2010 Elections
The GAU elections were held on April 23, 2010 and the following graduate assistants will serve as the Executive Committee for the 2010-11 year:
Graduate Assistants United (GAU) is the legally recognized bargaining unit for the approximately 600 graduate research and teaching assistants at the University of Rhode Island. There are more than 30 other legally recognized graduate assistant employee unions in the United States, and many others around the world.
The GAU was formed in 2001 by a group of graduate students who were looking to improve the wages and working conditions for themselves and for those who would follow as future graduate assistants. Their actions resulted in the formation of a democratically run organization with the ability to bargain benefits for all graduate assistants at the University, and to protect employment rights as defined in a negotiated contractual agreement. Gained benefits have included increased wages, tuition benefits, paid health insurance and parental leave. They also include protection from arbitrary actions through a specific grievance process.
Membership in the organization is not mandatory, but strongly encouraged. When necessary, the strength of an organization comes from the number of members who agree with the principles of that organization. It is also a statement in support of the work of the few who lead the organization.
Membership also entitles you to full voting rights in the Union, including voting for negotiated agreements, and allows you to hold office on designated and ad-hoc committees. Although all graduate assistants are required to pay an agency fee for collective bargaining purposes, membership does not cost any additional money. Please contact the GAU for further information on how to become a member.
GAU Dues
In accordance with Title 36-11-2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, membership in any employee organization may be determined by each individual employee; provided, however that all non-members shall pay to the GAU, a service charge as a contribution toward the administration of the negotiated collective bargaining agreement in an amount equal to the regular membership fee. The members of the GAU have determined that .81% of salary per graduate assistant will constitute that service charge. As per the collective bargaining agreement, the URI administration is authorized to withdraw that amount from the graduate assistants wages and promptly forward that amount to the GAU.
The GAU Executive Committee is charged with maintaining a budget that enhances the functionality and stability of the organization. Included in those expenses are: stipends for the executive committee, rent of office space, administrative and negotiating services of the URI/AAUP, insurance, and National membership dues.
Other Recognized Graduate Unions in USA
These unions are officially recognized as Collective Bargaining Agents and negotiate contracts with their employers.
California State University System: UAW Local 4123 City University of New York: Professional Staff Congress / AAUP / AFT Local 2334
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University: Graduate Assistants United / United Faculty of Florida, Local 7463
Michigan State University: Graduate Employees Union / AFT Local 6196
New York University: Graduate Student Organizing Committee / UAW Local 2110
Oregon State University: Coalition of Graduate Employees / AFT Local 6069
Rutgers University: Rutgers Council of AAUP Chapters Southern Illinois University Carbondale: Graduate Assistants United / IEA/NEA
State University of New York System: Graduate Student Employees Union / CWA Local 1104
Temple University: Temple University Graduate Student Association / AFT Local 6290
University of California System: UAW Local 2865 University of Florida: Graduate Assistants United / United Faculty of Florida, Local 7463
University of Illinois -- Chicago: Graduate Employees Organization / AFT Local 6297
University of Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign: Graduate Employees' Organization / AFT
University of Iowa: Campaign to Organize Graduate Students / UE Local 896
University of Kansas: Graduate Teaching Assistants' Coalition / KAPE / AFT Local 4565
University of Massachusetts -- Amherst: Graduate Employee Organization / UAW Local 2322
University of Massachusetts -- Boston: Graduate Employee Organization / UAW
University of Massachusetts -- Lowell: Graduate Employee Organization / UAW Local 1596
University of Michigan: Graduate Employees Organization / AFT Local 3550
University of Oregon: Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation / AFT Local 3544
University of Rhode Island: Graduate Assistants United / URi-AAUP
University of South Florida: Graduate Assistants United / United Faculty of Florida, Local 7463
University of Washington -- Seattle: UAW Local 4121
University of Wisconsin -- Madison: Teaching Assistants' Association / AFT Local 3220
University of Wisconsin -- Milwaukee: Milwaukee Graduate Assistants Association / AFT Local 2169
Wayne State University: Graduate Employees Organizing Committee / AFT Local 6123
Western Michigan University: Teaching Assistants Union / AFT
Health Services Hours of Operation
Winter Break Schedule
Medical Services/Clinic Hours during break:
Tuesday, January 4th – Friday, January 7th from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday, January 10th – Friday, January 14th from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 18th – Friday, January 21st from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (closed Monday, January 17th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day).
Semester Schedule
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00pm
Appointments: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm
Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Physician Services: 12:00-4:00 pm
Pharmacy: 12:30 to 4:00 pm
Nursing, Medical Records: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Quick Contacts:
Routine Exams, Allergy Shots? 874-4751
Emergency? 874-2121
Not feeling well, need urgent care? 874-2675
Immunizations? 874-4612
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Board of Governors Meeting:
Monday, January 24, 2010
RIC Ballroom
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President's Column
President Stephen Marchand
General Membership Meeting -
Spring General membership Meeting - TBA in April