ETA BUILDING REPRESENTATIVE GUIDELINES

ETA Building Reps have the responsibility to speak for and report back to the members in their respective buildings.  Open lines of communication are essential for any organization to work effectively.  As an ETA Building Representative, you play a key role in the communication process.

Listed below are a few suggestions that may help facilitate communication with ETA members in the building, and help to maximize effectiveness in serving members.

1. Inform the Association members in your building that ETA Rep Council meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. Please bring any of their questions or concerns to the meeting.
2. Keep members informed of items discussed at Rep Council meetings. After each meeting, post a copy of the minutes on the ETA bulletin board in your building, or distribute a summary of items discussed at each meeting.
3. As an alternate to #2 above, hold monthly ETA building meetings to communicate business discussed at Rep Council meetings, and as a way to control rumors. Ask members for their input.
4. It is important to distribute all notices, flyers and other materials sent to you as soon as possible.
5. Your attendance at Rep Council meetings is the most important part of the communication process.  Every building should have at least one alternate.  An officer from your building is not an alternate.  If you are unable to attend a scheduled Rep Council meeting, send an alternate in your place.  Article VIII, Section 4 of the ETA Bylaws states, After two (2) unexcused absences of a representative, the President may declare the seat unfilled, and call for a faculty election to fill out the term.                  

6. Never forget that you are a member advocate. Your job is to represent your members, not to determine whether their actions are right or wrong.  If you are unsure as to how to proceed in a situation, how to best answer a question, or how to interpret contract language, contact the President or Grievance Chair.