PAnorama: September 2001
From the President's Desk
by Ellis Gage Searles
Another academic year is underway!
Even as we begin to teach our new students and provide the college services they need for a successful experience at MVCC, we can see PA energy at work.
For one example, let's look at the recent efforts of the Member Services Committee. Last week, the first PA new member orientation took place under its direction. The full story--and photos--appear inside. But that's not all. This committee's members created a snazzy binder of information for new members, then captured the attention of other NYSUT locals at a conference last May when they shared their idea and displayed a sample. What's more, they are responsible for the calendar of important PA and College dates that your area rep will be distributing to you shortly. And, to top it off, they've set up the Second Annual PA Picnic to be held next weekend at Lewis House. (Do you have your ticket yet?)
Other instances of new and ongoing PA initiatives can be found throughout our membership. This issue of PAnorama is filled with updates on your union's activities, with the newsletter itself a result of the skill, energy, and hard work of member/editor Cynthia Villanti. Please read these pages to find out about our web page, the evolving PA database, NYSUT conferences, and more.
If you're not already actively involved in the Professional Association, now's the time to step up. This month, special balloting will be held to elect members of our negotiating team. As you know, our current contract will expire next summer, so the coming semester will be important as we prepare to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. To begin that process, the Internal Communications Committee will soon be conducting a survey to ascertain the membership's priorities for negotiations.
Of course, all the PA's committees would welcome your ideas and participation. Meetings are being planned; things are happening. One glance at last spring's PA election ballot confirms what we can sense on campus: PA morale is strong!
So, our year begins with a great deal of promise. But the days and weeks ahead will not be without challenge. Each of us will be working hard to meet the needs of new and returning students in Utica and Rome. We'll be innovating programs, providing services, teaching courses, developing curricula, and advising, coaching, and tutoring. And all of these will be more difficult because of the College's financial constraints.
As this issue of PAnorama goes to press, MVCC's budget is being reviewed for potential cuts. The Board of Trustees will hold a special budget meeting on Wednesday.
In spite of a very welcome increase in the County contribution, the funding proposed for the College still falls more than half a million dollars short of what MVCC needs. As a result, we will be called upon to try to maintain the integrity of our programs and services under very difficult circumstances. And we, the membership of the PA, see up close on a daily basis what years of underfunding have brought about. We see our colleagues leaving for better pay elsewhere; we serve on hiring committees that come up empty-handed because salary offers are too low; we struggle to fill the gaps created by unstaffed positions.
All of which means that it must be our voices that speak to decision-makers at both the county and state levels. In an ongoing way, we need to let them know that each time the money budgeted for MVCC falls short, the College's ability to fulfill its mission is compromised. If we are to provide the quality education that is essential to the growth and prosperity of our community, we will need the resources to do it. We must send this message whenever and wherever we can.
In the months to come, I and others in the PA leadership will continue to speak to policy makers and legislators on behalf of our institution and our membership. It's something we all need to do.
But we don't need to do it alone. Among our friends and neighbors in Oneida County are thousands of fellow NYSUT members. During the budget discussions of spring and early summer, many of them expressed their support for MVCC's budget through letters and petitions. Right now, NYSUT leaders are working in Albany to urge passage of a state budget that contains adequate funding for education. And, as our own MVCC PA members attend meetings and conferences around the county and state, we become more visible both locally and statewide.
In October, our members will have just such an opportunity. The NYSUT-sponsored Community College Conference will be held from October 19-21 at the Otesaga in Cooperstown. The PA has budgeted for ten of our members to attend. Sessions are specifically geared to community college issues, so this conference is particularly pertinent and can provide some-thing interesting for both new and veteran union members. Please let me know if you'd like to go.
The weekend just before that (October 12-14) is NYSUT's Regional Leadership Conference in Alexandria Bay. As in past years, twelve PA members, including most of the Executive Board, will be there. This conference has provided a chance for us to get updated on relevant issues and do the long-range planning that is so important to an organization like ours.
In closing, I'd like to say thanks to the many PA members who have offered good wishes, cheerful assistance, and support to me during these first months of my presidency. PA solidarity is a truly wonderful thing.
Negotiations
Team looking for members
The Negotiations Team is looking for a few good men and women to serve on this very important committee. To learn more, contact any member of the Internal Communications Committee.
The slate of nominees will be presented at the Sept. 25 General Membership Meeting and a vote will be held on Oct. 4-5 in both campus libraries.
PA members help colleague in need
by Lynn Igoe
Recently, one of our PA colleagues was in need of paid leave time. This colleague experienced a catastrophic family medical emergency and was about to use up her sick and vacation time before she would be able to return to work.
When some of us became aware of her situation, President Ellis Searles graciously sent an e-mail to all Professional Association members asking for donations of sick time, a benefit made possible through the PA contract agreement with the college.
The response to the e-mail was overwhelming: In less than 48 hours, we reached our goal of 60 days, the maximum amount allowed by the contract. What's even more remarkable is the fact that this happened during the summer, a time when most faculty are off campus and many professional staff members are away on vacation.
This incident reminds us of the great and compassionate power that a unified group can possess and use to positively affect the lives of its individual members. I know our colleague joins me in thanking everyone who stepped forward to assist her during her time of need.
Editor's Note: Lynn Igoe and Jackie Womack have agreed to serve as our sick leave donation program representatives. Thanks to Lynn and Jackie for volunteering their kind services.
Save the dates: Fall 2001 Professional Association meetings
Next General Membership Meeting
Tuesday
September 25
3:00 p.m.
PH 102
Fall 2001 E-Board Meetings
Executive Board Meetings are open to all PA members. Please come to share ideas, to express concerns, to ask questions, or simply to learn more about the function and activities of the PA.
Wednesday
October 3
3:00 p.m.
ACC 212
Wednesday
November 7
3:00 p.m.
ACC 212
Wednesday
December 5
3:00 p.m.
ACC 212
President
Searles to attend conference for AFT higher ed. leaders
Our new PA President, Ellis Searles, has been invited to attend a special conference for AFT higher education leaders.
The conference, sponsored by the AFT Higher Education Program & Policy Council and the Higher Education Department, is limited to only 40 participants selected from AFT locals across the nation. It's an honor that our own President has been chosen to participate.
The conference will provide an opportunity for an exchange of knowledge between more experienced college and university union leaders and newer, younger leaders. Past conference sessions have focused on building memberships, negotiating contracts, developing legislative and political leadership, and addressing distance education.
President Searles will attend this conference in Washington, D.C., on November 16-18.
Oneida
County BOCES Teachers Association holds "Back to School Golf Classic"
Register now for the First Annual "Back to School Golf Classic" golf tournament, to be held on Sunday, September 23, at The Golf Club of Newport.
Proceeds from the event, a Captain & Crew format, will benefit the BOCES Teachers Scholarship Fund to assist students in financial need.
Registration is limited to the first 144 golfers. Your $65 player fee includes greens fees, cart, 18 holes of golf, lunch on the turn, and a steak dinner at the end of the tournament. In addition to door prizes and raffles, first- and second-place teams will be awarded prizes.
Players will be contacted to confirm registration and tee times will be indicated after payment has been received. Obtain a "Back to School Golf Classic" registration form from your area representative and submit it as directed by Friday, September 14.
Member milestones: New members, promotions, retirees, and other celebrations
New Members
The following people, some of whom haven't been officially welcomed by PAnorama yet, are new members in the PA since January 3, 2000:
Maimun Khan
Dawson McDermott
Tracey Coné
Donna Sawyer
Richard Pimpinella
Catherine Paul
Bernard Raynor
James Myers
Julie Wells-Tsiatsos
Mark Murphy
Philip DeFazio
Anne Ichihana
Paul Angerosa
Santiago Machuca Jr.
Margaret Partyka
Ronald Miller
Colleen Kehoe-Robinson
Michael McHarris
Nikki Wood
David Garcia
Kelly Cornmire
Jennifer Piazza
Jessicia Basi
Iris Baiocchi
Aaron Board
Catherine DonDiego
Christy Harrington
Caroline Lewis
Julie Lewis
John Reese
Thomas Schink
Scott Selden
Thea Sierak
Pat Zawko
Promotions
These individuals have received promotions to the following ranks in the past academic year:
Level II
Paul Halko
Alma King
Susan Rubino
Level III
Rose Patterson
Stephanie Verostek
Rick Zaklukiewicz
Assistant Professor
Bob Decker
Krista Hartman
Gary Kulis
Cynthia Villanti
Associate Professor
Robert Clarke
James Fiore
Leslie Goerner
Christine Miller
Norayne Rosero
Professor
Jean Wagner
Also, congratulations go to Paul Halko and Jo-Anne Tartaglia for their career appointments; to Robert Dell and George Strong for the Excellence in Teaching Award; and to Sue Ellen Bice for the Chancellor's Award.
Retirees
At our annual fall PA Picnic and Retiree Recognition Day, we'll honor both Jean Taft and George Strong. Please join us!
CNY Labor Council thanks PA for Easter donation
On May 15, 2001, the PA received a letter of appreciation from the Central New York Labor Council.
The letter expresses thanks for the PA's financial contributions during the CNY Labor Council's Easter Ham & Candy Drive for fellow unionists who had been laid off.
The laid-off workers, from UAW Local #2243 at Orion Bus and UAW Local #2267 at Revere Copper Products received a total of 175 hams, 3 turkeys, and 200+ bags of assorted Easter candies from all who participated in the charity drive.
That the CNY Labor Council exceeded its donation goals shows just how much the labor movement cares about working families and others in need in Central New York.
NYSUT RA 2001: "Building on Our Solidarity"
by Ellis Gage Searles
"Wow!" The first of the daily newsletters at the Representative Assembly in Rochester had this one-word headline. Anything else would have been an understatement.
During the first week of May, NYSUT sponsored its annual RA. Since the convention was preceded by a Local Presidents' Conference, Bill Perrotti and I attended both events, with MVCC Delegate Mike Sewall joining us for the three days of the RA itself.
Other names you may recognize were there as well. President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Governor George Pataki, and Comptroller H. Carl McCall were among those who addressed the gathering of thousands of educators from around New York State. At the same time, there were speakers whose names most of us probably do not know, but whose presence also electrified the audience throughout the convention: teachers and students who spoke from the heart, entertained and informed us, and just generally reminded us of our common mission. It was both reinforcing and energizing.
It was also a learning experience. As an alternate, I was not called upon to vote, but I saw firsthand the careful crafting of resolutions and heard the reasoned debate during each of the caucus sessions. All of us in the MVCC PA delegation participated in roundtable discussions specifically geared to higher education and had many opportunities to meet and consult with colleagues from around the state.
Political activism was everywhere. NYSUT reported on its 2000 legislative activity and outlined the agenda for 2001. Banks of computers were set up for those in attendance to send messages and faxes to their legislators. And, of course, several legislators had made the trip to Rochester to be there in person.
Being there provides each union member and NYSUT local a chance to experience the connections we might otherwise not fully appreciate. It is by "building on our solidarity" that we can remain an effective force for change in education. We can be proud that the MVCC PA, as always, was represented at this important convention.
Annual Fall PA Picnic & Retiree Recognition Day
The Second Annual Fall PA Picnic & Retiree Recognition Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lewis House in Westmoreland. The PA will honor retirees Jean Taft (Humanities) and George Strong (Psychology, Human Services, and Education).
Please reserve your tickets by contacting President Searles, Gene Militello, Paul Halko, or Greg Sydirow by Thursday, Sept. 6.
Tickets are free for PA members and $6 for PA retirees. Adult guests are $12 each, children are $6 ages 5-12, and free ages 0-5.
New Member meeting: An introduction to the PA and to NYSUT
On Tuesday, August 28, new members of the MVCC community met with veteran PA members for a new member breakfast/meeting. After enjoying breakfast and collegial conversation, President Searles began the meeting with a welcome to the new members in attendance.
Mike Donaruma (Treasurer), then made a short presentation about our budget and discussed the question most often asked by new members, "Where do my union dues go?" Next, Cynthia Villanti (Editor) showed off the new & improved PA website she crafted with Debbie Otis (Web Manager), highlighting areas of interest to new members.
Bill Perrotti (VOTE/COPE Coordinator) next spoke about VOTE/COPE, followed by Mike Sewall (Political Action) who briefly discussed the PA's local political action efforts. Finally, Sue DeCarlo, our regional NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist, introduced herself to the group. Sue offered a brief overview of services and benefits offered by NYSUT and explained her role as our regional LRS.
Grievance Report
by Dennis Rahn
The Grievance Committee has been working on several matters over the summer.
Formal Grievances
In Spring 2000, a member was not promoted despite the supervisor's and committee's recommendation, and a grievance was subsequently filed. The hearing date was finally set for September 12. In Spring 2001, the member was again denied promotion, so another grievance has been filed. The two grievances will be combined and heard before the same arbiter, although a new date for the hearing will need to be established.
Inquiries
The Association continues to work to have a unit member's retirement tier changed. The Association believes we have evidence to show that the individual was indeed full-time during a period when the College asserts the person was part-time. We are continuing to work with the College on this and await the results of their research.
The questions "What is academic advisement?" and "Who should do it?" were raised at the end of the faculty obligation in May. One department head suggested that technical assistants (TAs) provide academic advisement in the place of faculty over the summer. Many discussions took place to define which activities are included under the term "academic advisement" and to determine whose job is it to provide such advisement.
Beyond creating a plan of study, evaluating placement scores, etc., there are many gray areas under the term academic advisement. Students might seek out information from a TA in many areas:
- Is talking about the rigor of a course to a student academic advisement?
- Is discussing career options academic advisement?
- Is discussing why there is a need for developmental work and prerequisites academic advisement?
- Is discussing transfer options academic advisement?
The College's final response is this: "…only faculty may advise." With that response, the College has failed to agree on a definition of the term "academic advisement."
More recently, the College has been changing the terms and conditions of coordinator agreements counter to conditions outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. The Grievance Committee is gathering information from members. We will be pursuing this in the next few weeks.
One last inquiry was made on behalf of a unit member assigned to perform clerical duties for half of his obligation. This is clearly not work performed by the Association; it belongs to another unit. The Association is keeping a watchful eye on this matter to insure that no harm comes to the unit member.
7.3 Discipline
The members of the committee have attended three different discipline hearings this summer. In Article 7.3, the contract outlines how the college might discipline unit members. When formal charges are brought against a unit member, the individual in question has the right to have someone from the Association present.
Fall 2001 NYSUT Community College Conference
NYSUT Community College Conference
at The Otesaga
Cooperstown, NY
October 19, 20, 21
If you are interested in attending this year's NYSUT Community College Conference, please contact President Searles right away.
PA website revised, updated, includes a new Photo Album
by Cynthia Villanti
Your PA website has been revised! Debbie Otis and I spent some time this summer planning ways to revise the PA website's design and layout to address the feedback we've received from the membership. We hope that you can more readily access the materials you want and need from your PA, including information about our membership, area reps, and committees; information about county government; and our entire contract, to name a few of our on-line resources.
The revised site also features a new Photo Album, so you can see PA members in action. A quick glance at the Photo Album's home page reveals the array of activities in which PA members participate, from charity events to education & training activities to political action to attending conferences.
Finally, a subcommittee has been formed to research the purchase of our own domain name and the upgrading of our account to allow for even greater functionality. Anyone with ideas and feedback about this should contact one of the subcommittee members (Rich Henry, Debbie Otis, Cynthia Villanti) or President Searles.
Also on the Web
by Cynthia Villanti
Noted in the September 2001 AFT On Campus newsletter:
Teachers who want to have their course content posted online will have fewer copyright hassles if Congress passes a bill introduced this summer. The Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act of 2001 (TEACH) would... allow professors to post limited portions of copyrighted material on the web without first seeking permission.
View this and related legislation online at
http://www.loc.gov/copyright/legislation/.
Also, the AFT has published a report on teacher salaries. View the results of the 2000 survey online at
http://www.aft.org/research/salary/home.htm.
In Memoriam: Richard A. Feldmeier
The MVCC Professional Association
mourns the loss of
Richard A. Feldmeier
Assistant Professor
Engineering Technologies and the Trades
1951 to 2001
