Area Representative (AR) Spotlight – Erin West

What is your job title?

My MSU official title is “Project/Event Coordinator” although my bosses calls me the “Operations Manager”.

What area of campus, building and department do you work in?

I work in the east part of campus in Owen Hall (the colorful balconies building) for the Institute for Public Utilities. I am new to IPU in December where I am the fiscal officer for all of the accounts, as well as the event coordinator for the programs we put on and facilitate.   

How long have you been at MSU?

I have worked at MSU since an undergraduate student. After graduation I started as a CT in 2005 and became an APA in 2008; so 12 years as a regular employee.

How long have you been an Area Rep?

I think I have been an Area Rep for 5 years now (it all starts to blend together)

Why is being a member of the Union important to you?

I started getting involved to attend meetings to learn more about specific topics the union was doing for its members. Over the years I am passionate over advocating and promoting what I have learned with those that I work with or come in contact with.  I feel it has been great having Area Reps as we are not Union board members; we are nothing more than everyone else out in the units and department, except we have gone through and continue to go through additional training to be the eyes and ears for the members we work with and to let you know what is coming down the pipe.  One of my biggest fears is losing our fully funded health care, as we have seen the non-unionized faculty, now pay a part of their health care. BUT OUR Union has managed to hold them off.  By standing together and voting to put people we trust on the board and in a position to fight for us, the Union will fight for our rights and keeping benefits for us as long as they can. They are looking out for OUR best interest!   

What words of advice do you have for new hires at MSU?

Meet your area representative, ask questions, and know what your rights are and how to promote yourself in the University, and GET involved in the union. If you vote to put the right people in place and stay involved with the union we have more power to keep the benefits we all appreciate.

What do you love about working at MSU?

I love the flexibility! I love being a part of a GREAT community and sense of belonging! I love the opportunities MSU has to offer and things to do around campus – take advantage of it and all this great community has to offer! Do you know there is FREE Emergency Child Care through the MSU WorkLife Office? You get 5 free days per year per employee per child. It’s a great place to work!

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I am a mother of 4, ages 10, 8, and twin 5 year olds, so that alone keeps me plenty busy with their activities. I also am a member of the US Army Reserves which I have served for the last 16 years as a Career Counselor, SFC (P). Besides those, our family enjoys 4H, various kids’ activities and time at the family cabin.  

The AR’s are appointed by the Executive Board and their role is to assist with distributing APA materials and information and to serve as a resource for members. AR’s are assigned to a geographic area of campus, so if there is not an AR in your immediate building, you can find one nearby. For a list of AR’s go to http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/about/area-representatives-2/