RAFO has donated to UIC GEO's strike fund. If you wish to donate individually, please click here to find their fundraising campaign. We've all been graduate students, so we know a part of their struggle.
The following message is an update from their Fundraising Campaign.
As we move into the second week of our strike, we want to thank you for the help you have given us. Seeing all of the donations and messages of support roll in from undergraduates, faculty, staff, family, alumni, fellow union members, and allies from all across the country, we have known that we are not alone in facing a university administration that does not value our labor. Besides keeping our picketers fed, our signs waving, and our megaphone batteries charged, your donations have also given striking grad workers more confidence that they are protected from HR’s threats to dock their pay.
We were prepared for a long fight, and since the administration has certainly made no real move to change anything, we may be out for some time yet to come. For this reason, you will notice that we are raising the cap on donations to our strike fund, which, thanks to your help, has already almost reached our initial goal. If you know of any others who may be inclined to support our strike, please pass along the link. And thank you for your contribution to the fight to uphold the dignity of labor!
In solidarity,
UIC GEO Local 6297
Help spread the word!
RAFO President, Jen Wilson, is holding a Q & A session for the membership on March 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. CST. In this meeting, she will answer questions about the referendum items that will be voted on Tuesday, April 2 from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the AUD 256 and Wednesday, April 3 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. in WB 1315.
To attend the meeting, click this link https://roosevelt.zoom.us/j/
RAFO asks its members to vote on three items at the Spring 2019 membership meeting. All full bargaining unit members have the right to vote in person by ballot. Voting will occur on Tuesday, April 2 from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the AUD 256 and Wednesday, April 3 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. in WB 1315. During March, RAFO will hold a Q & A session by Zoom conference to address concerns and feedback from the membership (date and time TBD).
- Roosevelt University Adjunct Faculty Organization seeks to eliminate the position of Communication Chair from our Executive Officers as listed within the Bylaws - Article Two, Section A.
- Voting members who wish to serve on the Executive Committee must be no lower than Step Two members, per the RAFO CBA.
- Dues will be increased $25.00 from $125.00 per semester to $150.00 per semester.
If anyone has questions or requires clarity about their membership status, please contact either Joseph Fedorko, RAFO Membership Chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All additional questions concerning the Spring 2019 referendums may be submitted to Jen Wilson, President at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
RAFO is proud to request papers from members for our professional development conference! Download the RFP here
RAFO Professional Development Conference
Adjunct to Adjunct
April 26, 2019 (9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
Roosevelt University
RAFO is excited to invite you to share your best practices with RAFO colleagues.
Be a speaker and present what strategies and practices work in your classroom. We want to know what you do best! Adjunct to adjunct, let’s share our best-kept secrets! Network with other adjuncts to share and sharpen your skills while learning from each other.
If you don’t want to present, be a participant and attend sessions providing opportunities for networking and sharing.
RAFO is currently accepting proposals from presenters.
Potential topics include
- Classroom Management (online or on-site)
- Engaging Students in Course Discussions/Student-Centered Activities
- Experiential Learning
- Providing Verbal Feedback to Students
- Using ZOOM in the classroom
- Defining the Common Core
- Other topics related to teaching and learning
Proposals are due by March 30.
Proposals should include
- Presentation Title
- Brief Description of your presentation
- Your name, Department, College
- E-mail and Phone # to contact you
Send to:
Dr. Ami Hicks, VP RAFO
Professional Development Chair
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Presenting and/or participating in this conference will be a great CV or resume builder!
P.S. We are still accepting mini-grant applications!
On February 8, IEA Region 67 sponsored a forum for Chicago mayoral candidates. Collectively, the group chose to endorse the candidacy of Lori Lightfoot. Ms. Lightfoot spoke passionately - and personally - about the transformative possibilities of higher education and communicated strongly-held positions on each of the categories of policy that were discussed.
Summary of Lori Lightfoot's statements on issues specific to City Colleges:
- Ms. Lightfoot recognized that program consolidations through Reinvention have severely damaged enrollment at City Colleges, and that forcing our students to travel great distances across the city to complete their degrees simply does not make sense.
- Ms. Lightfoot was also critical of the current mayor's approach to contract negotiations and stated that expired contracts fuel instability. She emphasized the need to build relationships before bargaining to encourage settlement of contracts before they expire.
- On the topic of free (community) college tuition, Ms. Lightfoot spoke of the need for equity and opportunity, but qualified this by stating that not every student needs to have their tuition subsidized, depending on a student’s need. She would create a pool of funds for those who are most in need and seek ways to make college more affordable.
- Finally, Ms. Lightfoot was generally supportive of the creation of an elected Board of Trustees for Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges, but offered a caveat about the ways in which big money can undermine the principle behind elections.
Other issues:
- On public safety: Public safety cannot be a commodity that only the wealthy can afford.
- On TIF (Tax Increment Financing): Good concept, bad implementation. These funds should be used in communities and neighborhoods that need them; not downtown development and at Navy Pier.
- On pensions: Pension promises must be kept, but tax dollars are precious. She would appoint a risk manager to oversee the city budget and create a board of advisors for the pension fund.
Though the group was highly impressed with all of the candidates who spoke, there was a consensus around Ms. Lightfoot. Susana Mendoza and Toni Preckwinkle also attended and their statements and policy positions were also well-received. Bill Daley was invited, but was unable to attend. Amara Enyia was also invited, but her campaign did not respond to our invitation.
Based on the results of the February 26 election, Region 67 presidents may reconvene to endorse a run-off candidate. The group also chose to dual-endorse Marianne Lalonde and Erika Wozniak Francis for Alderman of the 46th Ward.
In solidarity,
Randy Miller
CCCLOC President
*IEA Region 67 consists of City Colleges Contingent Labor Organizing Committee, Morton Adjunct Faculty Association, Roosevelt Adjunct Faculty Organization, United Staff of Columbia College, Triton Adjunct Faculty Association, and St. Xavier University. The presidents of these unions were responsible for voting to support Ms. Lightfoot.
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