NEW YORK STATE AAUP SPRING CONFERENCE 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009 & Saturday, April 18, 2009
Marymount Manhattan College, NYC
Present
Fri., Apr 17: Lenore Beaky (L.B.), LGCC/CUNY; Patrick Cihon (P. C.), Syracuse; Kate Eskew (K.E.), Hilbert; Stephen Goldberg (S. G.), Adlephi; Jeanette Jeneault (J. J.), Syracuse; Estelle Gellman (E.G.), Hofstra; Martin Kaplan (M.K.), Queens/CUNY; Jeffrey Kraus (J. K.), Wagner; David Linton (D.L.), Marymount; John Marino (J.M.), UUP; Cecelia McCall (C. M.), Baruch/CUNY; Thomas Policano (T. P.), RIT; Kathy Smith (K.S.), Molloy; Phil Smith (P.S.), UUP; Irwin Yellowitz (I. Y.), CCNY/CUNY.
4:30 Open Meeting: David Ballard, Buffalo; Joyce Furfero, St. Johns; Tom Giordano, St.Johns; Peter Gomori, St. Francis; Andrew Grossfield, Vaughn; Gillian Hannum, Manhattanville; Joan Levinson, CUNY; Martin Snyder, AAUP; Suzanne Wagner, Niagara.
Sat., Apr 18:
Alan Lubin, Vice President, NYSUT; Vincent DelGatto, Vaughn; Sara Gordon, St. John’s University
Proceedings
Friday, April 17, 2009
1. President Stephen Goldberg convened the meeting at 1:15, April 17, 2009.
2. The Minutes of Fall 2008 were moved (Yellowitz/Kaplan) and approved with editorial corrections.
3. President’s Report, S. Goldberg (S. G.)
President Goldberg reported: The Conference has been quiet with some organizing at Vaughn College of Aeronauts. Vassar is in communication with the National Office S.G. attended a meeting at the college, which is are interested in forming an advocacy chapter. National has kept the conference informed. Eileen Burchell declined his invitation to attend the conference meeting.
4. Vice President’s Report, Kathleen Smith (K. S.)* Report [PDF]
Vice Chair Smith reported on membership figures that had been received from the National Office: 4966 members (slight increase from Fall 2008); 136 institutions, 52 chapters, 11 of which are collective bargaining chapters. K. S. announced that she has accepted a deanship at Molloy.
Commentary
S.G. noted that Aeronautics and Vassar have membership enough to constitute chapters.
IY noted the continuing error in the CUNY figures, which continue to indicate 9 members of a non-CB chapter at CCNY.
Motion to accept the report carried.
Motion expressing gratitude for her service passed with acclamation. (Yellowitz/Goldberg)
5. Report of Treasurer, P. Cihon (P. C.)* Report [PDF]
Treasurer Cihon distributed a refined spreadsheet. indicating additional income for a balance of $36K. In March, National remitted to the conference $30K. the bank account has a total of $54K, not reflecting the gift to Jeanine Plottel. He noted that PSC and UUP respond promptly to dues requests.
Commentary
The experimental, reduced dues offer of to new members is not indicated in the report that National sends to the conference.
As a resulto of the initial dues reduction, an experiment for people who responded to email messages, new members joined. Guidance is needed if we are to continue since the offer is not uniform to all chapters. Some chapters were asked to participate, others were not.
The conference is amenable to supporting the arrangement but must receive additional information from National about its application to chapters in the Conference.
Motion to accept the report carried (Linton/Beaky).
6. Reports and Plans of Standing Committees
- Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure: I. Yellowitz (I.Y.)* Report [PDF]
I.Y. indicated that (1) there is an agreement with National Committee A, which has made a significant change in the relationship between the local and National committees. He has been informed of NY issues and there is a good working relationship. (2) The survey was sent widely by email: 88 (2%) responses were received, 36 violations (increase), 12 of the 36 were not reported to the individual’s chapter. Few cases are resolved for various reasons -- moribund chapters, lack of knowledge. IY has concluded that there are violations in NYS that go unreported.
(3) CUNY’s Faculty Senate has a statement on academic freedom that IY has revised for the general membership of the NY Conference. It is on the web. (4) The State Conference Committee does not interfere with cases handled by National. The State Committee can make a recommendation but National decides the cases it takes.
Recommendation: Use the email to disseminate the document about academic freedom. IY will draft a statement to members suggesting that they inform the State Committee first when they are aware of a violation of their academic freedom.
Motion to accept the report passed. (Linton/Policano)
b. Committee on Chapter Members and Dues (K. Smith)*
Reported above.
c. Committee on Minorities in the Profession (Grace Vernon)
The chair has stepped down.
d. Committee on Government Relations: Patricia Bentley & Jeff Kraus
none
e. Committee on College and University Governance: Frank Higman
none
f. Committee on the Economic Status of the Profession: Deborah Dolan
none
g. Committee on Women in the Academic Profession: Patricia Bentley
none
h. Committee on Contingent Faculty: J. Jeneault (J.J.)* Report [PDF]
J.J. reported on various developments: National COCAL is intervening in issues related to adjuncts on individual campuses. Contingent faculty are lobbying for state and federal legislation. In NY, adjuncts are working with other unions. Reductions in contingent faculty workloads are being monitored. The Northeast Regional COCAL is having problems organizing.
Motion to accept the report passed. (Yellowitz/Beaky)
i. Committee on Retirement: Martin Kaplan (M.K.)
M.K. reported that some CUNY faculty are delaying retirement due to the economic situation. TIAA-CREF equalization with TRS was approved by the state but its funding has not yet been resolved.
Commentary
AAUP should provide counseling in sound investment to its membership. AAUP is remiss in addressing retiree issues. This may be the moment to form alliances and to force National to strengthen the Retirement Committee.
Motion to accept the report passed.
7. Reports of Councils
a. The National Council: L. Beaky LB)* Report [PDF]
L.B. reported on the recommendation from the Michigan Conference that some Council members be elected nationally. The relevant changes in the constitution to allow it are published Academe. At the Fall 2008 Council meeting, L.B. introduced the NYS conference resolution.** She also said that the Council ratified a joint agreement with AFT and passed a resolution in support of Ward Churchill’s reinstatement.
Commentary
On the Council amendment: It may have been proposed to give greater representation to CBC members or t o include more prestigious members.
b. Independent Council
none
c. The CUNY Council: Cecelia McCall (C.M.)
PSC and CUNY have been fighting for the NYS legislature to enact a Fair Share tax increases so that there will be fewer cuts in the public sector. CUNY was exempted from state lay-offs as well as a budget cut in the Fall. PSC has negotiated paid parental leave that is retroactive to the beginning of the contract.
d. The SUNY Council: John Marino (J.M.)
J.M. reported that unions are working well together to demand a Fair Share tax increase. SUNY has finally hired a Chancellor who will take office June 1, 2009. Contingent faculty have been reduced in the Spring, and there will be a tuition increase.
e. The Collective Bargaining Council: Estelle Gellman (E.G.)
E.G. reported an agreement between AAUP and AFT to jointly organize. CBC leadership has been conducting regional meetings over the past two years so that the membership has an opportunity to express concerns directly. A sub-committee on governance is looking into changes in CBC dues that may be necessary as a result of the restructuring. CBC believes it must organize new chapters in a more strategic way. The recent victory at the University of V.I. was mentioned as an example of a great effort for a limited return.
Commentary
Do not have dues for retirees. Pay for them with a levy on actives as does NYSUT.
Dues hinder retirees from joining. Retirees could be non-voting members who do not pay dues.
8. The Report of the Executive Director: Tom Policano (T.P.)* Report [PDF]
T.P. reported that he receives calls from members in duress and is in regular touch with I.Y. He mainly discussed RPI, which does not have a faculty senate. Their updated constitution was rejected by the Provost. The handbook is waiting for the Provost’s action and terminations of non-tenured faculty are anticipated. He suggested that the Conference’s meeting at Syracuse could attract RPI members. He concluded by saying that the relationship with National is improving.
Motion that the next conference be at Syracuse University on October 16 and 17, 2009 passed. (Yellowitz/Gellman)
Motion to accept the report passed.
9. New York Academe editor, Jeff Krauss’s report was postponed to Saturday.
10. Old Business
none
11. Other
P. Cihon mentioned his membership on a campus committee that is developing policy on inappropriate behavior. He asked for input of members’ experiences with this.
Recommendations
The Hofstra model is good and is on the web. Check the CUNY web for its statement.
Recess: 4:03
Open Meeting 4:30
President Goldberg introduced David Linton who, in turn, brought to the podium David Podell, Dean of Faculty and AAUP member. Dean Podell welcomed the Conference and spoke well of Marymount and its faculty.
President Goldberg mentioned the purpose of the open meeting and the topics on the agenda.
Topics
a. Update, Jeanette Jeneault (J.J.)
J.J. reported on COCAL’s attempts to organize in the northeast. She is arranging an informal meeting in conjunction with a NYSUT lobbying day. She reported on the action to prevent Weber College from reducing contingent faculty pay. The discussion included: the issues of job security; EFCA and its impact on contingent faculty since Yeshiva is not an issue; the relationship between COCAL and AAUP/NYSUT.
S.G. asked Martin Snyder about possibilities of organizing under the changed administration. There may be national legislation.
b. Economic Downturn and Funding for Education, Steve Goldberg (SG)
Faculty salaries are frozen and administrators are taking salary cuts; enrollments are increasing; student services may be reduced; faculty travel funds reduced. The group segued to a discussion of the internet’s impact on faculty. Management’s ability to monitor computer use was mentioned as a danger to privacy and academic freedom.
Recessed: 7:00
Dinner: 8:00 – 10:00
a. President Goldberg acclaimed former Executive Director, Janine Plottel.
Pat Cihon presented the conference’s gift as a token of appreciation for her long service. Janine mentioned her experience as a trustee of Barnard College. An attempt to thwart the tenure of a professor was averted when she made the president aware of AAUP principles. She is pursuing her scholarship and expressed gratitude to the PSC for the benefits that were won for retirees.
b. Tom Policano introduced Martin Snyder, AAUP Director of External Relations whose presentation was entitled Working Together With AAUP.
Professor Snyder brought greetings from the Association. He opened his remarks by saying that he has been spending many hours on elections and announced Lenore Beaky’s election to a second term on the Council. In that election, balloting was electronic for the first time and yielded higher results than previous elections (20.6% turnout) for a savings of $56K. Also, the data base is in better shape – 100% coverage for home addresses and 90% emails. There is a new dedication to accuracy in record keeping. A campaign to get electronic newsletters to members has been successful (350,000). A membership drive will be getting underway.
Data Base
The data base had been malfunctioning and never upgraded; however it is being replaced. Its scope is under review. The current system is temporary and time consuming. Restructuring implications have to be designed into the data base.
Restructuring
The IRS has approved the non-profit, tax exempt status of AAUP’s three entities. The organization is awaiting the tax letter from the IRS (maybe three months).
Council Amendment
Votes can be tracked. A small number of schools are poised to concentrate votes to sway an election.
Dues Structure
Member dues may be progressive and tied to salaries.
Communication
National is rethinking the purpose of Academe. Its production is time consuming and labor intensive. There must be a system to gain feedback from the field in an effective way and a mechanism for resolving conflicts developed.
Conclusion
Professor Snyder believes that improvements will continue. The current General Secretary is determined to take actions. Snyder referred to the General Secretary as a bridge builder, who would welcome an invitation from the State Conference.
Recommendations
Quick response to members’ missives is important.
National events should include talk-back sessions.
Sharing practical information on the web gets immediate attention.
Saturday April 18, 2009
Prior to the reconvening of the meeting, David Linton showed a short student-produced film, Bailout Our Future, which can be made available to members of the Conference.
President Goldberg reconvened the meeting on Saturday, October 18 at 9:10.
a. Item 9 (Friday agenda) Jeff Krauss, Editor of NYS Academe reported a disappointing return to the coupon inquiry about converting Academe to an electronic publication. He asked for guidance:
Recommendations
If electronic, make it interactive.
Offer members a choice of paper or electronic.
Motion: That the NYS Conference of AAUP look into publishing at least one electronic version of the newsletter in the next year. Passed. (Policano/ ?)
Commentary
Bulk paper copies allow for wider distribution as a means of attracting people to the organization.
As the largest OTP budget item, is it worth publishing?
b. Motions below were carried over from Friday and passed:
(1) Katherine Isaac
Whereas, for many years, the NYS Conference and its chapters have had difficulty obtaining accurate membership data, and
Whereas, for many years, our chapters had difficulty in up-dating the membership and dues rosters distributed by the national office, and
Whereas, for many years, our Conference has experienced delays in receiving Conference dues collected by the national office, and
Whereas, in the past year, we have seen marked improvements in all of the above areas; therefore be it
Resolved that the NYS Conference of the AAUP commend and thank Katherine Isaac for her effort to effectuate these improvements.
(2) Membership Drive
Resolved that in the event of the national office continuing its experimental dues program, the NYS Conference of AAUP will support it for an additional year by accepting reduced dues from new members.
(3) Committee A Survey
Resolved that the NYS Conference of AAUP publish the results of its Committee A Academic Freedom Survey (2008-09) in NY Academe and via an email bulletin to Conference members, using that opportunity to announce a more robust survey for 2009-10.
(4) COCAL
Resolved that the NYS Conference of AAUP grant up to $200 in support of the organizing efforts of the Northeast Regional COCAL.
c. Election Results
(Vice President and President will be elected at the Spring meeting.)
Interim Vice President: Jeanette Jeneault (Syracuse University)
Treasurer: Patrick J. Cihon (Syracuse University)
Secretary: Cecelia McCall (Baruch College, retired)
Members at large:
Kate Eskew (Hilbert College)
John Marino (UUP) (I year)
Suzanne Wagner (Niagara University)
d. President Goldberg announced openings in the leadership of the following committees: Satus of Minorities in the Profession, Economic Status of the Profession, Chapter and Membership Development, Independent Council.
Peter Gomori of St. Francis will chair the Committee on Governance.
Note: Exception was made to having the guest speakers so late in the evening. It was suggested that the ED rethink the format of the meeting.
e. Keynote Speaker, Alan Lubin: Legislative Issues in New York State Related to Higher Education.
Alan Lubin was introduced by Jeanette Jeneault. He addressed state and national legislative issues.
State
He commented on the caliber of the state legislators. The Governor has been ineffective and can’t deliver votes. The Governor is not listening to alternatives. He is not receiving accurate information on the progressive income tax initiative. Higher education has been decimated in the last twenty years. Support disappeared with Nelson Rockefeller. However, the budget has not been unkind to higher education this year. The community colleges fared well, also. SUNY reserves were raided in order to prevent job loss. There is an attempt to open contracts and reduce wages by 3%.
NY is facing a health insurance crisis. The bill to raise taxes on earnings of $200,000 and above passed but will sunset when the federal stimulus money runs out. Higher education is not involved in lay offs; however, they are occurring in K-12 and among adjuncts. The Sam Commission is studying the privatization of state properties in order to raise revenue. NYSUT supports renting property but not selling it. SUNY’s mission is being threatened by a bill that advantages SUNY Buffalo.
There is a crisis in the Senate with barely a democratic majority.
Federal
A second stimulus is needed and NYSUT is lobbying Congress for it. The Congressional race in the 28th CD between Murphy and Tedesco is in a dead heat. NYSUT is pushing for New York’s colleges and universities to capture federal money for green initiatives. The Higher Education Reauthorization is supported by the President. There is support for Pell grants but its augmentation should not occur at the cost of funding for K-12.
What to do:
FAX and email the legislators. Consider a joint effort on higher education lobbying; advance higher education issues by speaking to organizations in the local communities; organize committees to make schools ready for the new technology. As an example he mentioned NYSUT’s endorsement of a program in Syracuse, Say Yes to Education. It provides social workers for the families of children, beginning in kindergarten. A change in the Syracuse teacher’s contract was negotiated to allow extended hours. After-school programs are provided from K-12. All the public school students in Syracuse are in the program, and students, if qualified, are eligible for free tuition in twenty-three participating colleges.
Commentary
Yeshiva needs legislation since it was a Supreme Court decision. Lubin expects a friendlier NLRB, which will rule quickly and fairly. There are not enough votes for EFCA. It needs backing from three or four more senators.
*Written reports are linked.
Respectfully submitted by Cecelia McCall Secretary 4/23/09, additions/corrections completed ...
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