This summer was different in many ways, including how the NYSUT Representative Assembly and the AFT Convention were held this year—both virtually. Above left, NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Philippe Abraham speaks with anti-racism activist, author and history professor Ibram Kendi of Boston University on August 6. Below right, AFT President Randi Weingarten speaks with Hamilton creator and former teacher Lin-Manuel Miranda on July 30.

How could anyone hate summer? Some of the best songs ever written are about summer: Bob Marley’s “Summertime,” Linda Ronstadt’s “Heat Wave” and Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” are the perfect prescription that takes me to one of the best times of the year.

This summer was different. In addition to the mundanity of living in a pandemic, it was a summer of anxiety and uncertainty. Nearly 50 members were awaiting reappointment letters, and nearly 40 members awaited the determination of their promotions. With a lack of federal, state and county support in addition to the pandemic, the college’s operating budget fell short of the year’s expected expenses. On top of this, enrollment fell way short of expectations.

Summer 2020—the summer of the FA’s 50th anniversary—was filled with anxiety, stress and uncertainty for our members, Executive Council and officers.

As we have done throughout our history, we came together as a union to discuss the challenges facing us: the college budget, returning to campus and best practices to serve students when teaching and working remotely. We held two general membership meetings this summer, with more than 300 members attending each. Members’ feedback, input and creativity was pivotal in helping address these issues.

We knew what was at stake, and our members heeded the call to action. More than 360 classroom faculty signed up for voluntary Quality by Design Blackboard training this summer. At the beginning of August, with the enrollment picture in a dire situation, we worked collaboratively with the college to invite students to campus to be enrolled.

Our members brought forth what they do best: helping students. The Educational Technology Unit set up safe, socially distant environments on campus where students could get help to enroll. Our student services members worked tirelessly in assisting students with admissions, testing and advising, counseling and financial aid. The work our members performed resulted in our enrollment deficit being cut by more than half.
Currently, our enrollment is down a little more than 8%. Our members were presented with a serious challenge and they rose to the occasion. Now, SCCC students are taking their classes through various forms of remote and, to a much lesser extent, on-campus instruction as well as a mix of synchronous and asynchronous class meetings.

In addition to all of the work we put into building enrollment and recreating our classes for remote instruction, we also stood in solidarity to ensure that our untenured members would be reappointed for the academic year. We did this through a mix of concessions and deferments and by holding administration accountable for making concessions as well.

As we start this academic year, several challenges remain. The impact of this pandemic will be long lasting, and there’s still a lack of commitment from federal, state and county governments with regard to funding. Since these fiscal challenges will most likely persist in the coming years, we’re asking that our members take a few minutes to sign up for and use the following activist programs to speak out to our elected representatives on these and related issues facing educators. They need to hear our voices!

• NYSUT Member Action Center
• AFT Voices
  

For the next half century, our union will continue the great work we perform for students. From greeting to graduation, we will continue to transform students’ lives at every step of their education journey.

If this summer of uncertainty taught us anything, it’s that we will outlast this pandemic and will stay strong for many summers ahead.