It could no longer focus its attention solely on the Governor and Legislature to achieve its goals. One of its early objectives was to enhance benefits for academic staff in order to address disparities between them and other university employees. Months of effort finally paid big dividends. Members can take pride in the expanding esteem as well as enjoy the benefits the organization has helped achieve. They can look forward to 1999 with renewed vigor and the knowledge that they can make a difference, affect an outcome, and exert a greater influence than ever over their own professional lives.
Much work lies ahead.
The organization will continue to evaluate its approaches. It will work to increase its membership. It will push to get its members involved. It will seek new ways to increase its effectiveness. The Board explained the value of participating in the political process and urged members to take an active role.