political Science Department     History Department

President                                        Vice President