Bargaining-Unit Members:

Effective July 31, 2013, I will be resigning as WMU-AAUP Chapter President and will be heading to China for 12 months shortly thereafter. Vice President Lisa Minnick immediately becomes the President per our 2007 Constitution and I become past president on the WMU-AAUP Executive Committee until the end of her term.

When I was elected last fall, I knew my service as president might be shortened if the administration approved my request for a sabbatical leave. I had been told directly not to expect that to happen, yet it was approved and I have been unable to obtain a year deferral from the university where I will be in Chengdu. Nevertheless, the need for change was obvious and the membership showed this clearly in the November 2012 election tallies. I have been proud to be a part of that change and truly appreciate the trust each of you has placed in me.

The bargaining unit is now represented by a solid leadership team, and we have already begun planning for the 2014 negotiations. Lisa Minnick has shown great poise and an amazingly strong work ethic. The current officers are extremely dedicated and are working together well to meet your needs. You could not be in better hands!

In the coming months and years they will work hard to support your needs, but they will also need your support given the current administrative, economic, and political climates. Please remember that WMU-AAUP service is university service per the 2011-2014 Agreement and commit some of your valuable time to protect the rights of your fellow faculty members.

Sincerely,

Matthew S. Mingus
President, WMU-AAUP
Professor, Public Affairs and Administration