Get Involved
Contact Us
Join us!
Welcome to United Academics! By joining your union, you are strengthening our collective voice and ability to enact positive change for our colleagues and our students.
Once you’ve filled out the form linked below, our Organizing Director Heather will confirm your intent via email. Dues are 1.1% of salary and are deducted monthly, typically starting the first paycheck after joining.
If you were previously a member of the union and are rejoining the bargaining unit (for instance, after being department head) you do not need to re-join.
General Membership Meetings
Even if you don't have time to serve, you can stay informed by attending our regular membership meetings.
UA Committees
UA has committees on Politics, Communications, Organizing & Membership and more!
Get Involved ...
There are lots of ways to make a difference in our community. United Academics offers opportunities to work with other good people doing good things.
We have three standing caucuses—some meet to solve issues, others meet to find community—which get together quarterly.
We have faculty representatives, stewards, committees, and bargaining teams. There's always something to do around here! (Even if "here" means via Zoom).
Bargaining
Please join the virtual bargaining sessions happening AY 2021-22.
Caucuses
Find your community here!
Stewards & Representatives
Share what's happening in your unit by becoming a steward or rep!
Stewards
Stewards serve in a voluntary capacity. Each department/unit may select at least one steward. An important piece of being a good steward is to listen to your colleagues and share any concerns with union leadership or staff. It is also possible that a colleague may ask you to accompany them to a meeting. Additional information about being a steward can be found here in the Bylaws of United Academics.
Representatives
Representatives (reps) are elected to 2-year terms and have the authority to vote on union business, including approval of the budget and any changes to the Constitution or other internal policies. Representative positions are allotted on the basis of employment classification and by college or school. Representatives also serve as stewards for their department or unit.
Representative Assembly
Representatives and stewards constitute the Representative Assembly. The Representative Assembly meets twice per term to discuss workplace and organizational concerns, as well as the strategic direction of our union.
Want to learn more? Email Heather!
Meet the Chair of the Representative Assembly
Chair of the Representative Assembly
Kathleen Freeman
Kathleen is a Senior Instructor II and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Computer Science, and was elected to chair the Representative Assembly on October 11, 2023.
Email Kathleen
Contract Action Team (CAT)
The CAT focuses on engaging and communicating with faculty throughout the bargaining process. We talk with faculty and keep them informed about what’s happening at the table, and relay member concerns back to the negotiating team. We develop messaging and plan campaigns and actions (think slogans, posters, buttons, rallies). CAT members increase faculty participation in bargaining by turning colleagues out to sessions and recruiting new activists, stewards/reps, and CAT members. Email Heather to join this committee!
Committees
Standing Committees meet regularly and are always looking for new members. If you are a UA member interested in serving on a committee, email us.
CONTRACT ACTION TEAM
The CAT works to support the Bargaining Team during and in the run-up to bargaining. This year the CAT is combined with the Organizing & Membership Committee to form OMCAT.
GRIEVANCE & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
GCAC helps faculty during the grievance process, and in assessing whether informal processes may lead to a better outcome. GCAC works closely with the VPs for faculty affairs on matters of promotion denial.
FINANCE & BUDGET
The Finance & Budget Committee proposes the annual budget to the Representative Assembly for approval. They ensure United Academics remains a financially viable organization.
POLITICS
The Politics Committee vets endorsements for local and state-wide political office. They also help direct the legislative priorities of the lobbyists of our state affiliates, and maintain relationships with local politicians and university lobbyists.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Communications Committee is the editorial board for the Duck & Cover newsletter, our social media feeds, out-going email communications and press releases. They determine the tone of all of our external communications.
ORGANIZING & MEMBERSHIP
Organinzing & Membership (currently combined with the CAT to form OMCAT) is responsible for building the United Academics community.