Dear Faculty and Librarians,
This is the last Nuts & Bolts of the semester. Four years ago, the Executive Committee discussed how to share information with you. We came up with a weekly email highlighting current FSU actions/activities, contract information, and MTA information. I thank Brian White for naming the email Nuts & Bolts.
Period of non-responsibility
Most faculty are on academic-year appointments. The nine-month appointment states the faculty member works a fixed period which is nine months. The remaining three months (June, July, and August) are the period of non-responsibility.
Update: Parking & Transportation Bargaining Session
Parking coalition members (CSU, DCU. FSU, GEO and PSU) met May 13th to hear the administration’s counter related to economic issues – daily rate, 30 use passes, sliding scale rate and MBTA subsidy percent. What we received was disappointing. In fact, the coalition believes what was presented is regressive. We strongly expressed our displeasure about what was presented. We are back at the table on May 26th.
Next steps: watch for an email about an all-union June 3rd meeting to provide an update on our proposal, UMB’s counters and what happens if we do not reach an agreement by July 1, 2026.
Know Your Contract: Additional students above course capacities
For both in-person and distance learning courses, once course capacities are reached, only the individual faculty member may admit additional students (see Article 15.4 of the contract for more information). Faculty members have full discretion in this regard with exception of the multi-section courses referenced in 15.4.
Know Your Contract: Phased Retirement
Tenure track members and NTT/Librarians on continuing appointments may participate in this program that allows members to reduce their percentage of time to 50% for up to 2 years prior to separation from the university (see Article 27.14 for more info).
No on 90 Campaign: Board of Higher Education to Allow 90 credit Bachelor’s Degrees
The Massachusetts Board of Higher Education is implementing a pilot program for a 90-credit bachelor’s degree. Currently, a degree requires 120 credits. This change impacts the number of classes required plus the type of classes necessary to reach 90 credits.
MTA is forming a committee of higher ed members to organize against the change. If you are interested, please contact FSU.
MTA 2026 Summer Conference, July 26th to 29th at UMass Amherst
Join fellow union members at the MTA Summer Conference. Workshop sessions include union skills, bargaining, and retirement planning.
This year, Monday, July 27th,is devoted to higher education members with workshops and events specifically for us.
Watch for MTA emails with updated conference information including registration and lodging. Click here for more information.
MTA Benefits: Discount Directory
MTA Benefits has a wide variety of discounts from entertainment, restaurants, fitness, bookstores, retail and theme parks. Check out https://www.mtabenefits.com/discounts/discount-directory
Although many of us are heading into a period of non-responsibility, the FSU works all year. If you have a question, please do email us.
Sincerely,
Caroline Coscia
FSU President
Senior Lecturer II
Political Science Department