I support the UFA due to two major reasons: (1) At a higher level, the union provides faculty an additional channel to learn and make an influence on the decisions/changes occurring at NIU, ensuring transparency, fairness and good governance on matters that are important to the university community and our future. (2) On an individual level, unionizing empowers faculty and employees to stand up for fairness in our contract and working conditions, protecting women, minority and any other individuals from differential treatment in various aspects of our work.

Michelle Xia

Associate Professor, Statistics

I came to higher education after working as a school psychologist and then a school administrator in the K-12 public school system. Having spent about 10 years in the K-12 public schools as both a union member and as an administrator entrusted with upholding a strong collective bargaining agreement, I learned the value of union protections. As a union member I knew what my rights were as an educator. As an administrator, I valued a strong collective bargaining agreement because it meant that our faculty and staff were well-paid and treated fairly, which ultimately contributes to job satisfaction. In what other public sector teaching job does faculty receive a raise only once or twice every decade? It's time for a fair contract. 

Kelly Summers

Associate Professor, Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations

I am a professor, with 23 years of service. During this span of time, there has been steady erosion of our working conditions. With so many changes taking place on campus, the faculty has largely been left out of the decision-making processes. The result has been declining enrollment, deteriorating facilities, low moral, and an uncertain future for all. The root cause is that our employer has become disconnected from the faculty body, making important decisions without our input. In the mind of our employer, we have no more value than buildings and equipment, probably even less, and are simply a cost to be minimized through outsourcing and layoffs. I believe a strong UFA represents the best opportunity to promote faculty to the status deserved — as our school’s most important resource. And, it gives us the chance to be an equal partner in decisions affecting NIU’s future direction.

Robert Tatara

Professor, College of Engineering & Engineering Technology