Monday, October 6, 2015
General Membership Meeting Minutes
2pm Gothic Lounge
Meeting called to order @ 2:05.
I.
President's report:
Motion to accept minutes made and seconded. Passed unanimously.
Nick Yovnello Social Justice Award discussed. Corinne Reilly, NJCU student, and President of
Gothic Knights Grassroots won the state-wide Nick Yvnello Social Justice Award. She received a
$1,000 scholarship and the President commended her for her achievement and hard work on
campus and throughout the state.
The President discussed state-wide negotiations. He indicated that respectively, there have been
two negotiation meetings with Full Time and Adjuncts to date, but that there is little to
substantively report as of yet. Debra Jenks, Niloofar Mina, Rubina Vohra and President Bill
Calathes comprise the negotiating teams. Neither side has offered economic proposals as of yet.
The President has invited State Council President Tim Haresign to come to next GM meeting to
address how negotiations are being planned and implemented.
II.
Elections:
There are two people candidates for Corresponding Secretary: Alina Gharabagian and Niloofar
Mina. Christopher Cofone is running for CNJSCL delegate alternate. Niloofar Mina nominates
Lewis Seagull for position as well. Voters can write Lew's name in on ballot. Voting extends to
next Monday, with ballots available in Grossnickle 421.
President Calathes indicated that there is a need to fill two positions on the promotions
committee. Hilary Englert and Andy McCabe volunteered and will be filling those positions.
III.
State Assembly Candidates
Theresa Guerriere introduced Angela McKnight, State Assembly candidate and Nicholas
Chiaravalloti, Democratic candidates for Jersey City. Asheenia Johnson spoke about candidates,
and their union support and Labor Walks. President Calathes indicated that Labor Walks will be
occurring Saturdays from 9-12 (walk with union members and talk with residents about voting).
First date is this Saturday. President Calathes encouraged all to make an effort to participate in at
least one Labor Walk. A motion to officially endorse each candidate was made and seconded. The
motion was unanimously carried.
IV.
Campus Safety
President Calathes discussed the possibilities of bringing an Active Shooter Program to NJCU. Joe
Rodriguez of Public Safety, who was invited to speak on this issue by President Calathes, indicated
that the University was looking into outside sources to train staff and the faculty. Max Hermann
indicated that rooms in Rossey Hall are not lockable. Security measures at other institutions were
briefly discussed. Joe Rodriguez indicated that because NJCU is a public university, it is difficult to
close this campus.
A brief discussion took place regarding the need to inform all faculty of campus resources for
student mental health.
V.
Budget
President Calathes informed all that the budget was passed by EC, that there would be no
proposal to increase dues. Treasurer Craven reported that there was much less of a shortfall than
predicted. There were no questions. Budget was passed.
VI.
Negotiations.
Chief Negotiator Barbara Hildner reported that the most pressing issue is online evaluations. She
also indicated that the negotiating team was continuing its work on range changes for librarians.
Compensation not yet arranged for staff that were on promotions committee last year, but they
will be compensated. Volume of applications is an issue. Summer chairperson compensation
agreement is being reviewed.
The administration unilaterally Increased on-line course enrollments from 20-25 two weeks prior
to the start of the fall semester. President Calathes indicated that administration has right to
increase class enrollments but that it appeared to him that Administration violated shared
governance in this regard. Union can put in to negotiate on state level; Senate can hold
administration accountable. Former state contract had online course size caps, but the current
one does not.
Course evaluation mechanisms were discussed. Handbook indicates that departments select their
own evaluation methods/instruments. President Calathes indicated, however, that, although the
negotiated agreement does not preclude such departments, the administration has the right to
have its own evaluations, subject to negotiations on a number of key areas. Suggestion was made
for faculty/departments to use their own instruments in the classroom as backup
Question was raised as to whether President Calathes can post the Board OT Book. He will look
into it.
VII.
Awards, Charities and Scholarship committee Report
Dean Brianik provided information about the Robert Arey and that nominations should be
forwarded to Sam.
Dean Brianik also provided information about the Silberman Award: changes in hopes of getting
more students to apply.
Dean Brianik also provided information about the Polo shirts and fundraising: Pay $5 for right to
wear the polo shirts on the first Thursday of the month. It will make the Local more visible in the
community. Dean Brianik will recuse himself from deliberations about who receives money
because he is often in contact with outside agencies.
VIII. BAAFSO 40th Anniversary
President Calathes suggested that the Local purchase 8-10 tickets for BAAFSO 40th Anniversary
Motion made, seconded and unanimously passed.
IX.
Overload.
Legally, there can be no cap, but administration can set policy as long as it allows for exceptions.
President Calathes led discussion on the unfairness and arbitrary nature of the overload “cap” and
its implementation.
Motion to adjourn meeting and seconded. Unanimous vote to adjourn. Meeting adjourned 4:00
pm.