Dear Colleagues,
Welcome back to a new academic year. I hope you found time this summer to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the people and activities that matter most. As we return to campus, I want to share both good news and important updates that will shape our work together in the months ahead.
Thank you to every member who participated in the contract ratification process. Because of your engagement and solidarity, we now have a new five‑year agreement that delivers a 19.23% salary increase over the life of the contract. Equally important, the Governor has committed to fully funding all contractual salary increases, relieving campuses of that burden and ensuring these gains reach members as intended. This is a significant victory — one that reflects the power of collective action and the strength of our union’s advocacy.
This contract also breaks new ground in protecting our work from the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The agreement clearly states that all SUNY courses must remain under the “direction and responsibility” of humans, and that humans retain “ultimate accountability” for any work produced by AI systems. UUP is one of the first unions in the country to secure such strong, forward‑looking AI protections for its members.
At the same time, we must be clear‑eyed about the challenges ahead. The anticipated 2027–28 SUNY fiscal budget is expected to create real hardships for our campuses and for many of our members. Budget pressures often translate into increased workloads, staffing shortages, and strain on the very programs and services that make SUNY strong. We will meet these challenges together, and UUP will continue to fight for the resources, respect, and stability our members deserve.
As we begin the semester, I encourage you to stay connected, stay informed, and stay engaged. Our strength comes from each other — from showing up, speaking out, and supporting our colleagues. We have important work ahead, but we also have momentum, unity, and a contract that reflects our collective determination.
Wishing you a positive and productive start to the year. I look forward to seeing you on campus and working alongside you in the months ahead.
In solidarity,
Kat Kielar
UUP Buffalo Center Chapter President