We invite you to become a member of AAUP-KSU.  As you may know, the members of the collective bargaining unit, AAUP-KSU members and non-members alike, voted overwhelmingly on November 1st 2005 to enact a representation fee to be paid by non-union members to cover their “fair share” of the costs of bargaining and enforcing the collective bargaining agreement.  If you are one of the many non-AAUP-KSU members who voted in favor of this fair share fee, I’d like to thank you for helping to ensure the stability and security of AAUP-KSU and with it a continued and strong faculty voice concerning the terms and conditions of employment at Kent State.

The new fee equivalent to .78 of 1% of non-members’ salaries will start Fall semester 2006 and will automatically be deducted from non-members’ paychecks.  It is important to remember that paying your fair share of the costs of collective bargaining does not automatically make you a member of AAUP-KSU.  However, it does make the choice to become a member even easier, as AAUP-KSU members pay only .8 of 1% of their salaries in union dues and do not pay the fair share fee.

While AAUP-KSU represents all faculty in negotiations and provides services for all faculty whether or not they are members of AAUP-KSU, only members help to set the union’s goals and priorities in advance of contract negotiations.  Only members are allowed to vote on such important matters as contract ratification and whether or not to authorize a strike. Only members can elect departmental representatives to AAUP-KSU council and serve as council representatives or hold positions as officers of AAUP-KSU.

The AAUP differs from other unions in that local chapters write their own constitutions, make all their own decisions, and rely on their own resources. AAUP National does not step in to dictate bargaining strategies, for example, or whether Faculty should go on strike in a given situation. It provides assistance in crisis situations and acts as a resource for chapters but focuses most of its energies on issues at the national level.  This means that AAUP-KSU depends almost completely on the talents and resources of Kent State Faculty who step forward to become active members and participate in the leadership of the chapter. 

We ask you to consider taking this opportunity to become a member of AAUP-KSU. Full membership will allow your voice to be heard on future votes concerning issues of importance to KSU Faculty.

To become a member, download the Membership Form from the AAUP-KSU website at MembershipForm_3-2008.pdf, complete and sign the form and return to AAUP-KSU via Campus Mail.

If you have additional questions, please call the Association at (330)673-9118.