University of Alaska Adjuncts

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Solidarity Academy guides faculty through higher ed’s COVID-19 challenges
The COVID-19 crisis presents higher education faculty and staff with distinctive challenges, in addition to those everyone is facing—things like how to reach students who have left campus, and the best ways to teach online when content was meant for brick-and-mortar classrooms. To help faculty address these and other issues, the AFT and AFT Academics have established a Solidarity Academy of webinars. So far, it includes a webinar on student debt that helps you navigate those loan payments that won’t stop coming, even when you have diminished pay, and another that gives an overview of how to pivot to a remote learning environment for the duration of the pandemic. Next up, on Friday, April 3: tips for courses like dance instruction and science lab demonstrations that don’t easily convert to online learning. Keep checking back for more sessions!

Solidarity Academy Visit the post for more.

If you feel you need to be tested for the virus there is a drive thru COVID-19 testing, see the attachment

Adjunct professors are under threat as the coronavirus spreads
The New York Times published a piece yesterday highlighting the threat adjunct professors in America face, as few receive health insurance through the institutions they work for and even fewer have paid sick leave. “What the virus is showing … are the holes in the safety net and the social fabric of our country,” AFT President Randi Weingarten says. “Adjuncts are basically highly educated people who are just making it paycheck to paycheck.”

With spotty sick leave and health care, adjunct professors worry about the spread of coronavirus Instructors worry their part-time status will preclude them from paid time off, leaving them vulnerable if their schools remain closed for the semester or they fall ill.

Brothers & Sisters, we are in need of VOLUNTEERS for the Labor Walk and Knock this Saturday, March 14th. Please PM us if you are able to volunteer. Thank you!

Tweet worthy news!

Bernie Sanders on Twitter “Teachers are facing outrageous levels of student debt. It is time to cancel student debt for all and make public universities and colleges tuition-free. , and I are incredibly proud to have the support of and in this effort. https://t.co/ePl...

With many feeling stressed and angry about what is happening in our state right now. We would like to invite you to come jam and eat with IBEW and the Spenard Jazz festival this Wednesday at 12pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

APEA/AFT president, Cecily Manning cordially invites all members to attend a Telephone Townhall Tuesday Meeting on Tuesday, June 25th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm to discuss the Alaska's state budget and the next steps.
Register to attend at: https://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/QHYZ1DOY889MBHM

Monday’s vote by regents follows Jim Johnsen’s recommendation last week of a plan for the university to transition seven programs to other UA campuses, which remain accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. The decision, opposed by UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen, will close the School of Education by July 2020.

UA regents narrowly approve closing UAA School of Education

UAA won’t renew lease at Eagle River campus Friday’s announcement by UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen leaves the university’s presence in Chugiak-Eagle River diminished.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos may be trying to roll back progressive education policies, but the nation’s courts are clapping back with a resounding, “Nope.” From student loan forgiveness to racial disparity in special education classes, judges are preventing DeVos from shifting to a more conservative approach, primarily by citing illegal or improper attempts to change the law.

Betsy DeVos strikes out — in court Judges have rebuffed the education secretary’s attempts to pause or change a range of Obama-era policies.