05/10/22 Union Elections Update, Union Activism

NEWS FROM YOUR UNION

• Congratulations to Deborah Ellis and Paul Beavers who will be continuing on as Vice President and Treasurer of AAUP-AFT! Make sure to cast your vote by May 15 in the run-off election between Simone Brennan and Angela Tiura for Member-at-Large. Search your inbox for an email from ballot@ballotsonline.com.

• The amended union bylaws passed, which will mean a number of adjustments for the union in the coming months. This fall, we’ll be holding a special election for two Member-at-Large seats. The updated bylaws can be read here.

• Elections for the Lecturer Steering Committee (LSC) and the Academic Staff Steering Committee (ASSC) will take place soon. LSC will be expanding to include all non-tenure track faculty. If you’re NTTF or Academic Staff, consider running for the leadership team in one of these groups.

• We are looking for eight Organizing Fellows to learn how to talk to people about joining the union. It is fun, and an opportunity to meet amazing people all over campus. There is a $2,500 stipend associated with this work. E-mail Mark Dilley (mdilley@aaupaft.org) for more info. The deadline for submitting an application is May 27.

• We would like to send union members to the 2022 Labor Notes Conference in Chicago, June 17–19. The Labor Notes Conference is the biggest gathering out there of grassroots union activists, worker center leaders, and all-around troublemakers. We expect to be able to cover the conference fee, train fare, hotel, and a meal allowance for up to 10 AAUP-AFT members. If you’d like to go, or need more information, email office@aaupaft.org.

• Reminder that if you have not yet applied for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) you absolutely should. Two more Wayne State faculty members have reported that all their student loans have been forgiven thanks to PSLF. To enroll, go here: https://app.meetsummer.org/onboard/aft or attend an upcoming AFT debt clinic: https://cvent.me/17XZka

UNION ACTIVISM

• Several members have been connecting with the Reproductive Rights Group of Michigan to protect Roe v. Wade. In March, we were part of a coalition of groups that co-sponsored a reproductive rights event on campus. The next march for reproductive rights in Detroit is this Saturday, May 14 at 1 pm leaving from the Theodore Levin Courthouse. More info on Saturday’s march can be found here. If you’d like to serve as a union representative to this new group’s meetings, please get in touch with daubert@aaupaft.org so we can coordinate.

• Yesterday, in coordination with other unions around the country, we sent an email to President Biden on behalf of our union requesting that he use executive action to end the student debt crisis. Read the letter here. If you’re interested in learning more about the movement to cancel student debt, join a strategy session with the Debt Collective on May 17.

• Last month union members collected many bags of clothing and boxes of canned goods and supplies for the W pantry. Academic Staff Steering Committee members Mershawn Gayden, Maya Calloway Richardson, Deb Gibson, and Paul Bishop stopped by the W Food Pantry and Wardrobe to drop off personal care packets and money they raised to support Wayne State students in need of food and clothing assistance.

ON CAMPUS

• WSU-GEARS asks that you complete their survey on hidden workload, faculty work experiences, and work/family/life issues at Wayne State University. The survey will close May 13. The purpose of this effort is to inform and assist in the adaptation and development of university resources regarding recruitment, retention, and promotion that are critical to our success as an institution. All responses are confidential, per the WSU Institutional Review Board (IRB). For more details on the GEARS survey please email WSU GEARS Co-PI, Dr. Lars Johnson.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Adjuncts across the country cobble together many jobs to make a living wage. Unions that represent them are gaining strength, and protests are becoming more frequent. See this recent Washington Post article: https://wapo.st/3OHQ9fE

2022 Council Call for Nominations

Dear AAUP-AFT Members,

The 2022-2024 term for the AAUP-AFT Council begins August 1. To see the current list of Council Representatives, please visit this page. If your unit/department does not have a Council Representative, please consider nominating yourself or a colleague for the position. 

Article X of the AAUP-AFT Local 6075 Bylaws outlines the composition and function of the Council and what is expected of a Council Representative. The recently approved bylaws revision, now provides more detail about composition. An election process within the unit/department that a faculty/academic staff member would be representing is required. Election results should be sent to kristen.chinery@wayne.edu and copied to office@aaupaft.org by July 31, 2022. 

Please contact Council Chair Kristen Chinery at kristen.chinery@wayne.edu for questions, comments, or information about serving on the AAUP-AFT Council.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS - Academic Staff Steering Committee (ASSC)

Nominations for Co-Chair, Secretary, and two (2) Member-at-Large positions are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be returned to the AAUP-AFT office by 5:00 p.m., on Friday, 5/20/22. Completed forms must be e-mailed to the Union Office using office@aaupaft.org (electronic signatures will be accepted).

Nominators and Nominees must be employed as Academic Staff, and be current AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Members. Please consider nominating yourself or a respected colleague. Elections shall commence via electronic balloting soon after nominations close.

Nominees, please include a short bio on who you are and a statement on why you are running for office. It should take up one-half (1/2) page or be approximately two hundred fifty (250) words in length.

If you have any difficulties completing/submitting the Nomination Form, please contact the Union Office for assistance at office@aaupaft.org.

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Office Descriptions

Chair

(Mershawn Gayden, elected Co-chair in 2021 will serve as Chair in the 2022-2023 Academic Year)

- Preside over all meetings

- Prepare agenda for all meetings in consultation with the Steering Committee

- Spokesperson for the Committee

- Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075

- Initiate an orderly transition of the outgoing and incoming Academic Staff Steering Committees

- Serve as a member of the WSU AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Executive Board with vote.

Co-Chair

- Serve as an aide to the Chair

- Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meetings - Preside when the Chair is absent or called upon by the Chair

- Represent the Chair upon request

- Succeed Chair upon recommendation of the Academic Staff Steering Committee, and appointment by the AAUP- AFT, Local 6075 Executive Board

- Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075

Term: 2 years, July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023, as Co-Chair, and July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, as Chair

Secretary

- Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meetings

- Record minutes at Academic Staff Standing Committee and Steering Committee Meetings

- Initiate notices to all members of meetings, and conduct all general correspondence

- Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075.

Term: 1 year, July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023

Member-At-Large (2)

- Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meeting

- Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075.

Term: 1 year, July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023

Elections Results and 05/05 to 05/15 Runoff Election

Dear Colleagues:

The results of the AAUP-AFT Local 6075 Officers Election are attached and as follows:

Vice President: Deborah Ellis

Treasurer: Paul J. Beavers

The Member-at-Large position remains undecided. According to our bylaws Article 7.2: “In case no nominee receives a majority of votes, there shall be a run-off election between the two candidates with the highest number of votes.”

This is indeed the case and Simone Brennan and Angela Tiura are the two candidates with the highest number of votes.

The runoff election will take place May 5, 2022 through May 15, 2022. You will receive a ballot email in your inbox on May 5. If you do not receive your ballot by Friday May 6, please email office@aaupaft.org.

Some business networks have additional security and occasionally block ballots from their servers. If this happens, please try again from your home network.

For the pdf screenshot for totals of each of the races go here.

In solidarity,

Dan Golodner

Shawntae Mintline

Jennifer Sheridan Moss

Election Committee Spring 2022

AAUP-AFT Local 6075

Call for Nominations (2022 Executive Board Officers Election)

Nominations for Local Union Vice President, Treasurer, and Executive Board Member-at-Large are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be submitted to the AAUP-AFT Union Office by close of the General Membership Meeting on Friday, April 8, 2022. Forms may be scanned and emailed to office@aaupaft.org (electronic signatures or emails of support by the nominators will be accepted). Nominations will also be accepted from the floor of the AAUP-AFT General Membership Meeting on Friday, April 8, 2022, scheduled from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, via Zoom.

Nominators and Nominees must be current, full-dues-paying AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 members. The Membership Meeting is only open to Union members.

Please note: Nominations require two (2) signed nominators and the signed approval of the nominee. Please be sure to include a 250-word (1/2 page) bio highlighting your accomplishments, and a statement on why you are running for Union Office.

If you have any difficulties when completing/submitting the Nomination Form, please contact the Union Office at office@aaupaft.org.

Download form from this page.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Dan Golodner

Shawntae Mintline

Jennifer Sheridan Moss

Nominations Committee

AAUP-AFT, Local 6075

2021 ASSC Election Results

Following are the names of the newly-elected Officers of the Academic Staff Steering Committee:

• Co-Chair -- Mershawn Gayden
• Secretary -- Alexandra Sarkozy
• Members-at-Large -- Deborah Gibson and Maya Calloway Richardson

The new Officers will assume their roles on July 1, 2021. At that time, Paul Bishop will be the new Chair of the ASSC in accordance with the By-Laws.

Thank all of you for your participation and continued support of the Union and the ASSC. It's the support of members like you that keep our Union strong!

Our congratulations to the new Committee members, and our sincere appreciation to those who ran for office and didn't prevail. Remember, there's always next year, and we'll be counting on you!

ASSC 2021 Officers Election -- Call for Nominations/Nomination Form

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Academic Staff Steering Committee

Nominations for Co-Chair, Secretary, and two (2) Member-at-Large positions are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be returned to the AAUP-AFT office by 5:00 p.m., on Friday, 5/21/21. Completed forms must be e-mailed to the Union Office using office@aaupaft.org (electronic signatures will be accepted).

Nominators and Nominees must be employed as Academic Staff, and be current AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Members. Please consider nominating yourself or a respected colleague.

Nominees, please include a short bio on who you are, and a statement on why you are running for office. It should take up one-half (1/2) page or be approximately two hundred fifty (250) words in length.

If you have any difficulties completing/submitting the Nomination form, please contact the Union Office for assistance at office@aaupaft.org.

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Office Descriptions

Co-Chair

• Serve as an aide to the Chair
• Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meetings
• Preside when the Chair is absent, or called upon by the Chair
• Represent the Chair upon request
• Succeed Chair upon recommendation of the Academic Staff Steering Committee, and appointment by the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Executive Board
• Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, WSU Chapter

Term: 2 years, July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 as Co-Chair, and July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 as Chair

Chair

• Preside over all meetings
• Prepare agenda for all meetings in consultation with the Steering Committee
• Vote in tie cases
• Spokesperson for the Committee
• Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, WSU Chapter
• Initiate an orderly transition of the outgoing and incoming Academic Staff Steering Committees
• Serve as Ex-Officio member of the WSU AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Executive Board without vote

Secretary

• Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meetings
• Record minutes at Academic Staff Standing Committee and Steering Committee Meetings
• Initiate notices to all members of meetings, and conduct all general correspondence
• Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, WSU Chapter

Term: 1 year, July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022

Member-At-Large (2)

• Attend Academic Staff Standing and Steering Committee Meetings
• Perform any other duties as prescribed by the Academic Staff Standing Committee, so long as these duties are not in contradiction with the by-laws of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, WSU Chapter

Term: 1 year, July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022

Obtaining Spring 2021 Executive Board Election Results

We are pleased to report that the result of the Spring 2021 Executive Board Election will be available to the membership immediately upon the closing of voting at 11:59 pm (server time) Friday, April 30. After midnight Saturday morning, members need only click on the link in their ballot email (subject line "VOTE: SPRING 2021 Executive Board Officers Election") and a display listing the votes received by all candidates will open. The following workweek an official announcement of the results will be sent to all members from the Union Office.

We are emphasizing after 11:59 pm (server time) because the server is set slightly off real time for security reasons. It is advisable to wait until a bit after 12:05 am Saturday morning to request results.

For those who have already deleted or lost their ballot email, on Saturday morning we will provide a nonfunctional ballot link, which will allow to display the election results.

Spring 2021 Executive Board Officers Election/Call for Nominations/Nomination Form

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations for Local Union President, Secretary, and Executive Board Member-at-Large are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be submitted to the AAUP-AFT Union Office by close of the General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Forms may be scanned and e-mailed to office@aaupaft.org (electronic signatures will be accepted). Nominations will also be accepted from the floor of the AAUP-AFT General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., via Zoom.

Nominators and Nominees must be current, full-dues-paying AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 members. The Membership Meeting is open only to Union members.

Please note: Nominations require two (2) signed nominators, and the signed approval of the nominee. Please be sure to include a 250-word (1/2-page) bio, which includes a description of your accomplishments, and a statement on why you are running for Union Office.

If you have any difficulties when completing/submitting the Nomination form, please contact the Union Office for assistance at office@aaupaft.org.

The nomination form is posted @ 

https://www.aaupaft.org/stay-informed/call-for-nominations

10/02/20 Union Open Forum

The Membership Outreach and Education (MOrE) Committee of the Union is pleased to invite you to the fourth Open Forum this Friday, October 2, 3-4:30 pm (check your WSU e-mail for Zoom link). The Open Forum's purpose is to provide bargaining updates, as well as provide a space for members to connect and discuss shared accomplishments and concerns with each other. A series of breakout rooms will provide members with a chance to discuss relevant concerns and share what's working. The four breakout rooms:

1. Work during a pandemic: what's working, what's not
2. Intellectual property and distance learning
3. Shared governance: sharing problems and solutions
4. Politics and the upcoming election

Please register with your name, email, and preferred breakout room at: https://forms.gle/28mj1fbPajrpRgkY9

The MOrE Committee looks forward to seeing you at this informal, solution-oriented networking and outreach event. We hope to see you there!

Endorsements for August 4, 2020 Primary Election

Dear Colleagues:

Below are endorsements for the August 4, 2020 Primary Election in Michigan.

Please, we encourage you to vote by mail, and if you do vote in-person, mask up and practice social distancing.

For more information on voting, please visit the Secretary of State's Michigan Voter Information Center


In Solidarity,

Dan Golodner
Chair
Political Action Committee
AAUP-AFT Local 6075

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The AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Political Action Committee is pleased to share with you the endorsements from the Michigan AFL-CIO for the August 4th MI primaries. Your PAC was involved with this endorsement process by participating in the review and interview process of candidates. We are proud to stand by these endorsements. If you would like to be a part of the PAC, please reach out to the Union: office@aaupaft.org or (313) 577-1750.

For a stronger voice locally on political issues, please donate to PAC: AFTMichigan.org/pac
Information on the elections for Prosecuting Attorneys: SmartJusticeMI.org
For more information about your local elections and to create a personalized voting guide, please go to Vote411.org

MI AFL-CIO Endorsements

Supreme Court
    

    Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack

    Elizabeth Welch

State Board of Education
    

    Ellen Cogen Lipton
    Jason Strayhorn

United States Senate

    Sen Gary Peters

United States Congress (August Primary)

    Hilary Scholten (3rd District)
    Rep Dan Kildee (5th District)
    State Rep Jon Hoadley (6th District)
    Gretchen Driskell (7th District)
    Rep Elissa Slotkin (8th District)
    Rep Andy Levin (9th District)
    Kim Bizon (10th District)
    Rep Haley Stevens (11th District)
    Rep Debbie Dingell (12th District)
    Rep Rashida Tlaib (13th District)
    Rep Brenda Lawrence (14th District)

Michigan State House (August Primary)

    Rep Tenisha Yancey (1st District)
    Rep Joe Tate (2nd District)
    Donavan McKinney (3rd District)
    Abraham Aiyash (4th District – Primary and Special Election)
    Rep Cynthia A. Johnson (5th District)
    Rep Tyrone Carter (6th District)
    Cynthia Thornton (7th District)
    Stephanie Young (8th District)
    Roslyn Ogburn (9th District)
    Kevin Harris (10th District)
    Rep Jewell Jones (11th District)
    Rep Alex Garza (12th District)
    Tullio Liberati (13th District)
    Rep Cara Clemente (14th District)
    Rep Abdullah Hammoud (15th District)
    Rep Kevin Coleman (16th District)
    Christopher Slat (17th District)
    Rep Kevin Hertel (18th District)
    Rep Laurie Pohutsky (19th District)
    Rep Matt Koleszar (20th District)
    Ranjeev Puri (21st District)
    Richard Steenland (22nd District)
    Rep Darrin Camilleri (23rd District)
    Rep Steve Marino (24th District)
    Alex Bronson (24th District)
    Rep Nate Shannon (25th District)
    Rep Jim Ellison (26th District)
    Regina Weiss (27th District)
    Rep Lori Stone (28th District)
    Rep Brenda Carter (29th District)

    Rep William Sowerby (31st District)
    Rep Cynthia Neeley (34th District)
    Rep Kyra Bolden (35th District)
    Samantha Steckloff (37th District)
    Kelly Breen (38th District)
    Julia Pulver (39th District)
    Rep Mari Manoogian (40th District)
    Rep Padma Kuppa (41st District)
    Nicole Breadon (43rd District)
    Brendan Johnson (45th District)
    Jody LaMacchia (46th District)
    Rep Sheryl Kennedy (48th District)
    Rep John Cherry Jr. (49th District)
    Rep Tim Sneller (50th District)
    Rep Donna Lasinski (52nd District)
    Rep Yousef Rabhi (53rd District)
    Rep Ronnie Peterson (54th District)
    Felicia Brabec (55th District)

06/29/20 ASSC Officers Election results

Dear Colleagues:

The results of the recently held election of the Academic Staff Steering Committee have been certified, and the results are as follows:

Co-Chair -- Paul Bishop
Secretary -- Brandon Shamoun
Members-at-Large -- Daisy Cordero and Mershawn Gayden

We want to thank all of you for your participation and continued support of the Union and the ASSC. It's the support of members like you that keep our Union strong!

Our congratulations to the new Committee members, and our sincere appreciation to those who ran for office and didn't prevail. Remember, there's always next year, and we'll be counting on you!

In solidarity,
Charlie

--

Charles J. Parrish

President, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, WSU Chapter

Vice President-at-Large, AFT Michigan

President, AAUP Michigan Conference

Member-at-Large, National Council, AAUP

5057 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3301

Detroit, MI  48202

313.577.1750

Call for Nominations -- 2020 Spring Officers Election

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations for Local Union Vice President, Treasurer, and Executive Board Member-at-Large are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be submitted to the AAUP-AFT Union Office by close of the General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Forms may be faxed to (313) 577-8159, scanned and e-mailed to office@aaupaft.org, or mailed or dropped off to the Union Office, located at 5057 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3301, Detroit, MI 48202. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor of the AAUP-AFT General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in Ballrooms A&B of the Student Center Building.

Nominators and Nominees must be active AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 members. The Membership Meeting is only open to Union members.

Please note: Nominations require two (2) signed nominators, and the signed approval of the nominee. Please be sure to include a 250-word (1/2-page) bio, which includes a description of your accomplishments, and a statement on why you are running for Union Office.


The Call for Nominations, as well as the Nomination Form are attached.

Sincerely,

Nominations Committee
AAUP-AFT, Local 6075
Wayne State University Chapter

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Office Descriptions


The Vice President acts in the absence of the President, as the presiding official of the Union and the Executive Board, and shall assist in the duties of the President.

Term: Two years, Fall 2020 – Fall 2022

The Treasurer is responsible for the collection of all Union monies, and for the discharge of all financial obligations of the Union. The Treasurer presents an annual financial report, and in consultation with the President, prepares an annual budget for consideration of the Executive Board. The Treasurer makes available the financial records to any member, provided that adequate notice is given. The Treasurer annually presents the books of the Union for an audit or review by a Certified Public Accountant, who is not a member of the collective bargaining unit. The Treasurer may delegate any of these duties to the Executive Director of the Union, but such delegation does not vitiate the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure their proper discharge.

Term: Two years, Fall 2020 – Fall 2022

Executive Board Member-at-Large acts for the Union in carrying out its purposes - to promote the interests of higher education, to advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession, and to serve as the collective bargaining agent for the faculty and academic staff of the University. The Executive Board regularly meets to review and vote on Union policy in the interests of Union members.

Term: Two years, Fall 2020 – Fall 2022

2019 ASSC election results

The 2019 Academic Staff Steering Committee Election has wrapped-up, and the results are as follows:

Chair: Marisa Henderson (Co-Chair from 2018-2019)
Co-Chair: Jozyane (Jozy) Hayek
Secretary: Antoinette Cunningham
Members-at-Large: Shawntae Harris Mintline and Paul Bishop

They have been elected to serve terms beginning with the Fall Semester 2019 through the Summer Semester 2020.

2019 Spring Officers Election Results

The 2019 Officers Election has concluded and the results are as follows:

President: Charles Parrish
Secretary: Rachael Clark
Member-at-Large: Linda Beale

They have been elected to serve terms beginning with the Fall Semester 2019 through the Summer Semester 2021.

Congratulations to all!

Call for Nominations/Nominations Form - 2019 Spring Officers Election

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

Nominations for Local President, Secretary, and Executive Board Member-at-Large are now being accepted.

Nomination forms must be submitted to the AAUP-AFT Union Office by close of the General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Forms may be faxed to (313) 577-8159, scanned and e-mailed to office@aaupaft.org, or mailed or dropped off to the Union Office, located at the above address. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor of the AAUP-AFT General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, scheduled from 11:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (a brief reception from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., followed by the Membership Meeting from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.), in the Community Room, of the Undergraduate Library.

Nominators and Nominees must be active AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 members. The Membership Meeting is only open to Union members.

Please note: Nominations require two (2) signed nominators, and the signed approval of the nominee.

Sincerely,
Nominations Committee
AAUP-AFT, Local 6075

2018 Officer Elections Results

The following were elected:

Vice President: Rita Casey, Associate Professor,
Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Treasurer: Paul Beavers, Librarian IV,
Library Computing & Media Services, Library Systems

Member-at-Large: Deborah Ellis, Professor
Family Medicine, School of Medicine

The new officers have been elected to 2-year terms which begin the Fall 2018 semester. We would like to congratulate them and give our sincere thanks all who participated.

April 23-May 13, 2018 Executive Board Officers Election

The 2018 Executive Board Officers Election is underway (as of 7:00 a.m. this morning), and you should be receiving an email to your Wayne e-mail address, which includes your unique link to your ballot for voting.

If you do not receive a ballot in your inbox today, first, please check your spam folder to make sure it is not there. If you cannot locate the e-mail in either location, please notify the Union Office at 313-577-1750. There is a process for issuing duplicate unique voting links with the Election Company we are using, which must be strictly adhered to, since this is a secret ballot election.

Please take the time out of your busy schedules to cast your vote in this important election of the Local Union.

Good Luck to all of the candidates running for Union Office!

Academic Staff Steering Committee 2017 election bios

Running for Co-Chair

CYNTHIA MERRITT
Department of African American Studies & Department of Urban Studies and Planning
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Academic Advisor II

Degrees:

• Master of Arts, Department of Leadership and Counseling, College Student Personnel, Eastern Michigan University, June 1995
• Bachelor of Science, College of Business, Business Marketing, Ferris State University, May 1989

University Service and ASSC/AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Activities:

• Member-at-Large, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Academic Staff Steering Committee, 2016-2017
• Council Representative, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, Departments of African American Studies & Urban Studies and Planning, 2015-present
• Volunteer, Wayne State University (WSU) Graduation Commencement Ceremony
• Membership Rounding, Membership Outreach and Education (MORE), AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, 2016
• Social Justice Committee (an extension committee of MORE), AAUP-AFT, Local 6075
• Lead Organizer, Alternative for Girls, Academic Staff Steering Committee Service Project, 2016
• Department Liaison, SNOWPILE (Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation), Academic Staff Steering Committee Service Project, 2015
• Marketing Talent, 1st Annual WSU Baroudeur Bike Ride, 2015
• Interviewer, APEX Scholars, 2014-present
• Department Liaison, WSU HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) Program, Academic Staff Steering Committee Service Project, 2014
• Guest Volunteer, Celebrate Learning Fair Planning Committee, College of Education-Mission Possible: Graduation, 2014
• Volunteer, African American Cultural Graduation Celebration, 2014
• Volunteer, Political Action Committee (PAC), AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, 2014
• AFSCME Phone Bank Volunteer, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 PAC Committee, 2014
• Department Representative, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, WSU Combined Charitable Contributions Campaign, 2013

Statement: As an advising professional, I have over 19 years of experience committed to higher education and student success. Since joining the WSU Academic Staff, I was eager to become a member of the AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, as bringing my history with Union service is an advantage. I have been in attendance at many of the events and programs sponsored by the ASSC, ASPDC, and the AAUP-AFT Academic Forums, which I feel are important in sustaining membership and the morale of the Academic Staff experience here at WSU. I continue to keep abreast of University policies and procedures, as well as the Union's structure and information. I proudly served as Member-at-Large for the Academic Staff Steering Committee for the 2016-2017 year, and would like to continue serving the Committee as Co-Chair.

DEVON STERK
Dean of Students Office
Student Affairs
Academic Services Officer II

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts, Wayne State University, 2010
Master of Business Administration, Oakland University, 2012

Selected University Service and Committee Membership:

• NASPA Culture of Respect Campus Leadership Team, 2017-present
• Spirit of Community Awards Committee, 2016-present
• President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2015-present
• Student Engagement in Athletics/Warrior Pride Committee, 2015-2016
• Community Engagement Committee, 2015-present
• Academic Senate Student Affairs Committee, 2014-2015
• Commencement Volunteer, 2013-present
• Baroudeur Volunteer Dispatch Coordinator, 2015-2017
• AP Day Volunteer, 2015-2017

Statement: Hello! I currently work as an Academic Services Officer II in the Dean of Students Office. I work primarily with student community engagement programming and DOSO signature events programming, including Orientation Part Two, Late Night Breakfast, and Alternative Spring Break Detroit. During my four years at WSU, I have been able to work on various initiatives, including student engagement in athletics, fraternity and sorority life, and legacy and affinity programs.

I am running for the ASSC Co-Chair position because I hope to continue to support the efforts of the ASSC with the backing of the colleagues from AAUP-AFT, Local 6075.

As I begin my fifth year at WSU, I am excited to become more actively involved in the matters that impact our academic staff and students. If elected, I will focus on developing innovative and robust programming to support the growth of our academic staff. As someone that has recently gone through the promotion and ESS processes, I have benefited from the guidance, both formally and informally that has come from the ASSC. I look forward to the opportunity to give back by utilizing my event planning skillset to provide programming for junior academic staff and provide professional development opportunities for our more seasoned academic staff members.

Running for Secretary

DAWN NIEDERMILLER
Department of Physics and Astronomy
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Academic Advisor I

Degrees/Awards:

• Master of Science, Geology, Wayne State University, pending August 2017
• Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, Wayne State University, 2007
• Bachelor of Science Geology, Minors Biology and Psychology, Wayne State University, 2004
• ASPDC Outstanding Contributor Award, recognition of significant accomplishments during the previous academic year and emerging leadership among junior academic staff, 2017
• Michigan Mineralogical Society Life Membership, recognition of 15 years of excellence in service, 10 years as monthly MMS Newsletter Editor and Hospitality Chair, and commitment to further education in the community, 2016
• Extra Mile Award, Wayne State University Student Disability Services, recognition for commitment and service to SDS students, 2014
• Richard J. Barber Faculty/Staff Award, WSU Department of Physics & Astronomy, for WSU Planetarium and Outreach Efforts, 2012

University Service and ASSC/AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Activities:

• Council Representative, Department of Physics and Astronomy, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, 2015- present
• Secretary, Academic Staff Steering Committee, 2016-2017
• ASSC Holiday Fundraiser and Service Opportunity, Volunteer Donation Collector, 2016 and 2017
• CLAS Orientation Sub-Committee Member, 2015-2016
• Mentee Participant, WSU Academic Staff Mentoring Program, 2013-2016
• CLAS Selective-Salary Committee, 2014-2016
• Department of Physics and Astronomy Retention and Recruiting Committee, Undergraduate Scholarship Committee, Society of Physics Students (SPS) Student Organization Advisor, 2013-present
• WSU Freshman/Transfer Orientations, Festifall, Scholars Day, Spring/Fall Open House, represent/promote department and university in role as academic advisor
• Regular volunteer for WSU commencement, Late Night Breakfast

Statement: I have worked at Wayne State University since 2001 in the capacity of Academic Success Center Tutor, Instructional Assistant, Graduate Teaching Assistant, WSU Planetarium Coordinator/Instructor, Department of Physics and Astronomy Outreach Coordinator, WSU Camp Cosmos Astronomy Summer Program Director, and the last four years as an academic advisor. I am very passionate about my job, student success, Wayne State, and the surrounding community. In the last few years I have been more involved at the college level and recently I have strived to learn and make a difference at the university level. In the last few years I have attended many of the ASSC professional development events and since August 2015 I have served as a department AAUP-AFT council representative. During this past year, I served as Secretary of the ASSC and I learned a great many things. I am running for reelection because I would like to serve as secretary for one additional year. Now that I am more familiar with the role of the ASSC, I would like to follow through with a few ideas and make a greater contribution, such as writing a newsletter that summarizes the monthly events hosted by the ASSC. If elected as secretary of the ASSC, I can contribute strong organizational skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. I will be committed to the ASSC mission, will promote greater awareness of staff engagement and I will continue to work with others to seek new ways to promote knowledge, professional development and excellence for academic staff.

Running for Member-At-Large

CHERISE M. FROST
Student Retention
Student Affairs
Academic Advisor II

KRISTIN LONDON
Student Retention
Student Affairs
Academic Services Officer I

MARISA HENDERSON
Mathematics
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Academic Advisor I

Statement: For almost five years I have been the Academic Advisor for the Emerging Scholars Program in the Mathematics department. I have spent my entire academic and professional career here at the University, and will receive ESS October 2017. The Emerging Scholars Program is an honors program where students take an intensive supplemental workshop in addition to their mathematics lecture where we put emphasis on collaborative learning and high expectations for all who participate, but also provide a great support system to encourage the students to succeed. As their support coordinator, I am responsible for the approximately 200 students each semester that enroll in our courses, making sure they are prepared for not only the rigors of the program, but also prepared to move forward in their academic careers.

Due in part of the dedication and energy I have put in during my time as academic advisor, the program enjoys a great reputation with a vast majority of who participate, and we come highly recommended by both students and staff. However, I have the ASSC to thank for guiding and developing me professionally to make sure I obtained ESS. The workshops organized by the committee and the connection to other academic staff were invaluable resources that I could not find in my own unit. I am frequently in attendance for ASSC events and value the great work that the Union does for those who work at the University. At this point in my career giving back to support the committee that has helped me is what I want to do now. I want to become more than just a support for mathematics students, I want to help advance my colleagues in their careers, who might be in the same situation as I once was in, a goal that reflects the very purpose of the committee. In order to achieve those goals, I would like to be able to bring the same dedication as I have for my students to the committee to serve as Member-at-Large and help the ASSC become even better than it is now.

Thank you for your consideration.

NICHOLAS PATTERSON
Academic College Enrichment Services
Student Affairs
Academic Advisor I

Statement: "Young professional destined for greatness" are the words once stated to me by a former supervisor. My name is Nicholas Patterson and I am an Academic Advisor in the APEX Program. I have been employed with WSU since May 2016. Before my employment at WSU, I worked at Washtenaw Community College for 3 years as the Lead Talent Development Specialist in Workforce Development. I obtained my Bachelor's from Eastern Michigan University in preparation of one day becoming a high school English teacher. Since I have been employed at WSU, I have been selected and served on various committees, formed a beneficial networking relationship with colleagues inside and outside the department, and have received stellar remarks from my supervisor about my work ethic. One of the mottos of my fraternity is "servants of all"; which is why I would like to be your 2017 Member-at-Large. I desire to serve our students and colleagues in the best ways possible while staying abreast of new trends. I yearn to be a part of an executive board that will strengthen and challenge me while also providing a youthful perspective to how we serve our students. Today, I am asking for your full confidence in voting for me, Nicholas Patterson, as your 2017 Member-at-Large.

SHAUNA REEVERS
Office of Student Affairs (Deans Office Pharmacy & Health Sciences)
Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Academic Services Officer I

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Art, Linguistics, Wayne State University, 2009
• Bachelor of Art, Romance Languages - Spanish, Wayne State University, 2009
• Master of Art, Romance Languages - Spanish, Wayne State University, 2016

University Service and ASSC/AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Activities:

• Selective Salary Committee, Academic Staff Collegial Committee, EACPHS, 2016, 2017
• Member-at-Large, Academic Staff Steering Committee, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, 2016
• College Representative, Honors College, Scholars Day, 2011-present
• College Representative, Admitted Students Day, 2013-present
• Commissioner, President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2013-present
• Vice Chair, Gender and Equity Committee, President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2014, 2015, 2016
• Co-Chair, Health and Wellness Committee, President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2014, 2015
• Scholarship Committee and Membership Committee, President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2014, 2015
• Member, University Advising Council (UAC), President's Commission on the Status of Women, 2010-2011
• Volunteer, University Commencement, 2011-present
• Liaison, Student Disability Services, 2012-present

Statement: In the last year, I found it rewarding to help on the Academic Staff Steering Committee by hosting valuable events that help disseminate knowledge to Union members. Since I have been a member of AAUP-AFT for 7 years, I would like to continue my service by participating in AAUP-AFT and ASSC events. I have found these events invaluable for better understanding AAUP-AFT, ASSC, and the support that they provide to academic professionals. These events and the support they offered, fostered in me a desire to give back to the Union and its members. I am hoping to enthusiastically demonstrate my commitment to AAUP-AFT and ASSC by supporting the Union and the committee as a Member-at-Large.

TANESHA M. WATKINS
Academic Services Education
College of Education
Academic Advisor II

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Michigan State University, May 2000
• Juris Doctor, Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, September 2003
• Advisor Training Academy, WSU Level 1 Advisor Certification, October 2016

University Service and ASSC/AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 Activities:

• Rounding Volunteer, AAUP-AFT, Local 6075, 2016-present
• Interviewer and COE Representative, Scholars Day (University), 2016-present
• COE Representative, University Open Houses, 2016-present
• Floor Marshall, Commencement (University), 2016-present
• COE Representative, University Housing Advising Fair, 2016
• COE Representative, Warrior Summer Preview Information Session, 2016
• COE Representative, Transfer Open House (University), 2016

Statement: I am fortunate to have been working 12 years as an advising professional in higher education. In that time, I made a commitment early on to serve students in their pursuit of higher learning. This profession has given me the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing students as well as colleagues. Moreover, I am thrilled to have recently joined the Wayne State University family. After my recent "rounding" experience and the events that I have attended sponsored by ASSC, it has sparked a desire to contribute to the mission, goals and programming of ASSC, ASPDC, and AAUP-AFT, Local 6075. If elected as Member-at-Large, my goal will be to continue the tradition of offering quality professional development programming while looking for opportunities to create new ways to learn and develop professionally for both senior and new academic staff.

Election 2016 Newsbrief

This Newsbrief is a quick guide to labor endorsed candidates for office. Look for a hard copy to come to your office this week, contact office@aaupaft.org if your area does not have a Council Representative to help people get this.

AAUP-AFT Local 6075 Newsbriefs elections 2016

Contact mdilley@aaupaft.org for a PDF version emailed to you if needed before hard copy.

Find more endorsed candidates at AFTMichigan.org and a non-partisian guide at League of Women Voters.  The Detroit School Board election has 63 people running, check out this breakdown.