TO: ALL UMDNJ FACULTY

FROM: ALEX BERNSTEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AAUP-UMDNJ

RE: FACULTY WORKING TOGETHER = POSITIVE RESULTS

DATE: JUNE 22, 2007

I am writing to advise you that by working together with AAUP, the faculty in the Department of Surgery at New Jersey Medical School were successful in preventing the University from reducing their clinical components by as much as $2.1 Million. How was this accomplished? Several faculty members organized their department and used every opportunity to communicate to their Chair, Dean and Central Administration that they rejected and objected to any proposed unilateral reductions to any faculty members' clinical component. The Department as a whole also stressed the impact the threat of a unilateral action was having on faculty MORALE, PATIENT CARE, SCHOLARSHIP, RESEARCH, and the RECRUITMENT and RETENTION of qualified faculty. Even those that were not affected rallied in support of their colleagues understanding that what happens to one can happen to all.

This example shows the power you have when you join forces with your colleagues. The Surgery Department outcome was a direct result of the actions, efforts, and motivation of the faculty. AAUP assisted in that effort, but the result would not have been possible without the faculty acting collectively with one message and one voice. When faculty speak out in that way, the University has no option but to hear it. You too can achieve the same result by working together with your colleagues.

Notwithstanding this small victory, there is still much to do. The University still maintains that it can modify your terms and conditions of employment unilaterally. The University still maintains that it can reduce your clinical component at any time for almost any reason. The University still does not take into account what you need to provide the best quality patient care or conduct world-renowned research. These are all symptoms of the disease at UMDNJ. It is not just about the money. It is how this administration treats you - its faculty. Its about the faculty having a voice in the decision making process and having your needs met. I have attached an article from the June 20th Star-Ledger, which is very telling of the University's attitude and treatment of faculty. TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THIS.

At a time when administration leadership is lacking, you - the faculty must take on a proactive leadership role. By doing so, you will rise to the position of prominence you deserve. The attached petition is being circulated throughout every department in every school at UMDNJ in support of faculty participation in the decision making process. Please look for it, sign the petition, and submit an authorization form to become a full member of AAUP. If you are interested in getting more involved in achieving the above goals or have any questions with respect to any issue involving your employment, please call Amy Reeder at 732-235-4196 (email: reeder@aaupumdnj.org) or me at 973-972-5875 (email: bernstein@aaupumdnj.org). AAUP is here to support and advocate for you.

I also encourage you to visit our website on a regular basis at www.aaupumdnj.org to get the most updated information on the actions AAUP is taking on your behalf in support of this effort.