FYI: Highlights from the Executive Council and other news of note

April 2019

To help you stay organized in this busy end-of-semester season, here's a chronological list of important dates to know.

May 2 — Returning ballots for 2019 FA elections: Don't forget to vote in this spring's elections! An error was discovered in the NYSUT/AFT delegate section of the ballot that was recently mailed to members' home address.

As a result, we are asking that members return their ballots with votes on the officer positions and the proposed changes to the Constitution and Bylaws by May 2 at 11 a.m.

Then, to ensure fairness and equity for all six of the nominated NYSUT/AFT delegates, we will are mailing another ballot ONLY for the delegate positions within the next week. Those must be returned by Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m. and the Executive Council (EC) will certify these positions at the May 31 meeting.

In addition, there are currently two contested EC rep positions for which the FA will be mailing ballots to these respective constituencies: 1) the EC rep for full-time PAs and specialists in programmatic areas and 2) the EC rep for adjuncts in English. Those ballots are also to be returned by Thursday, May 16, at 11 a.m.

Do not bring any ballots to the FA office; this will invalidate your vote. Follow the instructions on the ballot and send it via U.S. postal service.
May 10 — FA Leadership Appreciation: This year the FA will honor leaders and activists as well as the retirement of Kevin Peterman on Friday, May 10, at 3 p.m.

May 11 — Help the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) to Stamp Out Hunger: Every second Saturday in May, letter carriers collect non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and in post offices and deliver them to local community food banks, pantries and shelters.

Contact your local post office to see if they participate. If they do, to donate simply place a box or can of non-perishable food next to your mailbox before your letter carrier delivers mail. Kudos to our brothers and sisters in the NALC union for helping the 49 million people facing hunger every day in America, including nearly 16 million children.
May 15 — Page 1 of promotion forms due: Don't forget! FA members who are up for promotion this year are to submit page 1 of their promotion form to their academic chair/area supervisor and to their campus executive deans.

May 21 — Vote on your local school budget: Don’t forget to vote on the budget for your local school district on Tuesday, May 21.
May 23 — Two Commencement ceremonies to be held: The FA encourages all members to attend one of the two Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. or at 4 p.m. in the Field House of the Health, Sports and Education Center on the Grant Campus.

Since the 10 a.m. ceremony is filled, if faculty cannot attend the 4 p.m. ceremony, they should contact their campus dean so they can attend an alternative graduation ceremony, such as the ESL or nursing graduations.