MinnState Meet & Confer Recap Dec. 2024

Dear Minnesota State MAPE Union Members,

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2025, I want to share an update on our recent Meet and Confer discussions and supplemental negotiations with Minnesota State. These conversations are crucial for ensuring our voices are heard and your needs are addressed. Here's a quick recap of the highlights from our Dec. 6 meeting.

Equity 2030 and Inclusion Efforts

Dr. Eda Watts, the Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion, shared her commitment to the Equity 2030 initiative. Minnesota State continues to prioritize closing equity gaps, with progress already visible at several institutions. Collaboration across departments and with MAPE employees is vital to moving this work forward.

Legislative Updates

The political landscape remains dynamic, with potential implications for higher education funding. While the biennium shows a $616M surplus, there are concerns about deficits in future years. We are working closely with legislative partners to advocate for the resources our members and institutions need. MAPE is excited to contribute to strategic discussions, including through the Higher Education Legislative Liaisons (HELL) group.

Workday Transition Challenges

The Workday implementation continues to present significant challenges, particularly around payroll and data accuracy. Many of you have expressed frustration with increased workloads and errors. We appreciate the tireless efforts of our members navigating this transition and are advocating for additional resources, improved communication and sustainable solutions.

"Other Duties as Assigned"

We discussed the increasing burden of "other duties as assigned" on members, which often leads to burnout and unmanageable workloads. Leadership emphasized that these duties should be limited and temporary, and we encourage you to advocate for clear job descriptions and updated position descriptions (PDs).

System Reserves and Year-End Fund Balances

A proposed policy revision regarding system reserves aims to create a centralized fund to assist campuses during financial difficulties. While this concept could provide much-needed flexibility, we are closely monitoring its development to ensure transparency and equitable application.

Moving Forward

As we continue our negotiations, our focus remains on advocating for fair treatment, appropriate resources, and sustainable workloads for all members. Your input and feedback are critical, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns.

Thank you for your dedication and resilience. Together, we can navigate these challenges and ensure that the voices of MAPE members are heard and respected.

In solidarity,

Nicole Emerson
MAPE Minnesota State Meet & Confer Chair