What We Do - AFSCME at the U

This University Works Because We Do

Below is a sample of the work AFSCME members do every day to make the University of Minnesota run smoothly.

I prepare the faculty reimbursements.

I work in dental dispensing, handing out instruments and supplies for specific procedures. Dental students won't be able to do their job without me. I also clean and sterilize the instruments.

I unlock the door in the morning and lock it at night.

I purchase and catalog books and materials for the libraries. Materials for course reserves won't be bought, won't be available without my work.

I enter the payroll for student workers and research assistants.

I register students for courses; I compile and copy syllabi, lab and lecture schedules and course packets for hundreds of students and a dozen faculty. I create and run several websites. I organize short courses for people in industry (bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars a year). I am the department receptionist. I fix copier jams. I teach faculty and supervisors how to use their computers, the fax machine and the copier. I call for repairs to copier, fax, shredder, water. I run the database of undergraduate majors.

I work in an archives and give people the chance to work with the amazing materials we have and the manuscripts division – it's not all in catalogs – I know where those interesting little tidbits are, because I've been here 24 years.

I run the Civil Engineering Machine shop. I am a tool and die maker. I assist graduate engineers to assemble and machine their research project. A main portion of my duties is to keep them safe, keep tools in working order and get building repairs done, both in Civil Engineering and Shepherd Labs. Since I am the only machinist, this work will not be done.

I order textbooks for classes and instructors. Class and course scheduling, facilities management, order supplies, reconcile ECAS / PCAS entry, peoplesoft entry, mailboxes, mail, distribute faxes and correspondence, all other academic and administrative support, department evaluations for / of instructors, transcribing, instructor/student contact and communication, instructor word processing/editing.

I order supplies, register students, talk to students, adults, regarding taking classes at the U of M. I manage the student wait lists, permission numbers, key control, master keys.

I arrange the calendar and travel for an Associate Vice President. I support an ISO generating $10 million in sponsored research revenue.

I help set up access to electronic journals, and pay for print and online journal subscriptions. I supervise students who process print journals.

I provide physical access to government documents in a timely manner.

I am the "keeper of the gate" for students to register for classes and I pay bills!

I make sure courses have a place to meet.

I make sure that all the instructors and students in my program have books for class every semester.

I coordinate a 165-person class. I communicate to students, set up rooms and AV equipment. I provide support for faculty, deal with parking reservations, and provide tech support. I set up course web sites, including course assignment, exams, etc.

I am a miracle worker for 5 medical physicists, 2 radiation oncologists, and 2 medical physics residents.

I make sure that the students know where to go for classes. I also make sure that students get to meet with their academic and college advisors.

I help academics across the globe get tenure.

I develop the agendas and produce all materials for faculty meetings. I produce the official record of all faculty discussions.

I ensure that all aspects of faculty recruiting visits and job talks go smoothly so that the best faculty in the world will want to work at the U.

I create and distribute on-call schedules for all of the doctors in our department. I determine the places calls should be directed throughout the department and write and disseminate information about the department and direct medical messages.

I make sure they pull the right tooth.