The first, best way to get involved in your union is to become a member. Union members have a voice in all union matters. They get to vote on important items like contract ratification, strike authorizations, changes to our constitution, our bargaining goals, and officer and steward elections. Our rank and file membership is what drives us towards success–this union is what our members make it! For more information on how to join, click here.
Events
We have several social events throughout the year, including our Reading Day Work-Ins at the Illini Union, our Welcome Back Party, our participation in the Labor Day Parade, solidarity events, and more! We also sometimes hold informal Happy Hour socials at Quality Bar in downtown Champaign.
Leadership
Another great way to get involved as a member is to become a steward or an officer of our union.
The Stewards and officers form the Stewards Council and the Executive Council, the two leadership bodies of our union. All stewards and officer positions are elected at our annual internal elections in March/April. For information about our elections, see Article VI of our Constitution.
Stewards
Stewards are elected representatives of our union who serve specific constituencies across campus. Their responsibilities include:
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Representing bargaining unit members in their departments or colleges
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Example: A Chemistry Department Steward is the first point of contact for Chemistry faculty across campus.
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Acting as the primary, on-the-ground contacts for union organizing
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Recruiting new members to grow our union
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Driving the union’s organizing strategies
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Proposing and voting on changes to our constitution
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Building community among NTT faculty across all departments to foster mutual support
👉 If you are interested in becoming a Steward, please contact our Chief Steward.
Officers on the Executive Council
Our officers hold key positions to support and guide the union:
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President: Oversees day-to-day operations and represents the union in legal matters
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Vice President: Leads solidarity efforts and outreach
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Chief Steward:
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Supports stewards and their constituencies
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Oversees the Stewards’ Council
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Treasurer: Manages union finances, including:
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Paying bills
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Covering affiliate dues
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Reimbursing union-related expenses
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Communications Committee Chair:
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Manages social media and information campaigns
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Helps maintain the website
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Sends monthly update emails to members
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Bargaining Research Chair:
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Assesses member needs related to the contract
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Ensures members are aware of their rights as university faculty
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Grievance Committee Chair: Handles grievances and contract violations within the bargaining unit
If you’re interested in running for a spot on our Executive Council and want to learn more, you can view more info about each position here or contact our current president, Theresa Dobbs.



