Tag: Online Actions

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News

Distribution of the Seventh UUP Survey Part II: Administrative Assessment

A screenshot of the Seventh UUP Survey to assess campus administration.

A Brief Note

Links to take the Administrative Assessment survey have been sent out to all active UUP Oneonta members via email.

Please check the email address you have on file with UUP Statewide for these communications and take the survey at your earliest convenience!

In order to ensure a high response rate, we will be sending out additional emails prompting our members to take the survey. If you have difficulty finding these emails or require a link to the survey, please contact us from the address that you have on file with the union:

I Need to Take The Assessment Survey! »

Introduction

Shortly, all members of the bargaining unit will receive the survey: Quality of Professional Life & Administrative Assessment: Part II. (Part I – Quality of Life was completed and then published in 2017). Working with Senior Chapter Officers, members of Executive Board, and other senior members, Robert Compton, the Interim VP for Academics created a streamlined survey. Ethan Fox (UUP Oneonta Communications Committee) and Dr. Jen-Ting Wang were gracious with their time, advice, and technical programing. Dissemination and tabulation of the survey will be electronic and guarantees the anonymity of the respondent. Our survey is periodic and ongoing, and this is our seventh iteration and the last complete survey response rate was 48.7% (full-time).

Those to be evaluated include the Offices of the President, Associate/Vice Presidents, and Associate/Deans across all divisions. The current or immediate occupant of the position will be identified in the survey. Please note that the draft survey below is provided for informational purposes below.

The rationale for the conduct of this survey rests on several factors, amongst them:

  1. UUP has an obligation to periodically survey its members about the quality of professional life and the performance of campus administrators;
  2. All employees, including administrators, should be accountable and they should have the opportunity to received direct feedback on their performance;
  3. Subordinate personnel are continuously evaluated;
  4. UUP Oneonta has an on-going and established process and practice of periodic assessment of both professional life and the administration; and
  5. Assessments of professional life and the administration provide useful feedback for both the administration and for UUP.

Offices to be Evaluated

The administration offices to be evaluated and the current occupants are noted (in parenthesis) below:

Chief Executive and Administrative Officers

  • Office of the President (Alberto Cardelle)
  • Office of Employee Services (Dia Carleton)

Academic Affairs Division

  • Office of the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs (Enrique Morales-Diaz)
  • Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (formerly Eileen Morgan-Zayachek)
  • Office of the Dean, School of Sciences (Tracy Allen)
  • Office of the Associate Dean, School of Sciences (Ursula Sanborn-Overby)
  • Office of the Dean, School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies (Mark Davies)
  • Office of the Associate Dean, School of Education, Human Ecology, and Sports Studies (Brian Beitzel)
  • Office of the Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Business (Jeanine Minge)
  • Office of the Associate Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Business (Brett Heindl)
  • Office of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (Gabriel Aquino)
  • Office of the Associate Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (Cynthia Falk)

Student Affairs Division

  • Office of the Vice President for Student Development (Tracy Johnson)
  • Office of the Assistant Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Initiatives (Karen Brown)
  • Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students (Michael Kush)
  • Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Student Engagement (Jason Ostrowski)
  • Office of the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Residential Experience and Housing (Thomas Ragland)

Finance and Administration Division

  • Office of the Vice President for Finance & Administration (formerly Julie Piscitello; Interim VP Rebecca O’Donnell)
  • Office of the Associate Vice President & Controller (formerly AVP Rebecca O’Donnell)

University Advancement Division

  • Office of the Associate Vice President for University Advancement (Paul Adamo)

Equity and Inclusion

  • Office of the Vice President for Equity & Inclusion (Bernadette Tiapo)

Facilities, Safety, and Physical Plant

  • Office of the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Planning (Lachlan Squair)

Draft Administrative Assessment Survey

Seventh UUP Survey Part II: Administrative AssessmentDownload »
Categories
Events

The Latest on AI and Our Work: A UUP Virtual Forum

A graphic flyer for a UUP virtual forum titled "The Latest on AI and Our Work." The flyer announces two sessions: March 9, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and March 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It explains that the event will cover new AI job protections for UUP employees secured in Albany, as well as discussions on SUNY's large-scale AI initiatives and how to mitigate related threats. A red-bordered box contains a link for registration: bit.ly/uupaiourwork0326

Hello Fellow UUP Members,

Please join us for “The Latest on AI and Our Work: A UUP Virtual Forum.” We’ll hold sessions on March 9 and March 16 for UUP members to hear about major recent developments in AI that impact us. You can register here, and are invited to share the flyer below with UUP colleagues:

A graphic flyer for a UUP virtual forum titled "The Latest on AI and Our Work." The flyer announces two sessions: March 9, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and March 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It explains that the event will cover new AI job protections for UUP employees secured in Albany, as well as discussions on SUNY's large-scale AI initiatives and how to mitigate related threats. A red-bordered box contains a link for registration: bit.ly/uupaiourwork0326.
Register for the virtual forum »

All UUP members are welcome to attend.

In solidarity,

Alissa

Categories
Events

Anti-Science, the Environmental Crises and the Crucial Role of ESF

A promotional graphic for a virtual panel discussion titled "Anti-Science, The Environmental Crises and the Crucial Role of ESF." The background features a triptych of environmental landscapes: a lush green field on the left, cracked drought-stricken earth in the center, and an iceberg floating in a deep blue ocean on the right. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.

The crucial role SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry plays as a national leader in protecting the environment, conducting climate change research and training the next generation of environmental leaders is the topic of a March 3 virtual panel discussion.

The discussion, titled “Anti-Science, the Environmental Crises and the Crucial Role of ESF,” will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. UUP, the ESF Chapter and the National Wildlife Federation are sponsoring the event, which is free.

UUP President Fred Kowal will moderate the panel discussion. The panelists are:

  • Collin O’Mara: National Wildlife Federation president and chief executive officer
  • Robin Kimmerer: director emeritus, ESF Center for Native Peoples and the Environment; best-selling author; Plant, Baby, Plant founder
  • Rita Hite: American Forest Foundation president & CEO
  • Rick Fedrizzi: U.S. Green Building Council founding chair and former CEO; International WELL Building Institute executive chairman; and ESF Board of Trustees member
  • Dan Vera: ESF student, Mighty Oak Student Assembly president

Registration is required. Click HERE to register:

Register here »
Categories
Political Action

No Kings Actions + Eyes on ICE

A No Kings graphic instructing the viewer to attend the ICE training before coming to the next No Kings rally on March 28th

Dear Colleagues,

The No Kings Coalition has launched rolling rapid-response trainings leading up to the next nationwide mobilization on March 28th. As a partner, we’re sharing opportunities to plug in immediately. We had a tremendous turnout for the last No Kings Action all across New York. We’re aiming for even more people engaged in the battle to save our democracy.

Additionally, I invite you to join the next Eyes on ICE: Document and Record training on February 5th at 8 PM! This comprehensive training will provide concrete tools to protect our communities and push back against abuse by federal agents. RSVP HERE for link:

RSVP HERE »

As we build toward the March 28th mass mobilization, now is the moment to train, organize, and strengthen our networks. Please share this opportunity widely and encourage others to get involved. Engage your colleagues, family, friends, and neighbors on how to be active in this fight.

We will share more information on how to connect with the March 28th actions through UUP soon. If you have additional actions or coalition resources to share, send them to Mary Becker, UUP Organizing & Outreach Administrative Assistant (mbecker@uupmail.org), and we will help amplify them.

Save the date: March 28. Join the training. Act now.

Categories
Political Action

Sign Up Today – Learn About Advocacy Day Workshop (1/13 and 1/21)

Pocket watch buried in sand

If you have ever considered raising your voice to advocate for our work, our campuses, our hospitals, and our students, now is the time. Registration is open for UUP’s Advocacy Day in February, and we need as many members to attend as possible. Strong attendance at our Advocacy Days — which we certainly had last session — along with member actions throughout the legislative session demonstrates our union power, which is critically important this year. Join Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Bekkie Bryan and Pamela Malone for Learn About Advocacy, a workshop for all members to learn why advocacy is important, what actions we take, and how to prepare. If you are new to advocacy or are a seasoned advocate, come learn how together we can make our union as strong as we can be.

This workshop is meant to answer any questions you have about UUP’s advocacy efforts—attendance at this workshop is not a requirement to register for Advocacy Day.  But, it sure would make the experience more positive and impactful!

Register Here for the Learn About Advocacy Virtual Workshop on January 13 at noon and January 21 at 6pm.

Register Here »

Register Here for Advocacy Day on February 24.

Advocacy DAy 2026 Registration »

In Solidarity,

Fred

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:

uup 101 »

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
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

take the professionals survey »
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:

Register Here »

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
Events

DEI Virtual Panel – Oct. 29

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion UUP logo

To kick off Indigenous Peoples Month, the statewide DEI committee is featuring a panel discussion about indigenous people’s history around NYS entitled “Erasing History and Stealing Futures” – featuring Melissa Parker Leonard, M. Ed, & Jeremy Dennis MFA. 

Date: October 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm
Register HERE »

REgister Here »

Melissa Parker Leonard is a Seneca Educator and advocate founder of the 7th Gen Cultural Resources and Jeremy Dennis is a Shinnecock Photographer Founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio.

The discussion will be focused on Ely S. Parker’s life and legacy and the Shinnecock Nation’s path to federal recognition. Ely S. Parker was an engineer, U.S. Army officer, aide to General Ulysses S. Grant, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and the ancestor of Melissa Parker Leonard. In highlighting his life and legacy here, she is directly combatting current attempts to erase his contributions to the United States that are occurring under the orders of the current department of Defense/War.  

Jeremy Dennis is a contemporary fine art photographer, an enrolled Tribal Member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation in Southampton, NY, and the founder and lead artist of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio, Inc., a nonprofit art space and residency program on the Shinnecock Reservation dedicated to uplifting Indigenous and BIPOC artists.

His work center’s Indigenous identity, culture, and the legacies of colonial assimilation, using photography to stage cinematic, otherworldly narratives rooted in Native oral stories, history, and contemporary experience.