Hawaii Government Employee's Union (HGEA)
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA)
The UHPA has been the exclusive bargaining agent for all faculty members of the University System since November 1, 1974. One of the most important functions of UHPA is the negotiation of the faculty contract. The second important function is to ensure that the terms of the contract are enforced and the rights of faculty members are protected.
The Board of Directors (BOD) control the property and affairs of the Assembly and is composed of not more than twenty-five (25) directors representing the different UH campuses. View a complete list of the current BOD.
Duties and Powers of BOD
- to interpret the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws, enter into affiliation agreements, to set the dues, approve the budget, authorize disbursements, and to formulate policies and make decisions on all matters concerning the organization.
- appoint, and enter into contractual agreement with, the Executive Director.
- confirm all standing and ad hoc committee members.
- adopt policies to assure that the UHPA has a continuing sound financial program. The Board shall adopt a fiscal year and shall require an annual audit by a Certified Public Accountant.
The BOD established a system of Faculty Representatives. Faculty Representatives are organized from the departments, disciplines, and professional service divisions of the various campuses represented by the UHPA.
WCC has a total of three Primary Academic Units (PAUs).
- Sarah Hodell (PAU 031)
- Lance Uyeda (PAU 032)
- Pam DaGrossa (PAU 033)
Letty Colmenares is also serving onthe UHPA Board of Directors
Faculty Representatives’ Duties and Responsibilities
Faculty Representatives are the vital link between the faculty, the UHPA governance, and the staff. They should be visible and knowledgeable about UHPA activities and services.
The responsibilities of Faculty Representatives are to:
a. Advise the Board of Directors regarding opinions, views, and concerns of members within the respective PAUs they represent.
b. Attend Faculty Forums and other meetings or briefings relating to UHPA concerns and activities.
c. Provide new faculty with enrollment and membership information, encourage them to join UHPA, and orient them to UHPA activities and services.
d. Encourage colleagues, both new and old, to become UHPA members.
e. Serve as a communication link between faculty, UHPA leadership, and UHPA staff.
f. Maintain contact with the member of the Board of Directors assigned as the liaison to their PAU
g. Distribute and collect materials and information relating to UHPA activities.
h. Become familiar with the UHPA website and direct colleagues to it for information.
i. Become familiar with the UHPA contract and assist faculty in bringing their complaints and concerns to the UHPA staff. Ensure due process for all faculty when potential grievances arise by immediately notifying the UHPA office.
j. Provide their contact information to all the faculty in their PAU.
For more details, please see the UHPA constitution and bylaws
Information last updated: June, 2012.