UUP Potsdam Updates

It is the end of the semester, spring has arrived (sort of), and our students are preparing for their last week of classes.

And a number of our colleagues are having their jobs threatened. UUP is doing everything within our power to help sort out these issues.

On to the good news (these are all hopefully related)

The governor’s office and the state legislator have reached a budget agreement. This agreement includes a sizable amount of new money for SUNY. Primarily of interest to the SUNY Potsdam family is the State University Financially Distressed Campus Fund which has been granted $163M. This item is referred to as operating aid. There are several other funds that can, and should, be used to shore up the financial situation here at our campus, preserve our jobs and our programs, such as financial support for full time faculty. There is also funding for what is called Transformational Initiative, which is intended to help grow programs that have been grossly underfunded for a long time.

What can you do to help? 1. Write or call our president Dr. Suzanne Smith, president@potsdam.edu let her know she should demand that the chancellor allocate to SUNY Potsdam, our fair share of these funds. Let her know that you will stand behind her as she fights for the survival of SUNY Potsdam. She should be using the language of growth not the language of austerity.

2. Write your state representatives – the State assembly and State senate are newly energized and assertive. Let your elected officials know that you expect them to support SUNY. Go to this link to find out how - https://uupinfo.org/legislation/advocacy.php 3. Visit https://uupinfo.org/ and go to the members only section to learn more, about the funding for SUNY and the status of our contract.

Have a great summer!

The past few years have been trying on us all, and UUP Potsdam recognizes and thanks all of our membership for your dedication and hard work. We are family & this is our home!

We look forward to making the best of the 2023-2024 together!

Here is a slideshow of this year & the past few years events with you all - You! are UUP Potsdam! ♥️

Wishing you all a terrific summer

UUP Potsdam Chapter Office

UUP Potsdam and the Potsdam Employee Assistance Program invite you for a brown bag lunch event on

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

@ 12noon in the Fireside Lounge

Dessert and Refreshments will be provided.

Interested in learning more about EAP – sign up for the EAP Teams Channel.

Maria G. Freitas Ladouceur - UUP Potsdam VPP

Colleagues,

I am excited to announce that on May 24, 2023, UUP will host MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: A UUP PANEL DISCUSSION ON MENTAL HEALTH CARE CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES ACROSS HIGHER ED INSTITUTIONS.

The pandemic, combined with racial and societal injustice/turmoil, among other factors, have led to increased mental health care concerns among students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities across the country. This increased need for more mental health care services is happening as we experience a national mental health care provider shortage—and this in turn has created widespread challenges across campus communities.

Join us at noon on May 24, 2023 for a virtual roundtable where experts will discuss the mental health challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff; and how these challenges have changed the higher education work/learning environment. Panelists will talk about the negative impact stress and trauma (direct and indirect) can have on one’s health, academic growth, and professional success. The panel will also discuss coping strategies, available resources, and what more is needed to address this rapid rise in mental health concerns at higher education institutions.

Please register and submit questions for our panelists by clicking here.

I look forward to hearing from you and our panelists during this event.

In solidarity,

Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D.

President

United University Professions