TO: AAUP BARGAINING UNIT MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT FULL MEMBERS

FROM: ALEX BERNSTEIN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AAUP-UMDNJ

RE: WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT - FULL MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT

DATE: April 5, 2007

YOU ARE NOT ALONE - AAUP IS HERE TO HELP YOU!

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT - FULL MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT

If you are not a FULL MEMBER of AAUP, please consider joining AAUP to show your support for the actions AAUP is taking to ensure your input and participation in the University's decision-making process. 

Initially, I respect and understand that FULL MEMBERSHIP in AAUP is a personal decision. 

However, at a time when the University is making decisions against its own long-term interests, AAUP is taking steps to ensure that all faculty have input and participation in the University's decision-making process. The lack of transparency and the appearance of compartmentalization with regard to information and finances creates uncertainty, mistrust, and a decrease in faculty morale that negatively impacts UMDNJ's mission of patient care, teaching, and scholarship. Ultimately, if these issues remain unaddressed, and the University does not form a partnership with the faculty; it could lead to a mass exodus of qualified faculty.

Currently, AAUP is objecting to the University's unilateral implementation of salary reductions by requesting negotiations and pursuing legal claims under the AAUP contract and New Jersey Labor Law in order to ensure faculty input and participation in the decision-making process and to protect the mission of UMDNJ of patient care, teaching and scholarship. One of the best ways to support the concept of a "faculty partnership" in the University's decision-making process and to protect the long-term future of UMDNJ is to become a FULL MEMBER of AAUP. By becoming a FULL MEMBER OF AAUP, you are letting the University know that you are not satisfied with its decisions and the manner in which it is making these decisions.

This is a critical time in the history of UMDNJ. At a time when the University is relying on consultants to make decisions, rather than input from and participation of its faculty, it is particularly crucial for you to be involved in the decision making process.

I am requesting your support for AAUP's effort to establish a partnership with the University by filling out an authorization form to become a FULL AAUP MEMBER and faxing it to 973-972-0776.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE - AAUP IS HERE TO HELP YOU !

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT - FULL MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT