SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
University Affairs Office
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
(707) 664-2057
e-mail: jean.wasp@sonoma.edu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2003 File #373
Contact: Kate McClintock, (707) 664-2693
Faculty, Staff, Students Dig Into Their Pockets to Help Lecturers
Students, faculty and staff of Sonoma State University are digging into their own pockets to create a safety net for lecturers whose positions may be endangered by the state budget crisis in the next few years.In a mailing to the 1500 employees of the campus recently, organizers of the SSU Community Solidarity Fund ask for donations through payroll deduction, a one-time pledge, or one-time contribution to pay the salaries of the part-time faculty.
The idea came from the new president of SSU's Associated Students, Jason Spencer. Faculty quickly caught on and opened a special account for donations.
The emergency fund is to be used only after other funding for instruction has been exhausted, says Birch Moonwomon, one of the fund creators. "The larger the number of of employees who contribute, the larger the number of course sections and faculty positions can be retained," says Skip Robinson, another fund organizer.
Eligible recipients are any currently employed lecturers who would become unemployed or underemployed from 2003-2005.
"This is a forward-thinking way to protect classroom instruction in a difficult economic time" says Moonwomon.
Organizers says they hope to raise over $100,000.
The account allows SSU employees to make voluntary, tax deductible donations. Anyone else in the area can make a donation by contacting Kate McClintock, (707) 664-2693.