Join an UCPEA committee and contribute to positive changes in working conditions, communication, and employee rights in the workplace. UCPEA has 16 committees with varying topics and levels of commitment. It’s another chance to have your voice heard while working together to strengthen our union.
Our Committees
Childcare Reimbursement Committee
Who are we? The Childcare Reimbursement Committee is a group of members who recognize the financial burden childcare has on our members, and work collectively to do best for our members to lighten that burden through our reimbursement process.
What do we do? The committee reviews childcare reimbursement applications three times per year. We review applications for accuracy, appropriateness, and determine the amount of reimbursement for each applicant.
When do we meet? The committee meets three times per year, and individual application reviews are done by each member within the week prior to the next meeting. Meetings are typically held in May, September, and January to align with the application deadlines.
Committee On Political Education (COPE)
Who are we? COPE is chaired by the VP for Political Affairs. Members of this committee are passionate, engaged, and invested in the future of the labor movement, UCPEA, and the state of Connecticut as it relates to state politics and their effects on our members.
What do we do? COPE educates members about issues and legislation affecting our union, other labor organizations, and the University. COPE will make recommendations to the UCPEA Executive Board for any political endorsements and contributions.
When do we meet? COPE meets for one hour per month, and on an as-needed basis. Contact politicalaffairs@ucpea.org for more information!
Communications Committee
Who are we? The Communications Committee is chaired by the VP for Communications. Committee members are union volunteers who help keep members informed and engaged. Anyone in UCPEA with an interest in writing, design, or outreach is welcome to join - no experience required!
What do we do? The committee works on a range of projects, including writing and proofreading for the Union Wire, creating social media graphics, and finding new ways to share union news. Members choose the projects they’re interested in and help shape our overall communications strategy.
When do we meet? The committee meets once a month on the first Tuesday at noon. Outside of meetings, members typically spend just a few hours per month on assignments as needed.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee (CBLC)
Who are we? The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is chaired by the Secretary of the Executive Board. The committee members are a group of UCPEA volunteers who help keep our governing documents streamlined and responsive to the needs of our union.
What do we do? The committee reviews UCPEA’s constitution and bylaws annually. In partnership with interested members, the committee proposes changes to be voted on by the membership at large.
When do we meet? The committee meets intermittently through the summer and fall semester, with more meetings — bi-weekly and then weekly — in the spring as proposals for changes to the Constitution and Bylaws come in.
Finance Committee
Who are we? The Finance Committee is chaired by the Treasurer of the UCPEA Executive Board. The committee is comprised of members-at-large, one of whom will be selected to serve as the recording secretary.
What do we do? The Finance Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Executive Board, monitors the annual budget, and develops long-term financial plans.
When do we meet? The committee meets virtually for one hour at least once a month and on an as-needed basis when necessary.
Hiring and Advancement Committee
Who are we? Our committee members serve as a voice and advocate for UCPEA members, ensuring that decisions are made with fairness, consistency, and clarity when it comes to hiring and advancement practices in the workplace.
What do we do? We monitor the University’s policies and practices to support fair and transparent hiring, advancement, and professional growth across our organization.
When do we meet? We meet once a month during lunch time and occasionally do small outreach, information gathering, and data analysis outside of work hours.
Membership Services Committee
Who are we? The Membership Services Committee is chaired by the VP for Membership Services. Members of the MSC are energized, passionate, and friendly advocates for the benefits of all UCPEA members.
What do we do? The Membership Services Committee develops and coordinates membership activities, plans various benefits, and facilitates several annual membership events such as Fall Fest, Winter Celebration, Union Unwind, New Member Receptions, and more!
When do we meet? The MSC meets for one hour monthly, and members volunteer to work membership events throughout the year as their availability allows.
Professional Issues Committee
Who are we? The VP for Professional Issues chairs this committee. Committee members are dedicated to timely and thoroughly reviewing the Professional Development Awards (PDA) requests and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth for members.
What do we do? The primary responsibility of the committee is reviewing the PDA requests twice a month. Additionally, the committee members plan and host various workshops/programs to support our members’ personal and professional growth.
When do we meet? Two committee members meet twice a month to review the PDA requests, and the whole committee meets about 4 to 6 times per year. Committee members also help facilitate workshops and programs as they arise.
Scholarship Committee
Who are we? The Scholarship Committee is comprised of members who are dedicated to helping improve the lives of our members and their children through financial scholarships that award academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership skills.
What do we do? The committee reviews applications for three $1,300 scholarships to dependent children of UCPEA members each year: The Sandy Schulte Memorial Scholarship, The Austin Leadership Scholarship, and The Roslyn Swift Scholarship.
When do we meet? The committee typically meets once or twice a year to review applications. The meetings occur in late April - early May to coincide with the application deadline.
Sick Bank Committee
Who are we? Chaired by the First VP with members that have an appreciation for those that have run out of earned/paid time during approved medical leaves. We also work in collaboration with the Leave Administrator from Human Resources.
What do we do? The Leave Administrator in HR collects applications, notifies the committee, and processes paperwork when the committee makes a decision. The committee reviews the requests and determines the approved number of days to donate to each applicant.
When do we meet? Requests come in sporadically and responses need to be within 10 days. Members will need to be somewhat flexible in scheduling meetings quickly. Meetings are usually during lunch and occur ad hoc.
Social Justice Committee
Who are we? The Social Justice Committee (SJC) is a group of dedicated individuals who are passionate about social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our members are professionally engaged in these issues and live out these values in their personal lives. We are brave and committed to fostering community and understanding across all the unique identities within the UCPEA membership.
What do we do? The SJC works to create a space within UCPEA where members can actively live out their values. We plan annual events such as Pride and Juneteenth and address emergent issues as they arise.
When do we meet? The SJC meets on a monthly basis on the second Monday of each month and as needed for planning special events and to respond when emergent issues occur.
Volunteer to Join a Committee
See full list of UCPEA committees and their respective appointment processes