January 16, 2007
Dear MSCA Faculty and Librarians:
I am pleased to report that the MSCA Board of Directors and the state college Council of Presidents held its bi-annual meeting on January 9, 2007. Topics for discussion included the upcoming negotiations, possible reorganization of higher education in Massachusetts, gubernatorial transition issues, legislative items and possible university status for the state colleges. Both sides reported great satisfaction with the discussion held and cautious optimism for the future as a result of the meeting.
The parties have agreed to form a smaller "working group" to continue discussion on these items. As many of you may know, Bridgewater State College President Dana Mohler-Faria has been appointed to serve as a special advisor on educational issues to Governor Patrick. He and I are in the process of scheduling a meeting soon to discuss higher education issues of mutual concern.
Further information on these meetings will be included in the next issue of the MSCA Perspective, due on campuses in early February.
The MSCA Bargaining Committee will meet on January 19, 2007 to finalize the proposal for the upcoming day unit negotiations. This final proposal will be presented in executive session to the MSCA Board of Directors on February 2, 2007. After the Board has approved the proposal, it will be made available to the MSCA membership. We expect formal negotiations to begin no later than March 2007.
As expected, Steve Tocco, chairman of the Board of Higher Education since 1999, has resigned from this position to devote his time and energy to the chairmanship of the UMass Board of Trustees. Governor Patrick has the statutory authority to appoint the new BHE Chair, and we hope that this person will be as strong a champion of public higher education as Governor Patrick has promised to be. The next BHE chairperson will also be a key figure in the upcoming day unit negotiations.
As soon as a new BHE chairperson has been appointed, I will make efforts to meet with him/her to discuss issues of concern to the state college faculty and librarians.
I trust that all of you had an enjoyable and relaxing semester break and hope that the upcoming semester will be a productive and successful one for all of us. Thank you for your continuing support of your union and of my work on your behalf.
Patricia Markunas MSCA President
Previous Messages to the Membership 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
MSCA Home/Messages to the Membership 1/16/07