Category: Minutes

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at Ferg’s in St. Petersburg.

Attendance. Sixteen UFF members, including seven members of the Council, one staff member, and one guest, including nine members of the Council.

Minutes. Minutes of the August 30 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• President Currall presented a proposal for consolidating USF. Discussion of numerous issues: faculty, community, and political reactions.
• UFF is pursuing reports and grievances of harassment at two USF units. Discussion.
• Steve Permuth received a Lifetime Achievement Award from his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.

Old Business.

• The tailgate party was on August 30, and approximately 30 people attended.

New Business.

• UFF will attend the USFSP benefits fair. All campuses have benefits fairs, and UFF will seek to attend all of them.
• We have reports that all campuses will have mandatory Title IX and mandatory sexual harassment traininig.
• Times and places of chapter meetings are posted in the Events Calendar. At least one location will be moved to USFSM.

Reports.

• Grievances. We have a lot of grievances.
• Collective Bargaining. We are discussing options with the Administration.
• Treasury. We are solvent.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 26 September 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon at The Village Inn near USF.

Attendance. Eight UFF members, including seven members of the Council, and one guest.

Minutes. Minutes of the July 24 meeting approved.

President’s Report.

• President Currall met with USFSP faculty. Faculty were concerned about USFSP’ autonomy.
• MoU on tenure proposed by the Administration.
• We would like to hold a reception for President Currall.
• Steve Permuth received a Lifetime Achievement Award from his alma mater, the University of Minnesota.

Old Business.

• We will meet in St. Petersburg on September 13.
• The tailgate party is ready to go this afternoon.

New Business.

• Discussion of further developments at USFSP: will Marine Science be under USFSP? What will be done about salary equity?
• UFF will hold T & P workshops this fall.

Reports.

• Membership. UFF will be at the USFSP Benefits Fair.
  • Motion made and seconded to offer six travel scholarships under the usual conditions this fall. Motion approved.
• Grievances. Some faculty are afraid of filing grievances.
• Collective Bargaining. We are discussing options with the Administration.
• Treasury. We are solvent.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 12 September 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. 12 noon at the CDB Restaurant at 3104 E. Fowler Ave.

Minutes. Minutes of the July 12 meeting approved.

Attendance. Eight UFF members, including seven members of the Council, the grievance secretary, and two guests.

President’s Report.

• Membership. Debra Sinclair has been confirmed as Membership Chair by the Council.
• Grievance Workshop. The workshop was conducted by Graham Pickelseimer, and was successful.
• Bullying and Harassment of Women. The problem is severe in a number of units. The Grievance Committee is pursuing the matter along a number of fronts.
• President Currall. The UFF Executive Committee will seek a meeting with President Currall.

New Business.

• Consolidation. There are a number of rumors circulating.
• New Faculty Orientation. This will be on August 12, starting at 11:45 pm, in the MSC Ballroom.
• Tailgate. UFF has obtained 25 tickets for the USF-Wisconsin game for distribution to UFF members who ask.

Reports.

• Grievances. Discussion of outstanding grievances.
• Treasury. Susan Ariew presented a proposal for an Internal Grievance Policy. The Grievance Committee will now check if it is consistent with UFF bylaws and procedures.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 11 August 2019.

The Council approved the appointment of Debra Sinclair as Chair of the Membership Committee.

This note respectfully posted by Gregory McColm on 11 August 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. 12 noon at the CDB Restaurant at 3104 E. Fowler Ave.

Minutes. Minutes of the JUne 7 meeting approved.

Attendance. Eight UFF members, including seven members of the Council, the grievance secretary, and one guest.

President’s Report.

• Recognition of President Genshaft. The UFF reception for President Genshaft was successful and attended by approximately 25 people. UFF will hold a welcoming reception for President Currall in fall.
• Tenure & Promotion for Consolidated USF. Motion made and seconded to approve the revised guidelines. Motion passed unanimously.
• Sexual Harassment and Bullying. The Administration has agreed to training for administrators.

New Business.

• Constitution & Bylaws. The newly amended constitution and bylaws are posted and in force.

Reports.

• Collective Bargaining. Discussion of items for bargaining.
• Grievances. Discussion of a potential grievance.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 24 June 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. 12 noon at the CDB Restaurant at 3104 E. Fowler Ave.

Minutes. Minutes of the May 24 meeting approved.

Attendance. Eight UFF members, the grievance secretary, and two guests.

President’s Report.

• BoT Meeting. Met incoming President Currall.
• Recognition of President Genshaft. The UFF reception for President Genshaft is being planned for June 18 from 4:30-6:30 at Top of the Palms. The reception is being organized by Debbie Sinclair, Art Shapiro, Ed Mitchell, and Carol DiDomenico, who will be receiving RSVPs.
  

  
  New Business
  

  
  One hundred ballots on the referenda to amend the UFF USF Constitution and Bylaws were received by the deadline, and they were tallied. These are the results:

  • Shall Article IV, Section 2 of the UFF USF Constitution be changed as follows?
    
    Nominations shall be closed and all nomination materials shall be due by February 28. The elected officers and Senators representatives shall be elected annually on or before March 21 31, and shall take office on the following April 1.
    
    Results: 99 in favor, one opposed. A two-thirds majority of votes cast being in favor, the Constitution is so amended.

  • Shall Article II, Section I of the UFF USF Bylaws be changed as follows?
    
    Standing Committees shall be:
    1. Bargaining Committee
    2. Grievance Committee
    3. Services Membership Committee
    4. Communications Committee
    5. Political Action Government Relations Committee

    Results: 98 in favor, two opposed. A majority of votes cast being in favor, the Bylaws are amended.

  • Shall Article IV, Section 6 of the UFF USF Bylaws be changed as follows?
    
    The Political Action Government Relations Committee shall cooperate, upon the approval of the chapter at a chapter meeting, with the State UFF in lobbying, endorsing candidates, and raising contributions. The Chairperson of the Political Action Government Relations Committee shall be the an official nominee to the State UFF Political Action-Legislative Committee and West Central Florida Central Labor Council unless otherwise determined by the President and/or Chapter Council.
    
    Results: 98 in favor, two opposed. A majority of votes cast being in favor, the Bylaws are amended.

  • Shall Article V of the UFF USF Bylaws be changed as follows?
    
    Before the end of the fall semester of each academic year, the chapter shall elect an Elections a Nominations and Election Committee (which is not a standing committee) of union members to design an election process, subject to the advice and consent of the chapter; solicit nominations for office and representative positions; conduct the election; and report the results. Members of the Elections Nominations and Election Committee shall be barred from running for executive office, and all candidates for executive offices in contested races shall be barred from canvassing or counting ballots.
    
    Results: 98 in favor, two opposed. A majority of votes cast being in favor, the Bylaws are amended.

  The Secretary shall post the Constitution and Bylaws as so amended.
  

  
  Reports.

  • Grievances. Discussion of outstanding grievances, of which there are a lot.
  • Collective Bargaining. Discussion.

  
  These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 17 June 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. 12 noon at the CDB Restaurant at 3104 E. Fowler Ave.

Minutes. Minutes of the April 26 meeting approved.

Attendance. Nine UFF members, the grievance secretary, and one guest.

President’s Report.

• Recognition of President Genshaft. The UFF reception for President Genshaft is being planned for June 18 from 4:30-6:30 at Top of the Palms. The reception is being organized by Debbie Sinclair, Art Shapiro, Ed Mitchell, and Carol DiDomenico, who will be receiving RSVPs.

Reports.

• Collective Bargaining. A new contract is supposed to be in place in August.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 31 May 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. 12 noon at the CDB Restaurant at 3104 E. Fowler Ave.

Minutes. Minutes of the April 12 meeting approved.

Attendance. Nine UFF members, the new grievance secretary, and one guest.

President’s Report.

• The USF Budget. The USF Budget still seems to be in flux and it still isn’t clear who is getting what. It appears that there will be reductions ($$ 5 million, St. Pete possibly receiving $ 3.5 million).
• Recognition of President Genshaft. The UFF reception for President Genshaft is being planned for June 18 from 4:30-6:30 at Top of the Palms. The group voted to invite all UFF members and perhaps extend the invitation to non-members. RSVPs will be needed so planners can figure out how much food and beverages to order. Committee volunteers are needed for this event.
• Tenure and Promotion. UFF Input into the T & P document. Steve Lang has been representing UFF interests, but UFF participation has been minimal. Revisions included:
  • Removal of construct of collegiality from T & P guidelines.
  • Removal of voluntary agreement to cede faculty right to see all T & P documents.
  • T&P revision is still in process but getting close.
  • It has to be agreed upon by UFF or it will take a year to implement it.
  • T&P will eventually need to come to the bargaining table in that the union needs to agree to changes to T & P.
• USFSP. Concern expressed by the BOT and others about conditions at the St. Pete campus..
• Halftime visiting instructors. Recommendation to Drs. Smith and Garey that half time instructors be considered as members of the bargaining unit.
• A New Grievance Coordinator. The USF UFF Chapter now has a secretary to coordinate grievances, Carol Didomenico. Her duties include:
  2. Organizing grievances as they come in.
  3. Keeping abreast of all deadlines.
  4. Informing Grievance Committee Chair and members of all deadlines.
  5. Creating a spreadsheet and making weekly reports to Grievance Chair and Committee.
  6. Keep track of hours @ $ 20.00/hour.
  7. Other duties as needed.
• Grievance Workshop. Discussion about scheduling a workshop on the grievance process included an invitation to Graham Pickelsheimer to lead it on May 31 or sometime between June 10-14.

New Business.

• Consolidation. Consolidation and issues on the campuses.
• “Branch Campuses”. The group would like clarification about what naming the St. Pete campus as a “branch campus” means..
• Summer activities. Here is a comparison between the spring of 2019 and the spring of 2018 between the travel scholarship announcement and the travel scholarship deadline:
  1. Party at Tampa Bay Rays Monday, July 1st, a night game against the White Sox. Cecil Greek is organizing it. The members voted to pay for 35 entry tickets. Participants will be able to buy food on their own. This needs to be publicized ASAP.
  2. Tailgate at USF/Wisconsin game on August 30. Steve Lang is organizing this and the group supported it.

Old Business.

• Calendar of Meetings. Establish a calendar for the summer and the fall. Dates include June 10, 24, July 12, 26. Do we meet at St. Pete and Sarasota on some of these dates? Fall calendar will be taken up at the next meeting on May 24.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 23 May 2019 from notes kindly provided by Susan Ariew.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon on Tampa in EDU317.

Minutes. Minutes of the April 5 meeting approved.

Attendance. Eight UFF members, including six members of the Council.

President’s Report.

• On the Chapter Election. We have sufficient number of senators, but are short two delegates. Article V of the UFF USF Constitution provides for filling vacant delegate seats – absent alternates, the UFF USF Chapter President shall nominate delegates, to be confirmed by the Chapter Council – but does not provide for creating alternates.
• The 2019 – 2020 term of the Faculty Senate. We are informed that Tim Boaz shall be president during the coming academic year.
• Recognition of President Genshaft. The UFF USF Chapter shall host a social recognizing President Genshaft.
• Tenure & Promotion. At the System Faculty Council meeting on April 18, reference to collegiality was removed, and there is no reference to candidates waiving their rights to know the names of referees. The document is now with Academic Affairs, which has expressed an interest in language concerning learning outcomes.
• Legislature. We are informed that the Florida Legislature is unhappy with higher education because of UCF’s use of funds towards buildings.

New Business.

• Consolidation. Discussion of the situation at USF St. Petersburg. The committee requires new members; there will be a training session set up soon.
• Committee on Faculty Success. The UFF USF Chapter President recommends Steve Permuth.
• Travel Scholarships. Here is a comparison between the spring of 2019 and the spring of 2018 between the travel scholarship announcement and the travel scholarship deadline:
  

  	Spring 2018	Spring 2019
  # applicants	37	21
  # new members	16	8
  # membership forms on travel flyers	7	0
  # travel flyers	2	0

  The recipients this semester are, in order: Adriana Novoa, Peter Funke, Gil Ben-Herut, Bill Haley, Elisabeth Fraser, and Cecil Greek. The alternates are, in order: Sharon L. Segrest, Shun-Yung Kevin Wang, and Lisa Starks.

• Calendar. During the summer, the UFF USF Chapter shall meet at noon at CDB Restaurant in Temple Terrace on May 10 & 24, June 7 & 21, July 5 & 19, and possibly August 2. The Chapter may meet at a regional campus this summer.

Reports.

• Grievances. The Chapter is seeking secretarial support. There are many outstanding grievances.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 21 April 2019.

USF-UFF Chapter Meeting

Time & Place. The Chapter Meeting was held at 12 noon on USF Sarasota / Manatee in A 203A.

Minutes. Minutes of the March 22 meeting approved.

Attendance. Eleven UFF members, including four members of the Council, and three guests.

President’s Report.

• On the Chapter Election. At the previous chapter meeting, it was resolved that the Chapter shall conduct a referendum on the proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws:
  • Motion made and seconded that the referendum shall be conducted by snailmail ballot. Motion approved.
• Discussion of the president-elect.

New Business.

• Consolidation. USF St. Petersburg and revision of the Tenure & Promotion Guidelines were major issues.

These minutes respectfully submitted by G. McColm on 14 April 2019.