Welcome back! I trust that you and your families enjoyed the holidays and the smooth transition to the New Year. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and successful semester.

Unfortunately, there is little to report about progress in bargaining. Two meetings that were scheduled to take place over the semester break were cancelled due to Chancellor Koplik's hospitalization and untimely death on January 3, 2000. Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Judy Gil has been appointed to serve as Acting Chancellor. Although she had been involved in

the formal negotiations for the past 20 months, Acting Chancellor Gil was not involved in any of the meetings that took place away from the table in December.

It is my understanding that the sides will meet on Friday, January 21st, at Worcester State College and that Mark Peters, counsel to the State College Council of Presidents, will be taking a more active role in negotiations from now on.

Susan Sturgeon and I attended the late Chancellor's memorial service on January 7th at UMass Boston. It was a dignified and moving service, attended by nearly 300 people. Despite our disputes with Dr. Koplik's positions on many issues of concern to us, it was impossible not to be affected by his sudden and completely unexpected death.

I cannot predict what all of this means, for bargaining and for the future of the state colleges. As always, your patience is appreciated, and we will keep you informed as best we can.

Graduate Education Council. One at-large vacancy exists on this committee; term expires on May 31, 2000. Eligible members must be a member of the graduate faculty and full-time in the day bargaining unit. Members of the Departments of Psychology, Education, Management and English are not eligible.

Council on Teaching and Learning. One vacancy exists on this committee; term expires on May 31, 2000. Eligible members must be full-time in the day bargaining unit. Nominees from December will be automatically considered for this position.

Strategic Planning Council. One vacancy exists on this committee; term expires on May 31, 2000. Eligible members must be part-time in the day bargaining unit.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please send a memo stating so to the Salem Chapter/MSCA Office no later than Friday, February 4, 2000.

Upcoming Salem Chapter/MSCA Executive Committee Meetings

Tuesday, February 8, 2:30 pm, The Underground, Ellison Campus Center, North Campus.

President Nancy D. Harrington will meet with the Executive Committee to hear concerns and answer questions. Committee appointments will also be made at this meeting.

Thursday, February 24, 2:30 pm, Presidential Dining Room, Ellison Campus Center, North Campus. Arlene Greenstein, Dean of Non-Traditional Programs, will meet with the Executive Committee to hear concerns and answer questions.

Both meetings are open to all members of the day and DGCE bargaining units. We welcome your participation.