Category: Minutes

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12:00 am on USF Sarasota / Manatee in B226.

Attendance & Introductions. Six members, including four senators, and a guest.

President’s Report.

• UFF Finances. President Shapiro is on a committee charged with reviewing UFF finances.
• Paul Terry. Update.

Reports.

• Grievance Committee. A bit slow at the moment: tenure denials are not out yet.
• Bargaining. Discussion.

New Business.

• Guns on campus.
  • Motion by the Executive Committee that HB 4005 and SB 176 would introduce a threat to public safety at USF, and we strongly recommend against the passage of this legislation. Motion passed unanimously.
• Chapter Election. Resolution of a 5-way tie for two seats on the FEA Delegate Assembly. Vic Peppard and Karin Braunsberger selected by lot; Deanna Michael, Scott Perry, and Shun-Yung Wang will serve as alternates.
• Fight for 15. There will be a Fight for 15 demonstrations across the country, including in the Tampa Bay Area, on April 15. The “15” refers to the proposed minimum wage hike to $ 15, but also to a proposed floor for adjunct pay.
• Discretionary raises. Discussion of prospects for Administrative Discretionary raises at USF St. Petersburg.
• USFSM. Discussion of affairs at USFSM. At USFT, there are tenure guideline proposals to extend the tenure probationary period.
• Tenure & Promotion. Discussion of committee at USFSP.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 23 April 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12:00 am on USF Tampa in EDU 150.

Attendance & Introductions. Twelve members, including eight senators, and two guests.

13 February 2015 Minutes approved.

President’s Report.

• Election Report. The Chapter election is nearly completed. Art Shapiro was elected president, Steve Lang was elected vice president, Greg McColm was elected secretary, and Sonia Wohlmuth was elected treasurer. Elected senators are Elizabeth Aranda, Jill Brasky, Karin Braunsberger, Pablo Brescia, Kathleen Carvalho-Knighton, Cecil Greek, Steve Lang, Alex Levine, Mariam Manzur, Greg McColm, Adriana Novoa, Vic Peppard, Steve Permuth, Patricia Pettijohn, Harry Vanden, Bob Welker, Milton Wendland, Rick Wilber, and Sonia Wohlmuth. Elected delegates were Greg McColm, Steve Permuth, and Art Shapiro. To write-in candidates who received more than one vote each consented to serve as delegate: Pablo Brescia and Adrienne Berarducci. Two remaining delegates will be selected from the four remaining write-in candidates at the March 27 Chapter meeting.

Reports.

• Grievance Committee. A slow., A number of issues resolved informally.
• Membership Committee. Discussion of new faculty reception. There will be a new faculty reception in early fall.
• Meetings. The Chapter will meet at a location on USFSM TBD on February 27, in MSC on March 13, and then on campus in a room TBD on March 27, April 10, and April 24.
• Tenure and promotion workshops. Discussion.
• Bargaining. Discussion.

New Business.

• Guns on campus. Discussion of whether teachers have the authority to ban guns from the classroom via policy stated in syllabus.
• Endorsement. Motion made and seconded that the UFF USF Chapter endorse Steve Permuth for the past three positions for which he is standing for election in the state UFF election.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 21 March 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Council

Electronically. Chief Negotiator Bob Welker having nominated Sara Dykins Callahan to the Bargaining Committee, and a mafority of the Council supporting, Sara Dykins Callahan is now a member of the Bargainning Team.

This minute respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 9 March 2014.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12:00 am on USF Tampa in the Marshall Student Center in MSC 3702 .

Attendance & Introductions. Eleven members, including nine senators, and two guests.

30 January 2015 Minutes approved.

President’s Report.

• Discussion of the statewide UFF budget.

Reports.

• Grievance Committee. Half a dozen in arbitration. Recurring problem: tenure denial at the Provost’s level with an inadequate letter of denial. There are three grievances on this issue, and a possible resolution is being discussed between legal representatives of UFF and the USF Administration.
  • Motion made and seconded that the Chapter will not be satisfied with a resolution of to these grievances that does not include a commitment on the part of the Provost’s Office to provide explanations of similar thoroughness as those to be provided to the current grievants in all future cases. Motion passed unanimously.
• Membership Committee. The New and Instructional Faculty Reception is scheduled as a continental breakfasst on February 25, 9:30 – 11:00, in the Marshall Student Center.
• Meetings. The Chapter will meet at a location on USFSM TBD on February 27, in MSC on March 13, and then on campus in a room TBD on March 27, April 10, and April 24.
• Tenure workshops. No rsvps received; turnout unknown.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Bargaining. Discussion of priorities.
• Facebook. We are receiving additional requests.
  • Motion made and seconded that the Publicity Committee shall accept as Facebook group members members of affiliates and of union organizers. Motion approved.
• Election. The election shall proceed as scheduled.
• Stewards. The steward system shall be overseen by the Services Committee, often called the Membership Committee.
• USFSM. The Chapter will visit USFSM in two weeks, and will seek a contact.
• Guns on campus. Several unions, including the West Central Florida Federation of Labor have taken positions on proposed legislation to provide “Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms; Deleting a provision prohibiting concealed carry licensees from openly carrying a handgun or carrying a concealed weapon or firearm into a college or university facility, etc.”
  • Motion made and seconded that the Chapter support the petition against Florida Senate Bill 176 and Florida House Bill 4005. Motion passed unanimously.

New Business.

• NEA/AFT Higher Education Conference.
  • Motion made and seconded that the Chapter send a person to the meeting, asking for UFF funds, but supporting from Chapter funds if necessary.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 13 February 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12:00 am on USF St. Petersburg in the University Student Center in the Ocean Room.

Attendance & Introductions. Six senators attending, and five other members.

16 January 2015 Minutes approved.

President’s Report.

• Ed Mitchell is now consulting with the UFF USF Membership Committee on a volunteer basis.
• The Chapter will produce a second flyer for College of Nursing faculty.

Reports.

• Grievance Committee. There were several Tenure or Promotion grievances.
• Membership Committee. The New and Instructional Faculty Reception is penciled in as a brunch on February 25, 9:30 – 11:00, in the Marshall Student Center.
• Bargaining Committee. Discussion of priorities.
• Tenure and Promotion Workshop. Scheduled for February 13, 2 pm to 4:30 pm, in MSC 3704.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Facebook. Discussion of Facebook page.

There was a brief discussion of guns on campus.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 31 January 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at CDB Restaurant in Temple Terrace.

Attendance. Sixteen members, including eleven members of the Chapter Council.

Minutes. Minutes of the December 5 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• Membership. The UFF USF Chapter will ask Ed Mitchell if he can assist our membership drive.
• Flyer to Nursing Faculty. A flyer will be sent to Nursing faculty shortly.

Reports.

• Grievances. Discussion of outstanding grievances.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Membership. The Chapter will reinstitute a steward system.
• Tenure and promotion workshop. February 13 at 2 pm in MSC 3704. Discussion.
• Facebook. Participation is slowly growing.
• Election.
  • Election schedule posted here approved. Nominations will be closed on February 13, and the election will be conducted by mail.

Presentation of a Token of Our Esteem.

• To Sonia Wohlmuth. For her work as Grievance Chair.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 27 January 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Council

Time & Place. The Council Meeting was held at 11:00 am at CDB Restaurant at 51st & Fowler.

Attendance & Introductions. Eleven senators attending.

Report on Paul Terry. Getting better; had a partial hip replacement.

Functions of the Council.

• UFF Senate Representation. We are now able to fill the vacancy.
• Membership.
  • Motion made and seconded that the President of the UFF USF Chapter approach Ed Mitchell about organizing at USF. Motion approved unanimously.
  • Motion made and seconded that the UFF USF Chapter reinstitute the steward system at USF. Motion approved unanimously.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Location of future Council meetings. Discussion of options.

Other Business

• The UFF will hold meetings at USF Sarasota / Manatee monthly. These will be meetings of the USFSM members, and will be in addition to the Chapter meetings at USFSM. The next Chapter Meeting at USFSM will be on February 27.
• Meeting with the Vice Provost. Discussion included outstanding grievances, including a bulletin board for UFF in the College of Nursing, and sick leave buy-out, which has been delayed.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 27 January 2015.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at CDB Restaurant in Temple Terrace.

Attendance. Eleven members, including ten members of the Chapter Council.

Minutes. Minutes of the November 14 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• State UFF. The Chapter Secretary will send a reminder of the UFF Senate listserv to all subscribers.
• ACE Committee meeting. Discussion.
• Letter to Nursing Faculty. A letter will be sent to Nursing faculty shortly.

Reports.

• Grievances. The CEC is meeting this month. The next USF UFF Grievance Committee meeting is on Wednesday, December 10, at 9:30 am, in Perkins Restaurant at 51st & Fowler in Temple Terrace.
• Membership. We will have a reception for new faculty at the Embassy Suites on Wednesday, January 28. We will need a flyer with our accomplishments.
• Tenure and Promotion workshops. There will be one next semester on USF Tampa. We will explore the possibility of archived webinars.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Collective Bargaining. We are waiting on Tallahassee.

New Business.

• Meeting Schedule in Spring. We will meet on January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, March 13 & 27, and April 10 & 24 in locations TBD.
• Elections Committee.
  • Motion made and seconded that Executive Committee members may serve on the Election Committee. Motion approved.
  • The Election Committee shall consist of: Jill Brasky, Greg McColm, Adrienne Novoa, and Steve Lang.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 9 December 2014, revised 13 December 2014.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at CDB Restaurant in Temple Terrace.

Attendance. Eleven members, including ten members of the Chapter Council, and one guest.

Minutes. Minutes of the October 31 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• Bargaining. Congratulations to Bob Welker on the contract.
• Next semester. Discussion of the election and of meeting administrators.

Reports.

• Membership. Membership committee will run a campaign next spring.
  • Motion made and seconded that the Chapter conduct travel grant campaign of the same terms and conditions as the past during the next semester. Motion approved.
• Treasury. We are solvent.
• Communications. Biweekly is currently focusing on the new tenure and promotion guidelines, but may focus on the legislative session next semester.
• Tenure and Promotion Workshops. The Chapter will conduct a second Tenure and Promotion workshop in January.

Constitutional amendment.
The following proposal was presented to the Chapter:

Mechanics of the Referendum The amendment accepted by the Chapter on October 3 and sent to the UFF membership in a Biweekly Special on October 14 shall be voted on by the members of the USF Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida. As resolved at the October 3 Chapter meeting, the referendum shall be electronic, as follows. The Chapter has an account at VotingPlace.net, and shall compose a ballot with the following question: Shall the proposed amendment to the UFF USF Constitution, regarding filling vacancies in the Executive Committee, Chapter Council, and FEA Delegation, be approved? The possible responses will be Yes and No. The Chapter shall take the following steps: The Chapter shall snail-mail letters to UFF members at their home addresses with the following information: A code consisting of two 3-character strings of letters and numerals. This shall be the sole information a voter shall provide the VotingPlace. The URL http://votingplace.net/uffusf, which is where voters shall go to vote. (Note: at the moment, all that’s there is a stub.) The Chapter shall broadcast a UFF Biweekly Special to UFF members announcing the referendum, and containing the text of the amendment. The VotingPlace ballot page shall be opened when the letters are sent, and shall remain open for two weeks. Thereupon the results will be downloaded and announced. Per the UFF USF Constitution, the amendment will be approved if at least two-thirds of the votes cast are in favor of the amendment. Some specifics: The mailing list shall be the list provided by the Tallahassee office in the latest reconciliation cycle, plus whatever members are recorded as having joined UFF prior to the mailing list being sent to the printer. The Secretary generated the codes using a quasi-random number generator. There are approximately two billion possible codes, of which just over 500 will be assigned to voters; the probability of someone randomly choosing a working code is approximately 1 in four million. The codes were filtered so that no working code may be accidentally entered by someone with a different code unless that someone makes at least three typos in entering their own code. The only information VotingPlace shall have of voters is their codes. The Secretary shall have a master list of each UFF member and their codes, so if some member misplaces or does not receive their letter, that member can get their code from the secretary. There is no reason for these codes to be used for any purpose in the future, as generating such a new list of such codes is straightforward. The report by the VotingPlace provides both digests and copies of individual ballots, but without codes, so voters’ anonymity is protected from the user (the Secretary). The results of the referendum shall be reported to the UFF USF membership.

• Motion made and seconded to approve the Mechanics passed.

  These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 24 November 2014.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at CDB Restaurant in Temple Terrace.

Attendance. Fourteen members, including eleven members of the Chapter Council, and two guests.

Minutes. Minutes of the October 17 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• Paul Terry. Recovering.
• College of Nursing and ROAD. Discussion of ROAD reporting requirements, which are being grieved.
• Membership. Jill Brasky will seek a co-chair and organize a reception for new faculty in January.
• New committees mandated by the CBA. New committees on evaluations and intellectual property have been determined.

Tenure and Promotion.
Discussion of the new guidelines.

Reports.

• Referendum on constitutional amendment. Greg McColm is working on the database of union members and the Voting Place machinery.
• Grievances. Discussion of outstanding grievances, esp. grievances heading towards arbitration and grievances involving CON.
• Tenure workshop. We will begin planning a new workshop.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 2 November 2014.