CUNY & Racial Justice Forum—This Wed., Apr. 3
There will be a forum examining access of students and faculty of color to public higher education this Wed., Apr. 3 at the PSC Union Hall (61 Broadway, 16th floor). Sponsored by PSC and the Public Science Project of the CUNY Graduate Center, the forum will feature two panels: one discussing the changing racial composition of the CUNY student body, another analyzing racial and gender diversity among the CUNY faculty. It will run from 6-8 PM. Click here for more information and here to download a flier.
Ballots for Chapter Elections Mailed—Wed., Apr. 3
Thirteen PSC chapters will elect chapter officers, delegates and alternates to the union’s Delegate Assembly this spring. Seven campuses will elect representatives to the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund Advisory Council. Ballots for chapter elections will be mailed out to members’ homes this Wed., Apr. 3. Ballots in uncontested elections must be received at the PSC office by 5:00 PM on Apr. 29. Ballots in contested elections must be received at the office of the American Arbitration Association (the designated ballot-counting organization) by 5:00 pm on Apr. 29. Click here for a list of chapters included in this election cycle and more details. If you believe you are eligible to vote and have not received a ballot by Apr. 6, please call Barbara Gabriel at the PSC at 212-354-1252 starting Monday April 8.
Environmental Health and Safety Watchdog Named “Unsung Hero”
Dr. Joan Greenbaum, co-founder of PSC’S Environmental Health and Safety Watchdogs, was given the Unsung Hero Award in March at the NYSUT Health and Safety Conference. The award honors a NYSUT member who has gone above and beyond in addressing health and safety problems for his or her local. Dr. Greenbaum is professor emerita of environmental psychology at the Graduate Center of CUNY, and a faculty retiree of computer information systems at LaGuardia Community College. Read more about her award by clicking here, and check the Watchdogs’ PSC webpage for news and information about health and safety at CUNY.
The Safety Net, Sequestration and Austerity Politics Conference—Next Mon., Apr. 8
Dean Baker of the Center for Economic Policy and Research, James Parrott of the Fiscal Policy Institute, Frances Fox Piven of the CUNY Graduate Center, and Michael Zweig of SUNY Stony Brook will speak at a conference hosted by PSC’s Social Safety Net working group. The conference, The Safety Net, Sequestration and Austerity Politics, will examine the impact of sequestration on American safety-net programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. Labor Arts will also share a visual presentation about the history of the Safety Net. The conference will take place on Apr. 8 from 6-9 PM at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in the Richard Harris Terrace. Refreshments will be available at 5:30 PM. Click here to learn more and here to download a flier.
Get Ready for PSC’s Mayoral Forum—Tues., Apr. 23
Today the Daily News published mayoral candidates’ answers to questions about their favorite New York experience, their pets and their diet and exercise habits. The New York Times ran a piece yesterday about the awkward small talk that candidates make backstage before debates and forums. It’s fine to learn about the candidates’ personalities and backgrounds, but informed voters want to know more about the candidates’ positions on policies that matter. That is why PSC is hosting a Mayoral Forum on Tues., Apr. 23 from 7-9 PM where candidates will be asked about their plans for CUNY and their support of labor issues. The forum will be in room 201 of the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College (2180 3rd Ave., at 119th St.). Click here to download a flyer to share with your colleagues. For more information, contact Amanda Magalhaes.
Lobby with Students at PSC’s CUNY at The Council Advocacy Day—Wed., Apr. 24
Mayor Bloomberg has proposed a flat-line budget for CUNY community colleges that doesn’t account for enrollment increases and inflationary costs. His plan for CUNY assumes a $300 tuition hike and it defunds initiatives that enrich the college experience and improve student success. The union is partnering with student groups (NYPIRG and CUNY USS) to demand substantial restorations and improvements to the city’s budget for CUNY and financial aid. Together, we will make the case for CUNY at a joint CUNY at the Council advocacy day. Click here to sign up to lobby alongside CUNY students and meet with City Council members in their offices at 250 Broadway on Apr. 24. Contact Amanda Magalhaes for further details.
Adjunct Health Insurance Extended Through April 30
The current adjunct health insurance through the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund has been extended through April 30. Read the message here.
