SHARED GOVERNANCE

Board of Regents to consider TMCC presidential vacancy at October 18 meeting

Photo of Amy Carvalho, Jeff Downs, and Patty Charlton

Regents Chair Amy Carvalho, Vice Chair Jeff Downs, and Interim Chancellor Patty Charlton

Faculty members overwhelmingly voiced support for a national search to choose the next president of Truckee Meadows Community College during a September 27th meeting with Board of Regents Chair Amy Carvalho, Vice Chair Jeff Downs, and Interim NSHE Chancellor Patty Charlton. The forum for NFA members was just one of multiple meetings where the NSHE leaders heard from various constituent groups about their preferences. Based on the gathered input, the group is recommending a national search and will present their proposal at a special meeting of the Board of Regents on October 18th.

Assuming the proposal is approved by the full Board, the Interim Chancellor explained to the group that the search itself may not get underway until late November or December. It will take several weeks to select a search firm and conduct additional constituent interviews to identify the desired characteristics for the next president, before we can advertise the position. However, the group expressed confidence in completing the process in sufficient time to hire a new president for the 2025–26 academic year.

TMCC-NFA has advocated for a national search since President Hilgersom's July 2023 announcement that she would separate from the college at the end of June 2025 in exchange for a waiver of her periodic presidential evaluation and a one-year extension of her existing contract. We encourage TMCC employees to support this proposal by attending the meeting and making a public comment or submitting a written comment.

FELLOWSHIP

TMCC-NFA team members bring their game to first annual union bowling tournament

TMCC-NFA bowlers at union bowling tournament

From left to right: Joe Sanpietro, Rossi Todorova, Ben Davis, Jon Lau+, and Beth Humphrey

Members of TMCC-NFA's first-ever bowling team put their considerable talents on full display at the Solidarity Spares and Strikes bowling tournament on October 12th. Sponsored by the GGRM law firm, this first-annual tournament took place in Reno's National Bowling Stadium. More than 20 teams from multiple unions competed for prize money to be used to support union causes. Although the TMCC-NFA team, aptly named "I can't believe it's not a gutter ball," didn't quite reach the money round of the tournament, we can take consolation in how they represented the spirit and fellowship that we all enjoy in our local.

GGRM announced that they intend to sponsor the tournament annually, and so the work is already underway to organize next year's team. If you're interested, please let any TMCC-NFA officer or a member of this year's team know. And many thanks to Joe, Rossi, Ben, Jon, and Beth for doing us proud!

BENEFITS

NFA membership includes AFT benefits, such as travel discounts, insurance

Through NFA's affiliation with the American Federation of Teachers, all members are eligible for numerous benefits ranging from discounts on travel and entertainment to long-term care insurance. Once registered on the AFT Member Benefits website, you will also have access to the AFL-CIO's UnionPlus program with additional discounts.

Individuals will need their AFT membership number to register for the benefits. TMCC-NFA members will receive a separate email with their member number included. Unfortunately, the AFT database is not 100% up to date, so some newer members have not been assigned a member number yet. We are working to get the list updated with AFT. Besides the online discounts, members can also download a digital membership card for their smartphones. Local businesses periodically offer union discounts to individuals with their membership cards.

SWAG

Plenty of chapter and campaign

SWAG still available

TMCC-NFA apparel for members

Members who haven't claimed their TMCC-NFA t-shirt or lapel pins can notify Jim New via email (jim.new@nevadafacultyalliance.org). T-shirts are available in sizes from medium to 3XL. We will deliver the items to your TMCC office, unless you prefer to pick them up from Jim's office on the Meadowood Campus (MDWS S-319D). Please just indicate your preference in your message.

Harris/Walz campaign materials

NFA, AAUP, and AFT have endorsed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in this year's presidential elections. AFT has provided a wide range of campaign materials, such as t-shirts in both men's and women's fits, buttons, and posters, for faculty members to demonstrate their support. Everything is available for pick up at Amy Cavanaugh's office, RDMT 331H. To arrange a pickup, contact Amy by email (amy.cavanaugh@nevadafacultyalliance.org).