Dear Members,

the 2023/2024 academic year has been an eventful one: it began with bargaining throughout the summer of 2023 into the Fall semester and concluded with a Celebration of Lecturers last week. Sprinkled in the midst we resumed more regular meetings between EMUFT Leadership and Provost Longworth, engaged in conversations with the leadership of the other campus unions, published our report on Lecturer Input and Communication, and worked with Academic Human Resources (AHR) on promotions for both FTLs and PTLs.

After having been halted by the administration since Fall 2020, PTL promotions resumed in the Fall semester. We finally completed verification of the list of those PTLs who should have been automatically promoted as of Winter 2024 and will continue to work with AHR throughout the summer to ensure that promotion and evaluation procedures were followed during the winter term. Details for the resumption of promotions can be found toward the end of the contract in a Memorandum of Understanding. Your Department Heads should also have received confirmation of new rankings for PTLs. Of course, you can always reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

The Celebration of Lecturers also constituted our event for the National Day of Action for Higher Education. EMUFT was one of about 100 universities and colleges to participate in this coordinated effort to draw attention to the many threats higher education is under. While we certainly could have held a teach-in, march, or other protest action, it felt appropriate to end the year by celebrating and highlighting the many wonderful and amazing things lecturers do at EMU. We are an integral part of this university and deserve to be celebrated for our dedication, care, and the support we provide to our students and colleagues.

We are furthering our engagement with locals from around the state and the nation, building solidarity at the AFT Michigan Convention on May 4th and the Higher Ed Labor United (HELU) Founding Convention from May 17-19. This summer we will also have a presence at the Ypsi Farmers Market to continue our engagement with the community. Furthermore, our Union Council meeting this May will also be a planning meeting for this coming fall. We hope to see many of you there. 

Enjoy the summer!

Your Union Council