Welcome to EMUFT!

Hello, and welcome to the Eastern Michigan University! I am excited to be able to welcome you to your new role as a Full or Part-Time Lecturer at Eastern Michigan University.

My name is Daric Thorne, and I am the current president of the Eastern Michigan University Federation of Teachers (EMUFT). We represent Full and Part-Time Lecturers here at Eastern. Generally, around 50% of classes are taught by Full or Part-Time Lecturers, and our role on campus is essential to the successful execution of the University’s academic mission. EMUFT was established roughly 20 years ago, and we have built a long history of relationships and better working conditions at the University in that time. 

Eastern Michigan University is an incredibly diverse place, and, in my personal opinion, one of the most beautiful campuses to work on. As a new lecturer at the university, you are covered by one of our two contracts - the contract for Full-Time Lecturers, or the contract for Part-Time Lecturers. Between your contract, and being new in a complex institution, you may sometimes find yourself a bit lost trying to figure out how to access resources, or get the help you need. Sometimes your department head may be the best person to reach out to, but your Union Steward, fellow lecturers, and Union leadership are always happy to help, however we can.

I am proud to be a member of EMUFT, working alongside our fellow members to keep the EMU community a welcoming space for its workers. Our Union’s democracy is driven by the membership, and our Union’s strength is derived from member participation. We have at least one Membership Council meeting a quarter, open to all dues paying members, where the membership weighs in on their concerns and provides advice on how elected leadership should proceed on issues. Several committees, including the Social Justice Committee, Organizing Committee, and Election Committee are all spaces where members can engage. Our Union Council, made up of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Grievance Officer, meets monthly to keep the administrative functions of the Union covered, and these meetings are always open to members.

There is a lot to take in as a new worker at EMU, and we’re here to help and provide a community for you. If you have any questions, you can always reach out to me directly by email, [email protected]. You will also be provided a list of stewards, whom are a great resource to get information or ask questions. Good luck on your upcoming semester, and I hope you will find a home here at EMU and within EMUFT.

My best,
Daric Thorne
President
EMUFT 9102