As we begin this semester, our country is
facing an economic situation that is having
an effect on almost every segment of the
population. It is particularly in times like
this that we appreciate the protections provided in the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated with the University. The economic situation will undoubtedly have an impact on the ability of some students to pay the Hofstra tuition and the University’s investments will not be immune to the factors affecting the market. There
will understandably be some belt-tightening
by the University but, as President Rabinowitz indicated in his State of the
University address to the faculty, our
contract will be honored.

Much hard work goes into not only negotiating the contract but enforcing it and
dealing with issues that arise between negotiations. This work is done by us - by
faculty in our bargaining unit. I truly
value the opportunity to have participated
in this work with so many caring and dedicated faculty and I feel honored that you have entrusted me to serve as president of our union for these past 18 years. I will be retiring after this semester - after 43 years at Hofstra - but I leave with the highest confidence in the strong leadership cadre that we have built and who will be guiding us into the future.

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