Salem Chapter Newsletter President's Message - Amy Everitt January 27, 2009

MSCA/Salem Chapter Newsletter January 27, 2009 Happy New Year and welcome back for what may prove to be a challenging spring semester. I hope that you and your family enjoyed a healthy and relaxing winter break.

As we start the new semester, please help me in welcoming our new AVP/Provost, Dr. Kristin Esterberg. Paul Kelly, Chapter Vice President, Maggie Vaughan, Grievance Officer and I had an encouraging first meeting with Dr. Esterberg last week and we look forward to a smooth transition.

On the bargaining front, there has been very little to report. New economic parameters were verbally offered last week and will be announced through the bargaining team in the near future. As always, I will keep you informed as the process moves forward.

I would encourage everyone to attend President Meservey’s meeting Wednesday regarding the College budget. This will impact all of us so I hope to see many of you at the Main Stage tomorrow at 3:30. Candidates for the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences have also been announced. Please make every effort to attend the open forums scheduled for the faculty. It is important for faculty to take advantage of these opportunities because members of the search committee rely on your input when making their recommendations. Thank you in advance for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend.

Paul McGee, Chapter Treasurer, has provided tax information regarding union dues through mscampus mail. If you did not receive a copy or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Mary Buckley by email or at the chapter office (X6920).

Dates for tenure and promotion evaluations from the committees and AVP/Provost are fast approaching. If you have any concerns upon receipt of your evaluation, contact Maggie Vaughan or me immediately. Responses to evaluations are time sensitive!

I would like to announce that the Salem Chapter Executive Committee has agreed to “go green” and provide the Chapter newsletter to you through email. This will allow us to keep you better informed in a more timely manner. We will continue to print an edition at the beginning and end of each academic year, so keep an eye out for the famous “green sheets” for committee nominations in April!

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to Mary Buckley for coordinating the Chapter holiday party in December. For those of you who were able to attend, I think you will agree that it was a great time for sharing good food and friendship, even though is was a bit wet outside. Thanks Mary!!