Dear Faculty and Librarians,
As we reach the end of the semester, sometimes it feels like only yesterday was the first day of classes and other times that first day seems so long ago. This week includes National Nurses week (May 6th to 12th) which celebrates and honors the vital contributions of nurses to healthcare. To our colleagues in the Manning College of Nursing, thank you for all you do to train healthcare professionals.
Digital Content Accessibility: Update
The April 27th issue of Nuts & Bolts included an explanation of the Digital Content Accessibility regulation and that the implementation deadline has been extended to April 2027. On April 28th we met with Provost Berger. Here is a recap of that meeting.
Implementation plans are being developed by academic affairs, Information technology, learning design and labor relations staff. The FSU has requested involvement in the plan specifically in the role of any required activity.
The federal regulation is not an option, and we all will need to comply to make sure all students can fully access course materials.
Currently, there is no certification required to make sure your canvas materials meet accessibility requirements. You may wish to become familiar with accessibility content at https://www.umb.edu/learning-design/accessibility/
For those teaching asynchronous courses, there remains the requirement to complete training prior to the course start date. If you are already certified to teach asynchronous, online courses there is no requirement at this time for you to undertake additional training.
Parking and Transportation: Update
Thank you to those who signed the petition to UMB administration including your concerns with UMB’s proposal to increase parking fees. The petition was hand delivered to Chancellor Suárez-Orozco on April 30th by members of PSU along with numerous students.
The next bargaining session is tentatively scheduled for May 13th. We will provide an update in the May 18th Nuts & Bolts.
Know Your Contract: NTT Continuing Appointment change in FTE
When continuing appointment was added to the contract, there was no provision to adjust the percent of time (classes taught such as 3/3). Our 2024-2027 contract includes a new section on when and how an NTT can seek a change in the number of classes taught in their continuing appointment.
Article 21.9.2.b states: In the event a part-time NTT with a continuing appointment is given work above the assigned FTE of their continuing appointment for 2 consecutive semesters, upon request of the NTT to their respective department chair, the FTE of the assigned continuing appointment will be adjusted, and a new offer letter will be extended. Upon acceptance of the new offer the increase would be effective after the completion of the second consecutive semester.
Know Your Contract: Sick Day Donations at Retirement
The those retiring this academic year, please consider donating your sick time to the FSU Sick Leave Bank. There is no sick leave payout when you retire. There is a longevity bonus payout (article 27.8).
We suggest you complete the form in early June to make sure the transfer takes place prior to your retirement. To do so, contact human resources.
MTA Retirement Consultant: Higher Education Consultant
MTA provides higher education members with assistance as you begin to ponder retirement. All you need to do is schedule an appointment. Contact JoAnne Martone at jmartone@massteacher.org to schedule an appointment.
MTA Benefits: BJ’s Wholesale Club
MTA members can join for a low rate of $15 (savings of $45) and renewing members for $50. (savings of $10). This offer is valid through June 30th. All enrollments MUST be done via phone. No mail-in applications will be accepted.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department