In CUNY, as in other universities, many of the part-time faculty come from the ranks of the institution's own graduate student body. Many, but not most. In CUNY, this misperception had for many years slowed the organizing movements, as these groups failed to get together for any real joint activism. When that changed, so too did the pace and effectiveness of organizing activity. This was an important lesson learned.
Coalitions are an absolute necessity for any successful labor movement.
Most importantly, CAU has been able to establish a formidable distribution team throughout the university that dispatches the newsletter and other communiques with remarkable haste, virtually eliminating the debilitating lagtime that often hinders organizing efforts. Without question, this full-timer sympathy will go a long way in future political activities and negotiations. Now that CAU has laid the groundwork, there are many strategies being prepared or discussed, most of which tend toward grassroots organizing. More such conferences will follow. Rallies and demonstrations are in the works for the Spring semester, as well.