by Nicholas Bourland, APA Vice President
What does my contract guarantee? How do MSU procedures affect me? Can my supervisor do that? These and countless other questions are asked every day by APA members about the wages, benefits, terms and working conditions of their MSU employment.
The MSU Administrative Professional Association works hard to provide a multitude of resources to help meet the every day information needs of our fellow members. In addition to the support provided by the main APA office, community and information sessions, and new member welcomes; a focus has been placed on the steady expansion and training of the Area Representative program.
Q: Â What does an Area Representative do?
A: Â Area representatives are members meant to be local, first points of contact with other APA members. ARs typically welcome new members to the Area, assist in organizing APA events, answer basic member questions, connect members with the right resources at APA and MSU, and provide information updates about the APA/MEA/NEA.
Q: Â How do I contact an Area Representative?
A:  The APA website has a page devoted to the AR program (Area Representatives). MSU is divided into four large areas (map) and has trained ARs serving in each area. Please feel free to contact any area representative listed, regardless of Area. New ARs are continually added to the site as they finish the training. Any AR will be happy to assist you.
Q: Â Does my supervisor have to know I contacted an Area Representative?
A:  No! APA routinely and confidentially counsels and advises members, even if there’s no grievance pending. ARs will always be discrete and will not discuss your circumstances with anyone else, other than to ask further questions to the APA Officers. ARs understand the importance of your privacy.
Q: Â If my supervisor informed me to contact my union representative, whom do I contact?
A: Â Please call the APA Office right away 517-999-4004. ARs may aid the APA Officers and Staff in a disciplinary process, but will rarely replace them.
Q: Â How do I learn more about or volunteer to become an Area Representative?
A: Â Please contact the APA Vice Chairperson, Nick Bourland at [email protected] for more information about the AR Program. A training series to add more ARs to the cadre is set to begin late this month.