Category Archives: Murphy News

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Student Continuity & Distance Learning Updates

During this very difficult period, SLU is guided by two principles: First and foremost, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We are doing everything we can to mitigate the impact of the current public health crisis on our School community. Second, we are committed to maintaining the continuity of our academic programs, courses, and services. To meet these objectives, we have transitioned to distance learning and remote work effective Thursday, March 19th.

We thank you for your patience as we continue to develop and improve the systems that will allow our students to complete the semester—and our faculty and staff to carry on their work—remotely. The important point is that we all share a common goal and we are all working together. In that way, we will weather the storm!

COMMUNICATIONS

Although there is no faculty or administrative staff working at our 43rd Street campus, we will all be working remotely and available via e-mail, phone, and various advanced technologies. You can reach a live SLU operator who will assist you or direct your call during regular business hours by calling (646) 313-8300.

DISTANCE LEARNING

In moving to online instruction, we have focused on technologies that are the most effective and the most equitable. SLU’s faculty and staff have been working tirelessly to ensure that the educational objectives of courses and goals of programs can be met through various methods of delivery. Until further notice, courses will be conducted using remote tools including telephone conferencing, email, Blackboard, ZOOM, and a range of other technologies designed for remote learning. Faculty have reached out to all their students to inform them about the mode of distance learning that will be utilized. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your course(s), please reach out to your instructor or call the SLU main desk at (646) 313-8300.

FOR MORE UPDATES AND RESOURCES FROM CUNY, PLEASE VISIT HERE.

Photo by Aaron Yoo via flickr (cc-by-nd)

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SLU Newsflash: All SLU Public Events Currently On Hold

Due to public safety measures related to the Coronavirus, all in-person events at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies (SLU) have been suspended through at least April 19, 2020.

Planning is underway to hold some upcoming programs – including Organizing 2.0 – as live-streamed web conferences, with all speakers and attendees participating remotely.
Please stay tuned for further information about the ongoing suspension of in-person events, as well as plans for live streams and web conferences. We will send you email updates, as well as add the latest information to the SLU website and to social media.
Questions? Email us: events@slu.cuny.edu
We hope that you and your family stay safe and be well during this public health crisis.

Public Domain photo via flickr

Alumni Spotlight, Home, Labor Studies, Murphy News

Alumni Achievement: Mia Ragozino, Union Organizer

On January 28th, following 10 months of failed negotiations, nearly 8,000 employees of Swedish Health Services, all members of SEIU 1199 Northwest—a union representing more than 30,000 nurses and healthcare workers throughout Washington State and Montana—walked out on a three-day strike. Right there on the picket lines with them was SLU alumna Mia Ragozino.

Ragozino, who earned her Masters in Labor Studies in 2019, recently joined SEIU 1199NW as an organizer. “SEIU 1199 was a good fit for me,” said Mia. “It’s an organizing union with a racial justice lens and a concernfor workers’ safety.” She said the strike was a last resort in the union’s fight for not just fair compensation, but for adequate staffing and patient safety. “Since corporate giant Providence took over the Swedish healthcare system, management has prioritized profits and executive pay over patients’ needs and workers’ rights.” She noted that three presidential candidates had tweeted in support of the walk-out, including Senators Sanders, Warren, and Pete Buttigieg.
Mia says her learning experiences at SLU prepared her well for her current role. “SLU prioritizes the education of people and workers of color. And learning about the history of the labor movement was a huge eye-opener for me.” After SLU, Mia attended Cornell ILR’s summer institute for strategic corporate research. While there, she learned about the job with SEIU 1199NW.
Mia credits Professor Stephanie Luce with not only inspiring her, but for recommending her for the position in Seattle. “She was a role model for me,” said Mia, “and she helped me get started in the career I always wanted to pursue. It all came together at SLU.”
Professor Luce returned the compliment: “It was a joy to have Mia as a student,” she said. “Her energy and passion for social justice inspired other students as well as me. Given her sharp mind and research skills, SEIU 1199NW is lucky to have her!”
Read more about the SEIU 1199 healthcare workers’ strike here.
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Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship for Diversity in Labor

We are currently recruiting applicants for the Joseph S. Murphy Scholarship for Diversity in Labor , designed to bring woman and people of color to leadership roles in the labor movement and in the filed of Labor Studies. Scholarship recipients will receive full tuition for the M.A. in Labor Studies or B.A. in Urban and Community Studies (Labor concentration) programs.

Strong candidates:
  • Are passionate about labor rights and social change
  • Have a strong academic background
  • Possess leadership skills or leadership potential
  • Will complete Part I of the application by March 3, 2020

What Students Learn

Students in the M.A. in Labor Studies program develop critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills, while learning: labor law, history, practical skills, and contemporary challenges facing labor. The program is designed to support working adults or full-time students. The B.A. in Urban and Community Studies (labor concentration) curriculum examines policies and governance processes that affect diverse urban working-class communities. B.A. applicants must have completed 60 college credits.

Please share this flyer with your networks.

Deadlines:

Applicants must first apply to the M.A. in Labor Studies or the B.A. in Urban and Community Studies program by March 3, 2020. Contact Laurie.Kellogg@slu.cuny.edu or 718-440-1550 (day, evening or weekend) for information and tips on writing a successful application.
Diversity Scholarship applications must be received by March 24, 2020.

For more information:

Call us at (646) 313-8514
Visit us at slu.cuny.edu

Alumni Spotlight, Home, Labor Studies, Murphy News

Andres Puerta Talks Organizing on Museum Confidential

In New York and California, museums are getting unionized. And if organizers have anything to say about it, this is a trend that’s going to spread. Last month, SLU alum and IUOE Local 30 Director of Special Projects Andres Puerta went on Museum Confidential to discuss the recent wave — and where we might go from here. Check it out.

Photo by Dave Nakayama via flickr (cc-by)