Many of us are working on or have submitted our reappointment paperwork whether we are untenured Faculty and Librarians, or Professional Staff. In addition to needing to paying attention to your reappointment time table and submitting your paperwork on time, AFT Local 1904 has 10 Tips that will help you with the reappointment process.

1. Before submitting your paperwork, review the recommendations from your previous reappointment. Those recommendations are not "suggestions"; they are "directives" that define the goals for you to meet. Make sure you have addressed them in this year's packet.

2. Do not assume the reader knows and understands what you do. Whether you are writing about your research or your job function, be sure to provide an explanation that any reader could understand. Remember, your packet is not just reviewed by your department or immediate supervisor. It is reviewed by individuals that more than likely are not familiar with, or do not have a depth of knowledge about, your field.

3. Proofread your submission and have a colleague proof read it as well. Your submissions should be error free. You don't get a second chance at a first impression. 

4. Be proactive. If you haven't received a response within the required time frame, follow up with your chair, Dean, immediate supervisor, or Provost as appropriate. Send respectful reminders of the deadlines regarding your paperwork. 

To read the rest of the tips, click here.

The 2013 campaign season is in full swing. In November, we will elect the governor and the entire legislature. As state employees, the outcome of the elections will directly affect the outcome at the bargaining table when we negotiate our successor statewide agreement in 2015.

Our choice is clear for governor. Senator Barbara Buono stood with public employees and voted against the legislation that took away our bargaining rights for health care. And she lost her leadership position in the senate defending our rights. She stands with working families and progressive causes against the Christie "all for the rich, nothing for the poor" program.

We ask that you come out and support progressive candidates, including Senator Buono, in this election. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is organizing labor-to-labor walks and phone banking throughout the state. Labor-to-labor walks are conducted weekly on Saturday mornings from now until the November 5th election. The time period for a labor walk is to arrive at the dispatch point at 8:30 AM and return to that point at 12:00 PM. If you can spare the time, please click here to determine which location for the walks or phone banking that is closest to your home.

Please consider volunteering at least one Saturday morning completing a labor-to-labor walk and one phone banking session in support of progressive candidates. If you decide to participate in either a labor walk or phone banking, or have any questions about the upcoming election, please let Bill Sullivan know by contacting him via email at bill.sullivan@aftlocal1904.org.

In solidarity,

Rich