What do my PSU-AAUP dues do?
In addition to granting you access to the broad general benefits of AAUP membership, your dues as a full voting member of PSU-AAUP support a variety of expenditures which sustain the important work of advocating for, establishing and maintaining fair, equitable and collegial working conditions and compensation for tenured and tenure-track faculty at Plymouth State University.
In particular, your dues help pay for the following specific things:
The “War Chest” – The accumulated funds of a collective bargaining unit are often referred to as a “war chest” in that some expenses associated specifically with contract negotiations can be more costly – for instance, if arbitration becomes necessary. Both during and between contract negotiations, we have a lawyer on retainer to advise (as needed) our leadership and negotiators on matters such as contract language, grievance, and ground rules for bargaining. It is also necessary at times to pay a forensic accountant to support PSU-AAUP investigation and analysis of institution and system budgets. This professional assistance is sometimes necessary to decipher the too frequently contradictory or incomplete information we are given about the financial workings and health of our institution and system.
Professional Development Funding – Dues help fund the attendance of PSU-AAUP members at AAUP/AFT conferences and meetings. We have also offered stipends to faculty to conduct research focused on academic labor, working conditions, shared governance and related issues.
Administrative Costs – Funds are used prudently to keep PSU-AAUP functional by supporting the management of the bank account, payroll, communication tech, the website, and compensation for the Administrative Aide position.
Special Projects – Occasionally, PSU-AAUP has used funds to support projects in line with institutional health, student support, and the like. One such project has been an emergency “laptop scholarship” program used to purchase (from USNH surplus, on the cheap) functioning laptops for students who need them.
Promotional/Event Costs – Funds are used to purchase t-shirts and other branded items (Masks! Postcards!) for the membership and to host social events (like our recent social at The Grotto) as well as to provide refreshments at our annual meeting.
Our annual meeting always includes a treasurer’s report if you are interested in more particulars about how your dues are spent – or you can reach out to us directly with specific questions.
