As the membership knows, statewide elections for MSCA office will be held this spring. The following members are the certified candidates for this election, and they have been invited to a candidates' forum sponsored by the Salem Chapter/MSCA. The forum is open to all members of the Salem Chapter/MSCA. Light refreshments will be served.

Patricia Markunas (Salem)

Bill Murphy (Bridgewater)

Charles Hetzel (Fitchburg)

Frank Minasian (Worcester)

Bernard McMahon (Westfield)

Gail Price (Bridgewater)

Ballots for this election will be mailed to home addresses on March 15, 2000, from the American Arbitration Association. Ballots must be returned by April 7 and will be counted the following week. The term of office is for two years, beginning June 1, 2000. Detailed instructions on balloting will be sent to the membership prior to the spring recess.Chapter Vice President Paul McGee will serve as the moderator for this forum. MSCA Director Bill Mahaney is the Chapter's representative to the MSCA Elections Committee. Members should feel free to contact them with any questions or concerns.

Bargaining sessions have been scheduled for February 18th and 25th. The Board of Higher Education meeting, scheduled for February 15th, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 7th at 9:00 a.m. at Bunker Hill Community College. Plans to hold a demonstration at this meeting will be forthcoming.

Please see the item below for further information about management’s economic proposal J

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.

This meeting is open to all members of the day and DGCE bargaining units. We welcome your participation.

Graduate Education Council. Philip Kelly (SFL) will serve as an At Large Representative, effective immediately, for the remainder of this year.

Strategic Planning Council. Stuart McMahon (SFL) will serve, effective immediately, for the remainder of this year.

Council on Teaching and Learning. Barbara Husbands (Library) will serve, effective immediately, for the remainder of this year.

Search Committee for the Staff Assistant, Academic Affairs. Paul Marsella (History) will serve effective immediately.

Search Committee for the Director of Facilities. Susan Sturgeon (Library) will serve effective immediately.