Greetings,
A few quick updates and invitations:
- For those who missed it, the Solidarity March was well-attended, with a mix of Faculty, Professional Adminstrators, Adjunct Faculty, and even a retiree! If you were there, thanks for coming out! If you took any, please send your pictures. And special thanks to those who helped organize the event, including Annie Tuttle, Frank Cetera, Josh Martin, Pam Mullan, and Shawn Edie.
- At the last union meeting, I mentioned that we are re-starting the Building Rep/Department Rep program. We need volunteers who can provide OCCFTA information to their colleagues, and provide us with any concerns they hear. If you are interested in learning more, please email Josh Martin, our Membership Coordinator, at MartiJo@sunyocc.edu.
- Save the Date! Our Spring Social Event, which will include recognition of new retirees, will be held at the Everson Museum on Wednesday, May 16 from 5:00pm-8:30pm. You should have received an invitation/RSVP from Ben Miller sent on Thursday, April 21. To RSVP, just accept the meeting invite and reply to Ben the number of guests you are bringing, if any. Questions about the event? Email our Social Committee - Sophia Marku, Stephanie Putman, and Ben Miller.
- November Election - Higher Ed Voter Guides. With John Katko retiring from Congress, the seat representing the OCC area is open. State legislature races are also on the ballot. Our union doesn't endorse candidates, but we are going to try to collect information from each candidate on their position on issues that affect our College. This has two benefits - not only does it provide us with information to help inform our decisions, but it also communicates to the candidates that a group of voters in their district is interested in community college issues. We are hoping to form a group to write questions, talk to the candidates, and compile their responses. If you are interested, please reach out to Frank Cetera at CeteraF@sunyocc.edu.
- Delegate-At-Large for Full-Time Faculty needed. We have an open seat on the union's Executive Committe for a full-time faculty member because Jason Furney, one of the two delegates, left the College. This is a great way to get more involved. If you're interested, please email me to let me know (WeiskirL@sunyocc.edu).
- NYSUT Dues Relief for Members working at multiple NYSUT institutions - I mentioned at the last membership meeting that NYSUT now has a dues relief program for anyone who is paying more than the "full dues" rate. This can happen if you work at multiple NYSUT institutions - for example, if you are paying full-time dues at one school and adjuncting at another, or if you work part-time at multiple schools. If you think this may apply to you, please give me a call or email me. There's a form we can fill out and send to NYSUT to get your overpayment refunded.
Thanks! And remember that our last union meeting of the academic year is Friday, May 13 at 12:20. See you there!
Best wishes,
Larry.