We’re Standing Firm for Sylvia Luke

In the world of Hawai‘i politics, election campaigns are generally civil. However, that rule goes out the window when a candidate is threatened and is at risk of losing. There is a no-holds-bar attack on leading candidates to thwart their progress in the polls.

Unfortunately, we see this happening now with TV ads attacking Sylvia Luke, who is leading in the polls for lieutenant governor. It’s not surprising that this type of messaging would emerge in the final weeks leading up to the primary election on August 13.

Influencing Those Who Are Undecided

According to a recent poll commissioned by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Sylvia Luke is leading with 21% of voters, followed by Keith Amemiya with 19% and Ikaika Anderson with 18%. Since the poll has a 5.6% margin of error, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser characterized the results as essentially a tie among these three Democratic candidates.

While the current negative campaigns may not be directed or approved by opposing candidates, the intention of those instigating these messages is to create distraction and plant seeds of doubt in a leading candidate, especially for those who are yet undecided.

How the undecideds vote can determine who will be Hawai‘i’s next lieutenant governor. According to the same Honolulu Star-Advertiser poll, 38% of Hawai‘i’s Democratic voters were undecided at the time of the poll. The door is wide open.

Standing by Our Endorsement

UHPA’s board of directors endorsed Sylvia Luke for lieutenant governor, and stand by the decision. Her decade of experience as chair of the House Finance Committee gave her insights into how state government works. She has a proven track record of getting things done.

  • During the pandemic, as UH faculty rapidly pivoted to remote and hybrid learning to ensure students could earn their degrees. This was in part backed by Sylvia Luke, who ensured government operations could continue without interruption.
  • When we saw our state’s unemployment rate skyrocket from 2% to nearly 22% in just five months during the early stages of the pandemic, Sylvia Luke also stepped forward to provide support for the thousands of Hawaii residents who lost their jobs and had to painstakingly navigate the unemployment insurance application process. UH faculty and support from other public-sector union members volunteered their time to ensure families could get by during that challenging period.
  • Syliva Luke also witnessed firsthand what was occurring in the Senate, with constant meddling and micromanagement by certain senators. She was able to mitigate some of the effects of those decisions by taking action in the House. We need state leaders like Sylvia who understand the role of UH and the importance of the legislators sticking to their role and not trying to run the university.

Vote for Sylvia Luke

Read more about our endorsement of Sylvia Luke.which UHPA announced in March and watch the YouTube of the announcement

When Will You Receive Your Pay Increase and Bonus?

Thanks to the UHPA Negotiating Team, and all of you for your overwhelming support, we’re happy to announce when the newly-contracted pay increases and retroactive bonus payments will be referenced in your paychecks.

According to UH Administration, all 11-month faculty are tentatively scheduled to receive their 3.72% salary increase on their July 20, 2022 pay date while all 9-month faculty are scheduled to receive their 3.72% increase on their August 20, 2022 pay date.

All eligible faculty, including eligible retirees, are tentatively scheduled to receive the 1% one-time lump sum payment on September 20, 2022 based on your annual base salary.

Both the pay raise and the bonus are in accordance with Article XXI, Salaries, of the 2021-2025 Unit 7 Agreement

In Solidarity.

Last Chance to Book the Aulani Resort Special

Rooms Added to A Previously Sold-Out Offer

As per previous years, we had a huge response to UHPA’s Disney Aulani Weekend offer and it in fact was sold out shortly after our monthly round-up newsletter was sent.

We asked the folks at Disney to give us a few extra room nights for those that may have missed the opportunity.  We’re happy to announce that as of right now, we’re not sold out and you can make a booking.

If you missed out, now is your chance. Do not wait as this too will sell out quickly.

Want to stay longer? You can reserve dates up to 5 days before or after our special rate days as long as those dates include our special rate days.

Recent Supreme Court Rulings: Hard-Hitting Reminders to Vote

The recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding women’s reproductive rights and gun control have stirred a range of emotions across the nation.

In a historic and unprecedented decision Roe v. Wade has now been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court and a woman’s right to seek an abortion is no longer a federal constitutional right. Who would have thought a constitutional right that has existed for women the past 50 years would be immediately swept away?

Nothing is Sacrosanct

The overturning of Roe v. Wade sets a dangerous precedent. There are already discussions about setbacks on the horizon with plans for the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit rulings on rights relating to access to contraceptives, LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex marriages, etc.  

The U.S. Supreme Court, now controlled by a majority of right-wing judges, appears to be not stopping only at social issues. It has already begun to prohibit gun control laws in such states as New York, claiming that any law that attempts to provide some measure of public safety is inconsistent with the historical intent of the Constitution over the right to bear arms, as stated in the Second Amendment.

Dystopian America

There is a gnawing question among those who feel they are in a dystopian movie: how can all of this be happening in America? There is a sense of incredulity and resignation.

 
It’s easy to get caught up in all the vitriol, but there is also an inner desire to find deeper meaning and purpose in all of this as a form of consolation. If there is one important lesson we can extract from these recent decisions is this: We must own the responsibility of what we’re experiencing and whom we put into office. Elections are a serious matter and the only way to make our voices heard. 

Owning Our Future

It is clearly evident that those whom we put in office, starting at the top with our U.S president, can alter our lives, our childrens’ lives, and the lives of future generations to come. Those in office can set into motion decisions that have serious impacts and consequences on individual rights that will continue long after they have left office. They have the power and authority to appoint justices that can upend long-standing laws seemingly overnight.  Our fate and our future rests in their hands as they redefine society and direct us to abide by their new rules. 

Upholding Our State Constitution 

In Hawaii, there may also be a sense of complacency as the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision is not expected to have any impact on state law.  At least for now. 

We need to prepare and seriously focus on our upcoming state elections this year and recognize the Supreme Court’s rulings and the power they hold as a cautionary tale. Voter apathy has no place in this scary new world. We must engage, participate, and make our voices heard and votes count. Otherwise, one day we could be facing unprecedented and surprising challenges to our own state constitutional rights here in our State where we call home.

Guide To Voting in the 2022 Primary Election

The August 13, 2022 Primary Election will be the second election year Hawai‘i will experience an ALL MAIL-IN Ballot election and same day voter registration.  That said, there are exceptions to every rule.  In order to accommodate the needs of all of Hawai‘i’s people there are Service Centers and Ballot Drop Box locations on every Island.  We have outlined a step-by-step voter information guide for all UHPA members to provide quick access to information, registration forms and contact information to ensure you have every opportunity to participate in the 2022 election process.

  1. You can vote if you are: 
    •  A U.S. Citizen (US nationals DO NOT qualify)
    • 18 years or older
    • A resident of the State of Hawai‘i
  2. Are you a registered voter?
    • Confirm your voter registration is active
      • You will need your driver’s license and the last four digits of your of your social security
  3. If you need to register to vote:
    • The Voter Registration Application may be used for first time registration, name change, address change, and signature update.
    • You need to update your voter registration if
      • You moved after the 2020 election
      • Changed your name
    • Download and mail in your registration files  or 
  4. Wait for your ballot in the mail which should arrive around July 26
  5. Fill out your ballot. 
  6. Ballot must be received by 7:00 pm August 13, 2022 

Announcement of New UHPA Faculty Representatives

Effective June 1, 2022 the newly elected UHPA Faculty Representatives will start their three-year terms. They are an important connection between the UHPA leadership and our Active membership.

Click here to find the UHPA Faculty Representative representing your department.

Unfortunately, only 74 of the 134 available positions are currently filled. If the Faculty Representative position for your department is vacant and you are interested in serving, please send us an email at feedback@uhpa.org.

During the first week of June 2022, all current Faculty Representatives will receive an email from UHPA with important information related to this position.

Book Now: UHPA’s Disney Aulani Weekend!

Our very popular UHPA Disney Aulani Weekend returns for it’s 8th annual event on Oct 28 & 29, 2022.  Don’t miss out!

UHPA members love the Disney Aulani Resort. If you are an early bird planner, this is your chance to get the best rooms at our heavily discounted rates before they sell out as they do every year.

Start Earlier or Stay Later

Our special rates are in effect for Oct 28 & 29.  Want to stay longer? You can reserve dates up to 5 days before or after our special rate days.  As in previous years, it overlaps the Halloween weekend which should be extra fun for the whole family

First Come, First Serve Will Sell Out Quickly

Last year this sold out within weeks.  Early bird reservations are open now and we highly recommend you make your reservations as we only have limited availability and if previous years are an indication, this will sell out very quickly.

Get Your Free McDonald’s Hot or Iced Coffee This Week Only

UHPA received the following from authorized representatives of McDonalds and are passing it on unedited to our members:

FREE McDonald’s Hot or Iced Coffee for All Teachers/Educators: May 2-8

McDonald’s of Hawaii is thanking all educators statewide, during National Teacher Appreciation Week, for championing Hawaii’s next generation. 

From Monday, May 2 to Sunday, May 8, simply present your valid school I.D. at any McDonald’s for a FREE medium hot brewed coffee or medium iced coffee

One redemption per person, per day. No purchase is necessary. The offer is available all day either at the drive-thru or in restaurants.

Dates: May 2 – 8, 2022

Times: All day (restaurant hours vary by location)  

Locations: All 73 McDonald’s on Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island and Kauai  

For more of your favorites and great deals all year-round, download the McDonald’s app on your smartphone or tablet and sign-up for the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program.
Social hashtag: #McDonaldsLovesTeachers

Unraveling UHM’s Debacle on Specialists

Unraveling UHM’s Debacle On Specialists

Demystifying The Process

Over the past week, there has been a lot of discussion, confusion, and questioning as to the purpose, intent, and meaning as to why the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa (UHM) Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Excellence (OVPAE) sent out an email request to the UHM Administration to document a “guesstimate” on percentages in the work faculty Specialist perform under five distinct categories of: 1) % Student Support including Advising; 2) % Academic Support to Departments, Curriculum; 3) % Research and Research Support; 4) % Classroom Instruction as Instructor on Record; and 5) % Other.  The email gave the perception that the SCR 201 Task Force that UHPA was part of was still operational and that they were the genesis behind this request for information from Specialist faculty.

Since then, there has been a lot of speculation, suspicion, perception, and twitchy feelings about this on-going review process by a non-existent Task Force.  Thus, clarification and a full explanation is needed.

SCR 201 Task Force Has Concluded

There seems to be a speculation and connection that this current UH Faculty Classification Review is being driven and/or directed by the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 201 that was adopted by the Legislature during the 2021 Legislative Session.  As noted in SCR 201, the task force was requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2022.  On Friday, January 28, 2022, the SCR 201 Task Force submitted its report to the Legislature which can be found here.  Though the Senate Committee on Higher Education (HRE), through its Chair Senator Donna Mercado Kim, initially claimed that they were unaware of the report, and therefore, were supportive of the recommendations of the Tenure PIG, which was the basis for SB 3269.  SB 3269 was supported by former Board of Regent (BOR) Jan Sullivan and former BOR Chair Ben Kudo.  Regardless of whether the Senate agreed or disagreed with the SCR 201 Task Force Findings and recommendations, the report was submitted and the SCR 201 Task Force was dissolved.

Board Of Regents Moved Forward

Based on the SCR 201 Task Force Report, the Board of Regents at the February 17, 2022 meeting passed a motion on what they wanted to see as the next steps.  This includes but was not limited to, establishing a four-member steering committee that includes the Executive Director of UHPA and the President of the University to address the recommendations noted in the SCR 201 report; actively engage in determining whether the effective resolution of each task will necessitate changes to various policies, agreements, or campus guidelines; and agree to co-manage the consultative process for each change as necessary.  The steering committee was requested to meet on a weekly basis to ensure that work progresses in a timely manner.

Steering Committee Established

The BOR Chair Randolph Moore established the Steering Committee and set forth the charge and deliverables to the Steering Committee based on the BORʻs motion in which the BOR set its expectations and desired outcomes.  The Steering Committeeʻs charge and deliverables based on the BOR mandate are:

  1. Develop written processes for addressing the few instances when the productivity of a tenured faculty member has declined and s/he is unable to perform faculty duties satisfactorily, including following a periodic review and professional development plan.
  2. Clearly define “faculty” and develop (a process involving the administration, the faculty, and the University of Hawai‘i Professional Assembly) 
    • Classification system for the faculty more aligned with its benchmark institutions. 
    • Determine criteria for reclassifying positions currently classified Specialist (S) to a tenurable general faculty position, a non-tenurable faculty position, a non-instructional faculty position, or a non-faculty staff position. 
    • Examine each Specialist (S) position and determine once the position becomes vacant how it should be classified. 
    • Develop a process whereunder an incumbent in a Researcher (R) or Specialist (S) position could apply to have that position reclassified while the incumbent is still in it.
  3. Develop policy relating to job security and periodic evaluation for Specialist (S) positions that upon becoming vacant are reclassified as non-instructional faculty.
  4. Develop guidelines for general faculty “buy-out” of teaching assignments with extramural or other sources of funding in a manner that is consistent with the new work assignment template for faculty.

The Steering Committee (SC) believed that the research, data, and work done by the SCR 201 Task Force would be helpful to review and analyze to ensure that the committee wouldnʻt replicate or perform tasks already performed, as well as, to be used as a foundation for determining what further research and data needed to be obtained before the Steering Committee engaged in their work.  

Therefore, the Steering Committee began by identifying and determining what the different faculty-composed working groups that would be required to be developed to meet the four (4) areas as outlined in the report adopted by the BOR.  It was determined that Charge 2. above would require more than one working group to accomplish the work efficiently and effectively.  

Thereafter, the Steering Committee began reviewing what information, data, metrics, etc. would be or might be needed by any of the considered working groups.  The Steering Committee discussed the information that had been received by both the BORʻs Permitted Interaction Group and the SCR 201 Task Force in determining what information, data, and metrics might be useful and whether further fact gathering was necessary if such material was determined by the Steering Committee to be incomplete.

After further review and analysis, the Steering Committee realized that for items 2. b. and c., as listed above, the data was incomplete.  The SCR 201 Task Force noted at its October 22, 2021 meeting that “Faculty specialists remain a challenging category because of the range of different job descriptions included in the category. During this meeting the TF also discussed what kinds of faculty positions are actually in policy and where they can be hired. And the history of why some of the classifications were created was considered in the context of relevant HLRB decisions. It may be useful to do additional investigation into how specialists are divided by type of work assigned. It was noted that generally there appear to be four categories into which the percentage of workload for specialists fall: classroom, research, student support, and academic support. To acquire data on Specialists, supervisors will have to be surveyed because there is no consistency across this category. There are non-instructional CC faculty as well and so identifying their job descriptions will also be relevant.”  While the UH Community Colleges, UH Hilo, and UH West Oahu performed their due diligence in gathering this information from their respective campus supervisors when the initial request was made by the SCR 201 Task Force last year, UH Manoa unfortunately did not.  

The Steering Committee determined that when such working groups are established such information would be beneficial to these committee members as generalized data, information, and metrics to start their review and evaluation process.  Therefore, Debora Halbert (Vice President for Academic Planning and Policy) under the direction of President David Lassner sent another request to the UHM Campus to provide the information that was requested previously for the SCR 201 Task Force for the Steering Committeeʻs review and information.

Misdirected And Misguided Message From OVPAE

Unfortunately, this is where all the confusion began.  If the process was followed and adhered to pursuant to the Presidentʻs first directive to the UHM administration under the initial SCR 201 Task Force request this debacle and perplexity wouldʻve been avoided and the resulting anxiety and confusion – non-existent.  UHPA can only make its assumption that President Lassnerʻs second request for information to the UHM campus was taken as a message that this needs to be addressed and resolved ASAP since it was the second request by the President.  Unfortunately, it was treated and handled without regard to how the process should be driven and the impact it would have on Specialist faculty at UHM.  Moreover, rather than requiring faculty supervisors to complete the survey as intended, the message sent on Thursday, April 14, 2022, was unclear about the directive that the Steering Committee planned.  Therefore, it was conveyed incorrectly that Specialist faculty rather than their supervisors were required to individually complete the survey within a quick turnaround time being the close of business, Tuesday, April 19, 2022.  Adding to more confusion and anxiety was the message that Researchers, Librarians, and Extension Agents werenʻt being requested to provide such information at this time without further information and context.

While we are not surprised by the recent events that have transpired, we are disappointed since this is not the first time UHPAʻs name and reputation has incorrectly been put forth as the justification and means for managementʻs actions.  While we cannot control, dictate, or direct how information is provided by the UH Administration to the campuses, we do believe that in some instances and cases UHPA is justified in providing the clarification and relevant and pertinent information to our faculty so that they understand the intent and purpose of managementʻs actions.

Clear And Unambiguous Facts

The information that had been requested by the SCR 201 Task Force on the survey of Specialist and Community College Non-Instructional Faculty work assignments has not been used, referenced, or noted in the report to either the Legislature or the BOR.

The SCR 201 Task Force is now dissolved.  No further action by this task force has been taken since it completed its report to the Legislature.

The information the UHM Administration was seeking was originally a request from the SCR 201 Task Force.  However, the information is now being requested by the Steering Committee as general data and information gathering for the sole purpose of providing this information to working groups that the Steering Committee will develop that will be composed of faculty members in the Specialist classification.

Matters dealing with the review of teaching equivalencies, buy-outs, 5-year review, faculty productivity, and faculty classification are all part of this new charge to the Steering Committee who will then formulate various working groups composed with faculty members to begin this process of review and analysis.  

Moving Forward

The recent debacle and confusion has brought awareness that UHPA cannot rely on the communication, information, and management of the Steering Committeeʻs work and UHPAʻs involvement on the Steering Committee.  UHPA recognizes and appreciates the numerous emails, phone calls, and messages we have received from the membership expressing its concerns and confusion over this matter.  UHPA respects and welcomes faculty to address any and all concerns directly with UHPA in that we can be apprised of matters and situations that we are unaware of, and in that we can respond, take action, and address accordingly.  Moreover, we do acknowledge that these matters are dear and close to faculty interests and that we cannot rely on either the BOR or the UH Administration to convey accurate and complete reports on this BOR agenda and directive.  Therefore, UHPA is committed to provide the membership with its own organizational updates on this subject matter as this process moves forward.

UHPA wants to reinforce that our goal, intent, and purpose is to manage and control the process through providing meaningful input through open dialogue and communication in that the collective bargaining rights and processes are followed; that the classification process, review, and evaluations are followed; and to ensure that matters are determined and decided with objectivity, consistency and equity.

In Solidarity And Unity

Over 99% Vote in Favor of Contract Extension

Recognition and Appreciation to all UH Faculty in Bargaining Unit 7

Over the past two days, you had the opportunity to ratify extending the current 2021-2023 UHPA-BOR Agreement an additional two years to June 30, 2025 with the following pay increases:

  • 1% lump-bonus payment retroactive to July 1, 2021
  • 3.72% increase on July 1, 2022
  • 5% increase on July 1, 2023
  • 5% increase on July 1, 2024

The offer from the Employer was approved by the UHPA Board of Directors on April 2, 2022 to be given to the UH Faculty in Bargaining Unit 7 for their consideration and to take a ratification vote.

Results of the Ratification Vote

The ratification vote ended today, Friday, April 8, 2022 at 12:00 PM.  The results of the ratification vote are as follows:

99.1% – YES (1806 in favor)

0.9% – NO (17 opposed)

UHPA greatly appreciates you taking the time to vote.  Needless to say, the past couple of years have been daunting, challenging, and extremely difficult.  However, the UH Faculty in Bargaining Unit 7 displayed tremendous resilience, determination, and dedication by continuing to persevere through these difficult times allowing students to obtain their degrees and increasing student enrollment at the UH Manoa and the UH Hilo campus while nationally the trends show otherwise.  UHPA is proud to represent the UH Faculty.  In Unity We Stand.

Mahalo!