MSU Administrative Professional Association

Submitted by Tonya Jamison APA Legislative Chair 

 

Dear APA Members, 

 

I hope all is well with you and your families! 

Due to COVID 19, we cannot participate in the normal  

voter outreach activities and information forums. However, this  

should not stop you from getting involved virtually.  

 

August 4th, 2020 is the date for Michigan’s open primary election,  

you can obtain a ballot beginning 45 days before the election from 

your local city clerk or township clerk. Remember, the big election  

is held on November 3rd, 2020 and you can also obtain a ballot 45 days prior to  

that date, as well. With Michigan’s new voter law, you do not need a reason to vote early. 

 

Please visit the links below to learn more about registering to vote,  

requesting an absent voter ballot and most of all become educated  

on the issues at the final link below. 

 

https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/RegisterVoter 

https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_8716_8728-21037–,00.html 

https://www.vote411.org/ 

 

Remember: Do not be discouraged but be encouraged to participate.  

 

For information on how to get involved, please email Tonya at jamiso20@msu.edu. 

 

Strength in numbers 

  

The recent 6/22/2020 e-mail from President Stanley notes wage reductions and cuts in the retirement benefits for many non-organized MSU employees. There is one very important sentence in President Stanley’s statement. “because MSU cannot unilaterally implement such a change for employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.” This is why unions are important now more than ever. It was a collective APA/MEA voice which said no, enough is enough. In one e-mail the president of MSU clearly displayed the value placed on those who support so much of the University. Those employees just lost 50% of a benefit without a choice. On the accounting side, the University just reduced a long-term retirement obligation by 50% simply by taking advantage of the current situation. 

  

Recently, MSU did approach the APA/MEA with a proposal for wage and retirement cuts. The cuts offered were permanent whereas President Stanley’s e-mail notes the executive staff are taking “temporary cuts”. The basis of the University’s own financial presentation had a great deal of doom and gloom in their projected financial statement, but it also had many problems with its assumptions. The presentation took full advantage of stating that the world would not return to some sense of normal. It missed noting many opportunities which would help offset any presumed losses. MSU has a very healthy endowment fund which most of it can be used at the University’s discretion. In short, the accounting was very slanted for the purpose for which they came. It was not “shared sacrifice.”  

  

When the investment banking giants collapsed, MSU lost $400 million dollars in one day. MSU lights did not go off. There was not even a flicker. But in these very anxious times, the University comes to their staff for yet another sacrifice. MSU staff have been under-rewarded and over-worked for far too long for the University to feel it appropriate to take such an advantage during these times. Enough is enough. There are discretionary dollars available and many of the short term loses will return. What won’t return is anything taken from the staff at this time.  

  

The members of the APA/MEA stand strong and together. Thank you for your dedication to your professions, the APA/MEA, but most importantly, to yourselves.  

 

Meet Fellow APA Member Christina Schaffer

What is your job title? Editor II

How long have you been at MSU? 35 years

Have you been a member of the APA the whole time? I was a member of the CT Union for 25 years and for the past 10 years, I have been a member of the APA Union.

What department do you work in, and can you tell me a little bit about what you do? I work at University Advancement in the Marketing and Communications department. I work with a talented team of writers, editors and communications managers. I am on a team of three people that produce three major publications several times throughout the year. Some of my duties include researching, interviewing, writing, editing, proofreading and distribution of materials.

What brought you to your job at MSU? After I graduated from MSU as a first-generation college student, I was offered a job at the Instructional Media Center as a Level 6 Customer Service Representative. After three more campus position promotions, I found my niche in my current position.

What do you enjoy most about working at MSU? Having the freedom to be creative and being part of an exceptional team/staff to produce something of value makes my job most enjoyable. I love the beauty of the campus and all the great people I have met on campus throughout my tenure.

What do you like to do when you are not at work? When I am not at work, you can find me outdoors. I enjoy boating, fishing, gardening, riding my bicycle, riding motorcycles, spending time with family and friends and walking my dog.

In high school I was known for … being the nice nerd who would most likely end up working in communications or as a comedian.

People would be surprised to know I am skilled at: I have a 2nd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

I have … (pets) one adorable five-pound Yorkie dog named Carlee Martini.

I like … (music) Classical, Country, Motown, Funk, 70’s and 80’s, Soft Rock and Classic Rock.

My favorite area restaurant and my favorite dish: Before they went out of business, I often ate at All Season’s Bistro. Now, I tend to go to Hall of Fame Café for their signature Hall of Fame Salad with Caramelized Salmon.

My hobbies include … reading, drawing, gardening and traveling.

My favorite junk food: If I could get a Bubble Tea and/or a Coke Slurpee every day, my life would be complete!

Submitted by: Kandy Slack MSU APA Membership Chair

Are you new to MSU or APA? Welcome!

The MSU Administrative Professional Association is your campus union that represents you for all matters related to your wages, hours, and conditions of employment. The APA has a tradition of meeting with individuals who were recently hired into APA positions as an opportunity to say hello and discuss the benefits of full membership in the Association.

With recent changes requiring most staff to work remotely, APA is offering virtual visits via ZOOM as an opportunity to provide information regarding the negotiated contract, additional benefits and discounts through MEA (Michigan Education Association) and NEA (National Education Association). We also highlight information of most use to you and details HR orientation does not include. For members new to MSU and/or unions this is a great opportunity to learn about both organizations.

For more information on how to schedule a meeting, please email Kandy at [email protected] .

At the March 10th APA Board Meeting, Kandy Slack, Chairperson of the APA Community Based Events Committee brought forth the idea of organizing a blood drive on campus. Then very quickly our lives changed drastically with the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order due to COVID-19. While there are no immediate plans to host a blood drive on campus until the restrictions on larger gatherings are lifted, please know that the need for blood is constant and patients need your help. If you are able, consider donating!

To schedule an appointment online and for additional information go to; American Red Cross Blood Services

“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.” -U.S. Surgeon General.

What is your job title? Admin Ast I

I mainly handle communications for my Department, including website and social media content.

What area of campus (this refers to the area rep info on the APA website, like, East, South, North, etc.) building and department do you work in?

South side. I work in the Clinical Center

How long have you been at MSU?

It will be 10 years in June

How long have you been an Area Representative?

Less than a year

Why is being a member of the Union important to you and what value does it bring?

Being part of a group where its only responsibility is to look out for other members without other agendas is extremely important to me. Being part of a giant establishment like MSU you can feel lost in the shuffle, but with the APA Union you will always have someone who will look out for you and speak up for you.

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

Make sure you read over everything the union sends to you; get to know what we can help you with. Get involved with the Union in some way; it helps keep you informed.

What do you love about working at MSU?

I love the communities that MSU offers, from departments and colleges to the unions and alumni.

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

I like to spend time with my family and my 3 dogs. I also love to play basketball. If you didn’t know there is a faculty/staff Basketball league through IM services!

I have 3 dogs and two goldfish pets.

I like hip hop music and my favorite band is, well, who can pick just one?

My hobbies include riding motorcycles, gardening and craft beer.

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/