Categories
Featured News

UUP opens 2026 SUNY scholarship application process

SUNY students are invited to apply for annual scholarships of $3,000 offered by United University Professions, the union that represents academic and professional faculty at the State University of New York.

The deadline to apply for the UUP College Scholarship Fund Undergraduate Scholarship application is March 1, 2026. Applications and an award fact sheet are on UUP’s website.

The UUP College Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to a maximum of four SUNY undergraduates who excel academically and are dedicated to the goals and ideals of the labor movement.

Applicants must be full-time students enrolled at SUNY state-operated schools and have a minimum grade point average of 3.75. Applicants must have 18 credits at any SUNY college or university to be eligible for a scholarship.

Full-time SUNY graduate students can apply for UUP’s William Scheuerman Post-baccalaureate Scholarship. The award was created in 2010 to honor Scheuerman, who served as UUP president from 1993 through 2007. Applications and an award fact sheet are on UUP’s website.

To apply, students must have at least 9 credits and hold a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.95. Applicants must show dedication to the labor movement’s goals and ideals.

Applicants for both scholarships must demonstrate personal and academic achievement and display a strong record of community service. UUP awards the scholarships to students on a one-time basis, but there is no limit on the number of times a student may apply. The scholarships are funded by contributions from UUP members and their families.

“UUP’s Scholarship Fund is a wonderful example of how UUP supports our students as they work toward their degrees,” said UUP President Fred Kowal. “In addition to their academic achievements, the students we honor have made significant contributions in their communities and on their campuses.” UUP has awarded more than 100 scholarships since the scholarship program began in 1987.

Three of the undergraduate scholarships are given in honor of former UUP members and their families who generously supported the Scholarship Fund. Those members are the late Eugene Link of SUNY Plattsburgh; the late Robert Carter of SUNY Oswego and his wife, Katherine; and the late Gertrude Butera of SUNY Alfred.

For more information, contact UUP’s Administrative Office at (800) 342-4206.


UUP is the nation’s largest higher education union, with more than 42,000 academic and professional faculty and retirees. UUP members work at 29 New York state-operated campuses, including SUNY’s public teaching hospitals and health science centers in Brooklyn, Long Island and Syracuse. It is an affiliate of NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and the AFL-CIO.

Categories
Political Action

Volunteer and Donate to our Stock the Halls Food Drive!

On December 6th, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs. 

We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.

📅 When: Saturday, December 6
📍 Locations & Times: There are three ways you can participate and donate…

  1. Large Donations (Bags & Full Boxes):
  2. Individual Items (“Fill the Crates”):
  3. Along the Parade Route:
    • Time: 3:30 PM
  1. Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.

Make a day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.

A comprehensive list of food items needed and accepted for donation at the Oneonta Veteran's Outreach Ceneter

Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!

Categories
Events

UUP 101 Webinars – December 10th & January 7th

Hello all,

We have added an additional “UUP 101” webinar for those who have been unable to attend previous workshops. This workshop will cover UUP’s structure, who we are, who we represent, what we do, and our role in the larger labor movement.

Webinars will now be held on:

Wednesday, December 10 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, January 7 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

To join the discussion, please register using the link below:

Jeri

Jeri O’Bryan-Losee, MA, MS, MSEd
United University Professions
Statewide Secretary-Treasurer
NYSUT Board of Directors, ED41
AFT PPC Member

Categories
Events

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Clinics – December 3rd & 17th

Dear Colleagues, 

Over 12 million people in the United States are struggling to make their monthly student loan payments, and millions more see economic and personal opportunities pass as they prioritize paying down their debt. Does this sound like you or someone you know? 

Many of these people may qualify for free federal programs that can help reduce their monthly payments and eventually lead to student loan forgiveness, but these lifeline programs are significantly under-enrolled. In an effort to help our members get access to these programs, United University Professions and the American Federation of Teachers are proud to host a Student Debt Clinic which will provide information on how to enroll in Income-Driven Repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness.  

We will be offering virtual Members Only Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Clinics on the following dates:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM via Zoom

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM via Zoom

To attend one of the virtual Members Only Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Clinics, you must pre-register here: http://go.aft.org/StudentDebtClinicRSVP. From the “student debt clinic” drop down menu, please select the UUP clinic that you are interested in attending – they are labeled “UUP [Virtual Student Debt Clinic] [date] [time].” In the affiliate field, type in the full name of our local (United University Professions), and it will autofill after a few keystrokes. 

Registration is first-come, first-serve, and we must cap attendance for a single clinic at 125 participants to ensure that we are able to provide maximum assistance to attendees. Registration will close 48 hours prior to the virtual clinic. Webinar login information will be provided prior to the clinic to all who register. [If you can’t make one of these virtual clinics, don’t worry – we’re planning on offering them every payday. If you want to help host a chapter-specific virtual clinic, please let us know!] 

Managing your student loan debt is the first step in taking on the inequities which plague our system of higher education, and we look forward to seeing you at the virtual Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Clinic and working together to find a collective solution to the problems of student debt and college affordability! 

Register now!

Jeri

She / Her / Hers

Jeri O’Bryan-Losee, MA, MS, MSEd
United University Professions
Statewide Secretary-Treasurer
NYSUT Board of Directors, ED41
AFT PPC Member

Categories
Political Action

Labor Feeds NY: Actions Against Hunger in Nov. & Dec.

November 15-23

This November, more than 3 million New Yorkers are facing a hunger crisis. Between the rising costs of groceries and the disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, working families across New York are at risk. The union movement will not stand by while our neighbors go hungry.

That’s why unions across New York are joining together for a statewide Week of Action. Labor Feeds New York: November 15th-23rd, 2025.

During this week, local labor federations, central labor councils and union members are encouraged to:

  • Feed – Donate non-perishable food to local pantries and school-based food programs.
  • Give – Contribute funds to hunger relief organizations making a difference in your community.
  • Serve – Volunteer at soup kitchens, food banks, and community meal sites.

Every act of solidarity, large or small, can help make a difference for families in need this fall. 

Republished from: https://nysaflcio.org/laborfeedsny


December 2025

This holiday season, UUP Oneonta is proud to partner with Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible to support those who have served our country and others impacted by the federal government shutdown’s lingering impact on food insecurity programs.

We encourage all UUP members to join us for the Holiday Food Drive on Saturday, December 6, to benefit the Oneonta Veteran’s Outreach Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community, enjoy the spirit of the season, and give back to the neediest.

📅 When: Saturday, December 6

📍 Locations & Times:
There are three ways you can participate and donate…

  1. Large Donations (Bags & Full Boxes):
  2. Individual Items (“Fill the Crates”):
  3. Along the Parade Route:
    • Cooperstown-Oneonta Indivisible will be marching in the Holiday Parade with shopping carts! Feel free to hand off individual non-perishable items as they pass by.

Make a Day of It! Come out to Main Street for the Holiday Parade at 3:30 PM, stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:00 PM, and feel great about giving back at the same time.

Let’s show our veterans and neighbors the strength of our solidarity and community spirit. We hope to see you there!

Categories
News

UUP Oneonta Professionals Survey Reopened

This survey is intended for all UUP professionals. It seeks information about your workplace support and resources available to effectively perform your job. The survey is anonymous and takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending on the level of detail you provide.

To take the survey, please click the button below or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/UUPOneontaWORK

Categories
News

UUP’s Know Your Benefits Webinar is Scheduled for Monday, November 10 2025, at 12:00 PM

“Harvest Your Union Benefits”  UUP’s Know Your Negotiated Benefits webinar is scheduled for Monday, November 10 2025, at 12 PM. Learn all about UUP’s extensive benefits package and other discounted services.

Please use the link to registerhttps://forms.gle/NrLCMpVnZJMAbnSQ7

Doreen Bango
Director of Member Benefits/Fund Administrator
518-640-6610

Categories
Political Action

Standing in solidarity with UUP member detained by ICE

Republished from: https://uupinfo.org/communications/uupdate/251103.php

What follows is a message from Upstate Medical University Chapter President Mindy Heath, who has been working with the family of Upstate Chapter member Alex Gonzalez since he and CSEA member Yan Vazquez were detained by ICE agents Oct. 29 and sent to federal detention facility in Batavia, Genesee County.

It is unclear why the men were detained; ICE agents grabbed the men before their scheduled immigration hearing in Syracuse. A hearing on their detention is scheduled for Nov. 17 in Batavia.

“Two of our union siblings, Alex Gonzalez and Yan Vazquez, were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Oct. 29 and were sent to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia.

“The pair, dedicated employees in the Environmental Services Department at Upstate Medical University and proud members of UUP and CSEA respectively, now face an uncertain future. They are Cuban refugees who came to America to seek asylum.

“Recently married, Alex and Yan are homeowners in North Syracuse and are building a life together. They are good neighbors and a part of the community, as they navigate the complex path to U.S. citizenship. They were detained unexpectedly when they showed up for a scheduled immigration hearing in Mattydale in Onondaga County. They were detained before their hearing.

“ICE has made a habit of abducting immigrants seeking legal pathways to citizenship at immigration hearings, which are held in federal buildings. The sudden apprehensions of Alex and Yan have left their families and supporters bewildered, as there appears to be no justification for taking them into custody.

“State and local elected officials and community leaders have rallied around Alex and Yan and their families, emphasizing the importance of due process and the need for answers and transparency.

“On Nov. 1, Gov. Kathy Hochul met with the families of the men. She condemned ICE’s actions, telling Syracuse.com “This is a very treacherous time in our society, when individuals who lived here for years and are high-functioning members of our community working at SUNY Upstate are the ones who are defined as the worst of the worst.”

“The families also met with state senators Chris Ryan and Rachel May, who offered words of kindness and support while condemning the unjust removal of honest, hard-working individuals pursuing a legal pathway to citizenship. This kind of engagement from our leaders is a testament to the collective commitment to justice and compassion within our community, and we offer our sincere thanks for their time and support!

“The strength of union solidarity is shining brightly during this challenging time. Colleagues from UUP and CSEA have come together, along with our local union brothers and sisters in the Greater Syracuse Labor Council and Area Labor Federation communities, demonstrating unwavering support for Alex and Yan.

“Union members understand that the fight for justice extends beyond the workplace; it encompasses the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially those who have risked everything for a better life. Our unions are built on a foundation of solidarity, and we stand with Alex and Yan and will not rest until they are reunited with their families and can return to their important work at Upstate Medical University.

“The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Alex and Yan are not just employees; they are vital members of our community. Their contributions extend beyond their jobs; they are friends, neighbors, and family. The impact of their absence is palpable.

“Family members have been able to visit with both men in the Batavia detention center. They report that Alex and Yan are being treated well and conditions at the facility are clean. Still, the fear family members have for their safety—and their futures—is intense.

“A hearing for Yan is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17; family members believe this will be a joint hearing for both men. The hearing will be held at 4250 Federal Drive, Room F108, in Batavia before Judge James McCarthy.

“As we stand with Alex and Yan, our goal remains clear: to secure their release, ensure they receive due process, and bring them back to their families and the community they love. Together, we will continue to advocate for their rights and the rights of all those who seek refuge and a better life in our great country.

“In these times of uncertainty, let us remember that our commitment to justice and humanity must prevail. Alex and Yan’s story is not just about their individual experiences; it reflects the broader struggle for dignity and respect for all immigrants. As a community, we must remain vigilant and united, ensuring that their journey toward citizenship continues without further obstacles.

“Stay tuned for ways to help show your support! Rallies are being planned to raise up our voices in solidarity with our union siblings, supporters throughout the community, and the families of Alex and Yan.”


A UUP/CSEA-endorsed rally for Alex and Yan is happening Monday, November 10 at 5:00 PM at the Syracuse Federal Building (100 South Clinton St, Syracuse, NY)!

Please consider joining your UUP colleagues and showing up in solidarity:

Immigrant Rights are Workers' RIght!

Rally on Monday
November 10, 5:00PM
at the Syracuse Federal Building,
100 South Clinton Street, Syracuse

Come stand with our fellow union members who were recently detained by ICE.

Bring Alex and Yan Home!

Sponsored by
UUP
CSEA
Greater Syracuse Labor Council
Categories
Events

National Higher Ed Day of Action – Nov. 7th

Friday, November 7 is a National Higher Ed Day of Action on which labor, student groups and allies will join together to demand the kind of higher education system our communities deserve. Across the country, we’re speaking out for:

  • Strong protections for academic freedom and freedom of expression
  • Affordable and well-funded higher education
  • Safe and welcoming campuses for all students
  • Fair wages and secure employment for higher ed workers

In addition to gatherings at some of our chapters, UUP will be hosting a statewide virtual session on Protecting Academic Freedom in Turbulent Times. We invite all UUP members to join us to address how Academic Freedom is essential to the integrity of our institutions and to the work of everyone in UUP (not just academic employees); to learn about UUP’s contractual protections for Academic Freedom and recent legal developments in this area; and to and to discuss how union members can defend this critical right.

The session will be held from 12-1.30pm on Friday, November 7. CLICK HERE to register:

In solidarity,
Fred & Alissa

Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D.
President
United University Professions 

Alissa Karl, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academics
United University Professions

Categories
Featured Events

November & December 2025 Chapter Events

For our full list of chapter events, please refer to our Events page and/or Calendar!

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Professional’s Luncheon with Statewide Vice President for Professionals Carolyn Kube
12:00 PM – Morris Hall, Le Cafe 
Lunch:  Greek Salad Buffet


Wednesday, November 19, 2025
UUP Unplugged: Topics and Conversation
Put your phones, laptops, and computers on pause, and join our union members to talk about current events and connect with your colleagues.
3:00 PM – Morris Conference Center, Room 104

Refreshments will be served

NO RSVP REQUIRED!


Friday, December 5, 2025
UUP Holiday Dinner Celebration
— SAVE THE DATE —
6:00 PM – The Elks Lodge, 84 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 


Wednesday, December 10, 2025
UUP Unplugged: Topics and Conversation
Put your phones, laptops, and computers on pause, and join our union members to talk about current events and connect with your colleagues.
3:00 PM – Human Ecology, Martha Pratt Suite Room 144

Refreshments will be served

NO RSVP REQUIRED!


The next chapter meetings are on November 12 and December 10 in Morris Conference Center, Le Cafe. Chapter meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Lunch provided! RSVP at the links below: