Salem Chapter Newsletter President's Message - Amy Everitt - September 2010

Hi everyone,

I hope this finds everyone well. I want to take a few moments to update you on some important issues.

First and foremost, our contract funding will be paid for the first time in the November 26 pay advice. All retroactive money (1.5% back to June 30, 2010) will be included in your December 10 statement. While this is a modest increase, please be mindful that there are many, many people who continue to take cuts and furloughs. In addition, we will see a 3.5% increase beginning June 30, 2011 and another 3.5% on June 30 of 2012.

The Optional Retirement Plan legislation still sits in committee in the Senate, while the Sabbatical repeal bill continues to languish in the House. The MSCA and MTA, along with the Council of Presidents, continue to pursue this important legislation on our behalf. Informal sessions will close December 31 and any bill not acted on by that time will need to be re-filed in January. At this point, it appears that the Sabbatical repeal bill will not pass in time for members to take advantage of the change in number of years of service required to apply for the coming academic year. If there is any change, we will let you know immediately.

The deadline for Professional Development funding for full time members (including full time temporary positions) is rapidly approaching and as the semester winds down, do not miss your opportunity. Applications are due to the Provost's office no later than December 31, 2010. This is a hard deadline and no exceptions will be considered. You have received the application electronically twice, but if you need it again, please contact Amie Goodwin's office.

Conversations around Academic Program Review continue and as the process moves forward, I encourage everyone to get involved. I have consulted for many hours with our state-wide MTA consultant and with the MSCA state officers, and everyone has come to the conclusion that participating is in the best interest of all involved. Let's take the "opportunity" to show management a united faculty force by helping one another put forward the strongest possible documentation for our academic programs. We still need people for the faculty review teams, preferably tenured members. If you need more information regarding the role of the review teams, or if you would like to volunteer, please contact Mary Buckley immediately.

Mark your calendars for the Salem Chapter holiday party to be held on Wednesday, December 8th from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Hawthorne Hotel. Hope to see a great crowd again this year.

Finally, as we move into the holiday season I am reminded of how fortunate we are. Regardless of some of the controversial issues that lie ahead, we can all be proud of the commitment we make every day to our students, colleagues, institution and our disciplines. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with, and provide service to so many wonderful colleagues. Thank you for your continued support. May you all have a safe, restful and joy filled Thanksgiving.

With Thanks,
Amy

Amy L. Everitt,
Ed.D., ATC Professor, Sport & Movement Science Department Salem State University MSCA/Salem Chapter President MSCA Vice President 978.542.6576

Amy Everitt
MSCA/Salem Chapter President