3/9/2026
March 9th to 13th
Wednesday, March 11th FSU Executive Committee elections candidate forum, 3-4
Watch for an email from the Elections Committee
Thursday, March 12th UDC Pizza and Cookies 12:00PM to 1:00PM
Stop by the University Dining Club for some pizza (bring your own beverage) and relax, chat with colleagues and meet new colleagues. Pick up some FSU swag – stickers, buttons and t-shirts.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, April 16th, 11AM-1PM FSU Annual Meeting
Stay tuned for more information (NOTE: this is open to FSU members in good standing only)
Dear Faculty and Librarians,
Melting snow can make you want to get outside. As part of Women’s History Month, the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail provides a series of trails to explore.
Parking and Transportation: Please sign the Petition
On February 18th, we sent an email providing an update on the parking and transportation bargaining We informed you of the administration’s proposal to raise the daily rate to $18 for all who park on and not allow for use passes (only monthly and semester). We do not accept this.
Please assist us in telling administration the impact of how a daily rate increase affects you.
Sign the petition to let the Chancellor and Administration and Finance know that balancing budgets on the backs of your employees and students is not right.
We will be back at the bargaining table on March 24th.
MTA Annual Meeting on May 8th and 9th at the Hynes Convention Center: Call for FSU Delegates (NOTE: this is open to FSU/MTA members in good standing only)
Each year local unions send delegates gather at an annual meeting to vote on how dues money is allotted, bylaw changes, and every two years vote for a president and vice president.
This year’s annual meeting includes voting for a new president and vice president. There are three candidates for each office, with each slate laying out their vision for our statewide union. Only delegates vote for our leadership.
The FSU is allotted thirteen (13) delegates to represent you at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Delegates on Friday afternoon, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston. A virtual option is available. To see the latest schedule and meeting information click here
What do I need to know to be a delegate? A commitment to our union and wearing comfortable clothes. You will sit with other UMass union members in the meeting room. Click here for official delegate duties
Once registered as a delegate, prior to the annual meeting you will receive the proposed budget, bylaw changes and any new business items. MTA even holds a pre-annual meeting zoom session to review the materials.
If you would like to be one of our delegates, please email us by March 13th. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Know Your Contract: Course Enrollment Cap
Departments and faculty, not the Administration, set enrollment caps for all courses (see the language in Article 15.4 of the contract).
This week: Anti-Racism Grant Recipient Activities
Contending with Whiteness, An Anti-Racism Reading Group Committed to Racial Justice
“Contending with Whiteness: An Anti-Racism Reading Group Committed to Racial Justice” at UMB. Together we will read and discuss Anshuman Mondal’s book “Racism and ‘Free Speech'” (2025) on the following six Tuesdays: 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5, 5/12. All reading group meetings will take place 11 AM – 1 PM in room 041 on the 5th floor in the Wheatley-Peters building. Please sign up by clicking on this link to fill out a short form.
BANNED An Anti-Racism Reading Resistance, March 13th th at 4:30PM
Join on March 13th at 4:30PM in ISC 3-3300. This month’s book is the 1619 Project. Register at https://www.canva.com/design/DAG_o7UgwXI/qqbbvC65zQyJIRD2DEajbg/view?utm_content=DAG_o7UgwXI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h71f2420bdb.
NEA Benefits: Discount Tickets
FSU membership also includes membership in MTA and NEA. NEA also has member discounts. Check out their discount ticket program.
Enjoy Spring Break. Nuts & Bolts will be back March 23rd.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department