Dear Colleagues,
As we begin a new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all members of our UUP Buffalo Center Chapter. Whether you’re returning to campus or joining us for the first time, your presence and participation in our union community are deeply valued.
UUP is more than a professional organization, it’s a collective voice for academic and professional staff. Through our union, we’ve secured vital benefits such as health insurance, dental and vision plans, salary increases, job protections, and professional development opportunities. Beyond these tangible gains, UUP offers something even more powerful: solidarity. In times of uncertainty, we stand together to advocate for fairness, equity, and the future of public higher education.
We face significant challenges. Budget constraints, shifting enrollment patterns, and political pressures continue to impact our SUNY institutions. The landscape of higher education is evolving rapidly, and with it, there is significant need to protect academic freedom, fair workloads, and the integrity of our public mission. UUP is actively engaged in these conversations—at the campus level, in Albany, and nationally—ensuring that our voices are heard and our concerns addressed.
As we begin this journey together, I want to reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that every member is heard and valued. Our work is critical, not just within the University at Buffalo but in shaping the broader landscape of higher education. Through solidarity, thoughtful strategy, and unwavering dedication, we will stand firm in defending fair wages, equitable working conditions and the respect our members deserve as the contract negotiations process is now underway. Your insights and participation will be essential as we navigate this process. I encourage open discussions, collaboration, and active engagement in shaping the path forward.
Now more than ever, involvement as a strong, united union is necessary as we witness increasing attacks on higher education. We must unite to safeguard our vulnerable colleagues, our work, and ultimate higher education principles that lead our institution to seek out knowledge, truth, and solutions that ultimate benefit society economically, socially, and culturally. This work cannot be done by just a few individuals. We need active voices on committees, in meetings, at rallies, and by attending advocacy efforts. Whether it’s joining bargaining sessions, attending events, speaking up for our rights, or submitting your contractual vote — your engagement will shape the outcomes we fight for. Your presence matters. Your voice makes a difference. Together, we can shape a stronger, a more inclusive future for our university and our union.
In solidarity,
Kathleen “Kat” Kielar
President, Buffalo Center Chapter, United University Professions (UUP)
Email: uupkatkielar@pm.me
Phone: 716-276-3377
Office Location: UB Commons, Suite 108 (behind Starbucks)