AP Assembly
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The Academic and Professional Assembly (or APA) was formally established Feb. 25 in a meeting at Reitz Union, marking the first time there has been a representative organization for professional staff and non-tenured faculty at UF.
The three main goals of the organization are representation, recognition and networking, according to Cheri Brodeur of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences or IFAS. Brodeur was elected temporary APA chair until a constitution and bylaws are written and approved later this year.
"We are very excited to have an advisory organization to speak for us, and expect to make a positive contribution to university life," said Brodeur.
Jean Larson, Chair of the Faculty Senate, welcomed attendees at the opening meeting and expressed her support for the organization referring to APA as a sister organization to the Faculty Senate. Provost David Colburn endorsed the idea in a meeting with the APA organizational committee late last year.
APA is to function much the same way as the Faculty Senate now does, working with the higher administration and other organizations on campus in an advisory role, according to Brodeur.
Membership in APA is open to anyone who is a TEAMS exempt employee, non-tenured faculty below the level of instructor, career faculty and clinical faculty not presently part of the Faculty Senate.
The next meeting is set for March 21.