Nuts & Bolts: Weekly Updates from Our Union

What We’re Working On…

Continuing our theme from last week with more updates on some issues we’ve been working on.

The FSU is seeking a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the university about the transition to Microsoft Teams Calling, to get in writing what they have verbally told us: 1) that anyone who wants a Teams phone number can get one; 2) that there will be no requirement to use Teams Calling; 3) that there will be no requirement to put Teams on any personal device; and 4) that there will be no transcripts recorded of calls made or received on Teams.

FSU President Jason Rodriquez and Vice President Jessica Holden published an op-ed in The Boston Globe about the conditions in Healey Library: “A shabby building at UMass Boston that speaks volumes.” Drawing on data the FSU obtained through a university information request, we document 67 elevator entrapments between 2023 and this summer, more than 3,500 facilities requests, temperatures ranging from 55 to 81 degrees and, most recently, flooding that closed the library’s basement. We argue that this decay reflects a failure of priorities at a university that has invested elsewhere on campus, asking, “Why has the university neglected its library?” Please take a few minutes to read it and share with colleagues, students, and anyone who cares about UMass Boston. Sharing it widely is one of the best ways to keep pressure on the administration. And if you have your own Healey Library story, send it our way at fsu@umb.edu.

MTA and NEA Resources: Supporting our International Faculty and Librarians

The MTA (Massachusetts Teachers Association) and NEA (National Education Association) provide multiple resources for protecting immigrant students and educators, including those in higher education. Of particular relevance for our faculty and librarians are NEA’s Guidance on Immigration Issues Impacting Higher Education, the Attorney General’s Advisory Regarding Immigrant Students, and the American Council on Education’s 2026 brief on Immigration-Related Campus Concerns. You might also consider joining MTA’s Statewide Immigration Organizing email list, ordering or printing red cards (which outline constitutional rights and protections regardless of immigration status), or exploring the resources available through the LUCE Immigration Justice Network. The FSU is committed to advocating for our international faculty and librarians. Please reach out to us at fsu@umb.edu with questions or for support. This will be a priority in our upcoming contract negotiations.

A Few More Updates

The statewide higher ed Rally for Higher Wages will be at the State House on Nov 20 from 10am-12pm. This is a very important initiative to get the Governor to increase the raises we will get in the next contract. Can you join us? Register to attend.

NTT Promotion Workshop: Are you eligible for promotion to Senior Lecturer, Senior Lecturer II or Senior Lecturer III? If so, your application materials are due to your department chair no later than Monday, January 25th. The FSU is holding a workshop to provide information on the promotion process and the materials to be submitted. Please join us Monday, November 16^th at 2:30PM at https://umassboston.zoom.us/j/97212336322. The workshop will be hosted by FSU members Caroline Coscia, Senior Lecturer III, Political Science, and Paul Dyson, Senior Lecturer III, English.
The next FSU Executive Committee meeting is today from 2-3:30pm in CC 1110. Dues-paying members are welcome to attend.
Pondering Retirement? The MTA provides higher education members with retirement planning assistance as you start considering your options for retirement. All you need to do is schedule an appointment. Contact JoAnne Martone at jmartone@massteacher.org to schedule an appointment.