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Dear faculty, Welcome to all as we embark on this new academic year. It is hard to believe we are still in the midst of so much uncertainty and worry as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Our work as a union is always shifting depending on the concerns of our members, where we are in the cycle of contract negotiations, and the variety of inquiries and cases that faculty bring our way. But throughout this pandemic, United Academics leaders have been committed to showing up for our members and our community, and we continue to advocate for health and safety, pro-worker policies and practices, collaboration, transparency, and respect. Over the past month, we have been in conversations with the administration about reopening concerns, including a vaccine mandate for faculty and the conditions that warrant remote teaching. In case you missed it, check out our statement on a vaccine mandate linked below. Our goal is to protect the health of everyone within our UVM community and our many overlapping communities. We also recognize that if there were ever a time to demonstrate solidarity in service of the public good, this is it. Our students are required to be vaccinated. We should be too. These are such trying times. We see you here today, many of you struggling and exhausted, many of you staying strong, and many some combination of both, depending on the day. “Thriving” within a competitive, individualist framework should not be our motivation right now. Thriving is social; it requires shared safety, security, and support, and our hope is to help faculty members meet these and other human needs. Yes, we celebrate the accomplishments of our faculty members as individuals, especially those whose teaching or research is particularly relevant now. But to each faculty member, we respect and honor: your continued commitment to academic excellence under difficult conditions, your open hearts, curiosity, attention to your students, and concern for each other and the wider communities of which you are part. Please reach out to United Academics ask for help when you need it; we are here. In solidarity, Ellie and Katlyn
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