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SIAR Submission Reminder
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“Abdication and Abandonment”
That’s what AFT President Randi Weingarten calls the Federal Administration’s plan to move many functions of the Department of Education to other agencies. Weingarten makes the argument that the initiative is being taken under the guise of slashing red tape, when the opposite is taking place.
“If that were the goal, teachers could help them do it, and we invite Donald Trump and Linda McMahon to sit down with educators and hear from the people who actually do this work every day. Teachers know. How to make the federal role more effective, efficient and supportive of real learning – if only the administration would listen.”
The move would have massive implications across all academic levels, with particular impact accessing higher education through loans and grants. Jaylon Herbin, director of federal policy at the Center for Responsible Learning, notes how the fallout could harm those most vulnerable.
“Stripping the department of essential oversight functions will leave low-income borrowers and borrowers of color without the federal safeguards designed to shield them from abuse, discrimination and predatory practices,” says Herbin. “This action not only erodes [Education Department’s] authority but jeopardizes vital work such as investigating borrower complaints, monitoring predatory institutions and providing affordable repayment plans and relief.”
As educators, it is our duty and responsibility to fight for the highest standards of education for all students, not just a select few. The administration’s efforts undermine the foundational principles on which we build our careers. FAMCO stands in solidarity with Weingarten, Herbin, and the scores of others who believe that the future generations of our country and world deserve the very best educations and institutions available, and this move is antithetical to that goal.
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Students Rally for Faculty
24 November 1970: Several hundred students rallied behind the Great Hall calling on administration to answer five student grievances. Their first: “We demand that Monmouth College administration cease and desist from its intimidation of faculty members and… we further demand the recognition, officially, of FAMCO (Faculty Association of Monmouth College.”
Just as our students showed up that day 55 years ago, lending their support and making their voices heard, we continue to show up and deliver for them, advocating for what is right and just in the pursuit of higher education.
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FAMCO Remembers Bill Schreiber
FAMCO Remembers Bill Schreiber
Dr. William “Bill” Schreiber (1943-2025) passed November 4th and will be remembered as an exemplary member of our union, dedicated lecturer of Monmouth University, and staunch advocate for civic engagement.
Bill spent nearly the whole of the last two decades in the science department as an organic chemistry lecturer and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, following what was already a laudable career as VP and Director of Fragrance Chemical Research at IFF, and owner and technical director of Chemlumina. His aptitude for mentoring and educating is what brough him to us at MU in 2006.
Throughout his tenure, Bill was an impassioned volunteer with FAMCO, always ready to lend a word of support and a helping hand. His unwavering support and “unselfish dedication” garnered him FAMCO’s Donald Warncke Award in 2024. The award is given to any member of the university community who has distinguished himself or herself through outstanding service over the years. Bill was the 55th recipient since the award was first given in 1980 and a most worthy recipient at that.
An active member of the Jackson community having served on the Township’s board and as mayor for a term in 1984, may we always remember the words Bill once encouraged on the campaign trail and continually proved to live throughout his life: “If people are treated with respect, they will respond in kind.”
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FAMCO Reminding You to Vote
FAMCO reminds you to vote today! Polling places are open till 8:00 PM. Remember, if you are in line at the time of polls closing, you MUST be allowed to vote.
YOUR voice matters. YOUR vote counts.
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This week in FAMCO history
October 25, 1973: “Close to 30 Monmouth College faculty members walked picket lines yesterday to dramatize their feud with the college administration and board of trustees over this year’s contract.”
The faculty contract had expired in January 1973 and negotiations began in July – FAMCO and administration were immediately and impenetrably at odds. After a hard-fought battle, ratification of the new contract finally took place in March 1974. Among other the victories, the union secured:
- A retroactive 7% raise from July of the last year
- A checks and balances system that allows faculty to have say in tenure and promotions
- Assurance of academic freedom
We live the spirit of ’73, continually pushing for the betterment of our members, students, and university.
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Taking the Steps toward a Better Future
Our members were out there canvassing, taking the steps (literally) toward a new tomorrow for New Jersey.
Taking part in our democratic process is vital, perhaps now more than ever. FAMCO encourages everyone to do their part and VOTE this November 4th.
The AFT and American Association of University Professors reminds us all that, “our national movement must defend higher education, both on the streets and at the ballot box.”
For a full list of AFTNJ-endorsed candidates, click here.
(MU FAMCO Pictured left to right): Megan Delaney, Mel Bryzcki, Lisa Ianucci, Colleen Beach)
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March 4 Teach-in to Debrief Trump’s First Month in Office
Please Join FAMCO for a Teach-in to Debrief Trump’s First Month in Office
HOSTED BY THE FACULTY ASSOCIATION OF MONMOUTH UNIVERSITYTUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2025
GREAT HALL AUDITORIUMSession 1: 10:05am-11:25am
Student Co-Moderators:
Nashalie Garcia & Rafael Martinez PonceFaculty Panelists:
Prof. Bobbitt
Dean Duckett
Prof. Giacobbe
Prof. Iannucci
Prof. Ludak
Prof. ShoemakerFaculty MC:
Prof. RagudaranSession 2: 1:15pm-2:35pm
Student Co-Moderators:
Nashalie Garcia & Susan MazzeoFaculty Panelists:
Prof. Carley-Rizzuto
Prof. Deepak
Prof. Foster
Prof. Gilmartin-Keating
Prof. WilliamsFaculty MC:
Prof. RhettThis event is being hosted on the AAUP-AFT National Day of Action events.
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FAMCO Early 2025 Round-Up
Collective Response to Executive Orders
FAMCO E-Board Wrote an Open Letter to Students:
Home – The Outlook (Direct Link Coming Soon)FAMCO and Other Faculty Leadership Called a Meeting with Administration
Frontline Solidarity Toolkit from AFL-CIO:
Frontline-Solidarity-Toolkit-December-2024.pdf
Updates and Calls to Action from the National Academic Labor Movement. We can help!
From AFT: Link share to testimony as part of AFT’s campaign to protect the NLRB, public education, and federal workers, under the biting humor banner of the Department of People Who Work for A Living: https://deptofpeoplewhowork.org/
From AAUP: Link to form to collect testimony on ICE interactions on campus: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesVX7YcQUhtwul0u4BIrt3Fg4Haoz7kKq-YmEep_FFV9cvnA/viewform?link_id=4&can_id=ef3f77169d9fda3f47e586e032edc02b&source=email-follow-up-to-fridays-member-meeting&email_referrer=email_2614662&email_subject=follow-up-to-fridays-member-meeting
From AAUP: Link to form to share testimony on the impact of funding freezes on faculty research and teaching: form: https://airtable.com/appMQQqeVbCYe7DJM/paguiiD7gTnFqMSRn/form
NEXT STEPS:
AFT NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION: March 4
Dear Members,
On Tuesday, March 4th, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) National is calling for a national day of action to protect students across the country from the Trump administration’s attacks on public education.
As an AFT local, FAMCO will be doing our part on March 4th to show our solidarity as educators by hosting a Teach-In on Trump’s Executive Orders. The teach-in, which will be facilitated in person and over three different class periods on March 4th, will be open to all students, faculty and MU employees who would like to come learn and participate in a free and frank discussion about the American shift toward authoritarianism.
Thanks to the faculty who have already come forward to serve on the Teach-In panels, and to our undergraduate students who have volunteered to serve as Teach-In panel moderators.
Concerned students have told us that it is important to them to see faculty from all across campus come forward to share their expertise with the campus community in these dangerous times.
If you are a faculty member who feels called to contribute to this classrooms-without-borders event, please reach out directly to Dr. Johanna Foster, President, FAMCO (jfoster@monmouth.edu) so we can get you more details.
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FAMCO Bargaining Team has SEALed the Deal!
We are happy to announce that the FAMCO Bargaining Team has SEALed the Deal for a fair contract from 2024-2027!
This contract includes substantial wins that matter deeply to our members. Key gains have been made in all areas related to our member’s S.E.A.L goals.
- Stability for Our Students and Faculty
- Equity in Faculty Compensation and Workloads
- Accountability
- Livelihoods with Dignity
For details on the important wins in these areas see the highlights in the PDF below.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) for their expertise and support throughout this process, the faculty for engaging in various actions, and our students for learning about our negotiations and supporting us during this time.
This is just the beginning. Our commitment to the union has only grown stronger, and to keep building momentum toward even better contracts, we will maintain active engagement and collective actions. Only together can we ensure our next contract continues to meet and exceed the needs of our members.
The Faculty Association of Monmouth University
Monmouth University Faculty for Academic Freedom
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The Faculty Association of Monmouth University 