MSU Administrative Professional Association

On January 6, 2020, I notified the Executive Board that effective February 3, 2020, I will step down as APA president and chairperson to provide greater time for my personal and family life.

Since May 2008, I have had the honor and pleasure of serving as our local union president. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude and thanks for the opportunity. Over my 11+ years as president, the APA has grown by more than 1,000 members and expanded our representation to campuses and worksites across Michigan. 

Together we have successfully preserved fully funded health care, annual eligible wage increases, a vibrant retirement match, and the first-ever MSU paid parental leave program for support staff that will begin next January 1, 2021. 

We developed and launched a membership engagement program that has fostered activism and involvement within our union like never before. And, despite an onslaught of political and legislative attacks on organized labor and the middle class, we have maintained a strong membership. Again, I could not be more proud of the local union we have built together.

In the coming weeks I will be working closely with the APA leadership, members, and the University administration to ensure a smooth transition. Per Article IV, Section 5, of the APA Constitution, APA vice president, Martin McDonough, will assume the position of APA president when I relinquish the role on February 3, 2020. 

In addition to having served as our vice president for the last two years, Martin brings a wealth of experience and dedication in the APA including service as an area rep, local grievance chair, APA delegate to the MEA and NEA representative assemblies, as well as extensive work within the broader labor movement. I’m excited to see all the ways Martin helps grow and strengthen the APA.

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all the encouragement and support over the years.

In solidarity,

Maury

By Kandy Slack, APA Membership Chairperson

Salary Progression Program

 

Salary Progression increase consideration will be given to Employees who have completed at least one (1) year of service on the effective date of the increase, whose most recent Performance Excellence Review is “Meets Expectation” or higher, and whose salary is less than one hundred twenty-five (125%) percent of the minimum hiring level.

 

Each remaining year of the contract eligible Employees will receive progression increases in the amount of three (3%) percent up to the 125% level.  Employees will not receive progression increases if they received a “Does Not Meet” rating on their most recent Performance Excellence Review.  

 

Minimum Hiring Rates

 

The minimum hiring rate for grade levels may be increased by the Employer.

 

Effective October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020, the Minimum Hiring and Automatic Progression Levels are:

 

 

Source: https://www.hr.msu.edu/ua/recognition/support-staff/apa-apsa-rates.html

Effective October 1, 2020, the Minimum Hiring and Automatic Progression Levels will increase by two and three quarters percent (2.75%).  

 

Effective October 1, 2021 and each year thereafter remaining on the contract, the Minimum Hiring and Automatic Progression Levels will increase by the General Salary Base Wage Increase.

The APA Committees of Membership and Community Based Events Committee would like your input on ideas for planning future events.  Please take a moment to answer a one question survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSUAPA_Events 

Any questions can be directed to Kandy Slack, who is the chair of both committees at  [email protected].

The APA held its Annual Membership Meeting the evening of November 12th. In addition to a report out from APA President Maury Koffman, members were able to get an update from APA Committee Chairs on the behind the scenes work that APA does for its individual members and for the greater APA and MSU communities.  The annual meeting also provided a chance to meet members of the Executive Board and the APA Area Representatives as well as an opportunity for open Q & A.  

We know that sometimes work and home commitments prevent all members from attending, but we do thank those who were able to be there and extend a thank you to all members for choosing to be part of the APA.  

Dependents of APA members can apply for the 2020 Michigan Education Association scholarships. We encourage any dependents to apply if they will be attending a college/university or a vocational training institution that grants a degree, certification or license. In 2019, the MEA Scholarship Fund awarded 22 new winners with $1,550 each and 24 returning winners with $800 each. 

Deadline is February 20, 2020. For eligibility and selection criteria. For additional information and to access the application, go to www.mea.org/mea-scholarship/.

As part of the application process, the applicant will need to enter your MEA member ID.  If you need help finding that, because it is NOT your social security #, you may contact the APA Office at 517-999-4004.

This month’s question:  After the recent contract ratification vote by APA members, what is the dollar amount per year that each APA can use for Professional Development?  Note: PD funds are different from Educational Assistance or Course Courtesy Fee.  

Email your answer by December 2, 2019 to [email protected].  Limit of one guess per person.  One member who correctly answers will be randomly drawn to win various prizes.  Winner will be announced in the next newsletter. Must be an APA member in good standing to win; however, APA Board Members, Area Representatives and Communications Committee Members are not eligible to win.

Congratulations to the last newsletter winner, Felicia Berryman who correctly identified a photo of Beaumont Tower. 

What is your job title?

Contractor Safety Manager         

How long have you been at MSU?

12 years

Have you been a member of the APA the whole time?

Yes

What department do you work in, and can you tell me a little bit about what you do?

Environmental Health and Safety. As the Contractor Safety Manager at MSU I am responsible for ensuring contractors and non-MSU employees and personnel conduct their work in a safe manner. We manage risks to the university to ensure these outside operations do not adversely affect our students, faculty, staff, or the public.

What brought you to your job at MSU?

In my career prior to working at MSU I was an Industrial Hygienist, ensuring hazardous materials like asbestos and lead were managed in a safe and legal manner. I originally came to MSU to manage these materials for the University.

What do you love about working at MSU?

MSU provides an excellent workplace atmosphere where things are always changing, and I have been able to use many of the benefits available to APAs to advance my career.

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

In my free time I like to spend time with my wife and 2 children, skiing, golfing, and playing on the water.

By Kandy Slack, Community Based Events Committee Chair

 

Thanks to everyone who hosted a collection bin this year!!  We had an overwhelming response from members wanting to participate with a total of 30 buildings including Flint and Grand Rapids.  The APA coat drive not only benefits MSU CAMP students, but also the Greater Lansing Area Public Schools through LSEA .  

 

We’re happy to report APA collected a total of 241 coats, 11 pairs of boots, 54 scarves, 71 pairs of gloves and 96 hats!  In addition, we had two large bags of miscellaneous coats, clothing and other apparel for local Haven House.

 

A special shout out to Dennis Seybert, Jeremy Romel, Martin McDonough and Sue Brandt who helped with sorting for a couple hours after work!  Dennis & Martin also assisted me in pick up of all the bins last week!  

 

I’m proud to be a part of MSU APA knowing we made a difference for our community.  

Dennis Seybert and Jeremy Romel sorting coats during the 2019 APA Coat Drive.