Bargaining Committee

Zone A

I have worked at COD for over 30 years. I have worked in the Admissions Office, The Minority Transfer Program & Tutoring Program  (the precursor to the modern day Intercultural Student Initiatives program & TASC), the International Student Program, an ICCB grant funded CTE initiative, Counseling & Advising Services, and finally Veterans Services.

I have worked PT, FT and in grant funded positions.

Some of the skills that would compliment the other members of the bargaining team are that of: organization, willingness to listen to others, flexibility and a strong sense of justice. I am not afraid to fight for what is right.

I would like our union to make noticeable gains to demonstrate that winning our union was worth it to our members. That a collective voice really matters and really works. That our union won’t back down and won’t give up at the slightest pushback from the administration. Better wages, job security, better benefits, to have a voice- all of it and more! We have such motivated and dedicated members- I know we can do it!

Zone A

With over 14 years at College of DuPage, I have extensive experience in registration, admissions, and community outreach. I’ve supervised staff, supported students through the enrollment process, and built partnerships that connect the college with local businesses and organizations. I’ve developed a deep understanding of how our processes, policies, and people come together to support student success.

My experience has taught me the importance of teamwork, communication, and fairness across all areas of the College.  Through years of working directly with students, collaborating across departments, and working with the community, I’ve gained strong skills in organization, problem-solving, and service excellence. I’ve also seen firsthand how decisions made without staff input can affect morale and efficiency.

I’m running because I believe every employee deserves to be heard, valued, and supported. I want a union that listens and acts. For me, that means advocating for fair wages and benefits, ensuring workload equity, securing professional development and training opportunities, improving transparency in decision making, and creating channels for staff voices to be heard before changes are imposed.  I want to help build a culture where collaboration replaces division and where every employee feels respected and represented.

Zone A

I have spent the past 20 years in the Office of Admissions and Outreach for the College of DuPage. I transitioned from a four-year private university to COD after I felt a calling to assist students seeking the benefits of their post high-school education at a community college. 

The position I have been in evolved over the years:

• High School Outreach Project Manager

• High School Admission Representative & Student Ambassador Coordinator

• Admission Representative

Earning my MBA was a milestone, but it was in negotiations that I found my voice—grounded in fairness and driven by high standards. At COD, I’ve built strong connections across departments, united by our shared commitment to student success.

There was a time when College of DuPage stood proudly as a pioneer in higher education. Over the years, that pride has faded—diminishing with how staff are treated, especially in light of the compensation study. I’m committed to breaking down silos and rebuilding a united front—one that prioritizes collaboration, respect, and recognition for our dedicated classified staff.

Zone B

17 years, academic affairs and community relations

With experience at COD as classified, adjunct, and managerial, and having worked in two divisions, my unique perspective incorporates firsthand knowledge of how policy decisions affect daily work. Serving on the Insurance Committee has also been eye-opening. I am excited to advocate for fair outcomes for CODSU. 

So many things! A good start would be a completely new job audit for classified staff that includes updated position descriptions and pay ranges that encourage professional growth. We need several new policies that protect and recognize the hard work we do to keep the campus humming. The cost of our health insurance needs to be significantly reduced, and lastly, administrators should be required to seek our input, ideas, and insights more than they do their own.

Zone B

I have been at College of DuPage 34 years. During this time, I have held the following positions: Counseling, Transfer and Advising Center - Student Advising Assistant (while a COD student), Clerk typist (PT), Staff Assistant (PT) and Coordinator of Counseling Support (supervisor) (FT) 

Center for Independent Learning (CIL)/ Learning Commons/Tutoring and Academic Support Center. Same department with multiple name changes! - Full Time positions of: Instructional Assistant, Technical Specialist, and Coordinator Operations, Outreach and Technical Support

My longevity at COD has afforded me opportunities to develop a broad range of connections with staff throughout the College. I have extensive experience with public speaking and presenting information in a variety of settings – and I enjoy it! I am organized, detail oriented, and forward thinking when evaluating issues. 

As a CODSU bargaining committee representative it isn’t about what I want our union to accomplish, but what all classified staff want to accomplish based on the bargaining survey. Our first contract and all that follow, should be a strong representation of all classified staff.  

Personally, I’d like to see fair compensation for taking on duties and responsibilities of vacant positions with clear promotion pathways to these positions and greater consideration given to internal applicants’ on-the-job experience than external applicants’ credentials. 

I want to know classified staff are in a better place than before our first contract.

Zone B

I've worked at COD for 17 years in the following positions: 

Clerical Assistant (student worker), Library Administration 

Administrative Assistant III, Office of Instructional Development and COD Online, part-time temp 

Administrative Assistant III, Learning Technologies, full-time 

Instructional Technologist, Learning Technologies, full-time 

Learning Experience/Digital Accessibility Designer, full-time 

I bring deep institutional knowledge and practical, creative problem-solving. I use plain language, design, and data to turn complex issues into clear choices. My strengths—Strategic, Arranger, Individualization, Ideation, and Learner—help me listen, build consensus, and move work forward. 

Our members’ survey results will set our bargaining priorities and goals. Beyond fair pay and staffing, I would like to see lost benefits restored, fair and consistent remote work procedures established, and genuine career pathways formed. This includes ensuring quality professional development is accessible to night, weekend, and off-campus staff. Our union’s work isn’t just at the table; it’s about making belonging a reality by creating inclusive, safe spaces where all Classified staff feel respected and supported.

Zone C

I have worked at the college for over 18 years, serving in both Student and Academic Affairs. My experience includes a range of part-and full-time roles in Admissions, Veterans Services, Arts, Communication & Hospitality, and Continuing Education, including non-credit instruction: 

• Part-Time Administrative Assistant lll

• Part-Time Temporary Student Recruitment Assistant 

• Part-Time Admissions Event Specialist

• Part-Time Benefited Admissions Event Coordinator

• Full-Time Veterans Degree Audit Specialist

• Part-Time Grant Funded Program Support Specialist 

• Full-Time Program Support Specialist

• CE Non-Credit Instruction 

I’ve grown through many roles, gaining firsthand insight into how benefits shape our work-life balance. Organized, passionate, assertive, and persuasive, I believe real progress comes from transparency, trust, and teamwork. I’m dedicated to advocating for meaningful, lasting improvements that empower our colleagues and strengthen the community we’ve built together.

This initiative began with the compensation study, but it has grown into so much more. We have come together as a community, and my mission is to ensure our collective voice is heard. My vision is to advocate for fair compensation and create a workplace where all members are valued. With dedication, collaboration, and a shared commitment, we can continue building a union that empowers everyone and protects the rights and well-being of all its members.

Zone D

I have been with COD for 14 years. 11 years in Human Resources as a Coordinator, Employment and about 3 years in the Business and Applied Technology division as a Program Support Specialist.

I have wide institutional knowledge - I know and work with a lot of different people and areas across the College. My HR experience required me to know a little about each area of HR (Compensation, Benefits, Employee Relations, etc). 

All Program Support Specialists share some common traits: we are problem solvers, we work collaboratively and build consensus, we are strategic. 

Things I’d like to accomplish:

1. A fair and equitable contract for Classified employees.

2. Continue to grow the union community in both number and involvement.

3. Get clarity and transparency from COD administration.

Zone E

I have had the privilege to work at COD for the past 4 years. I worked part time for the first 6 months (Jan 2022-July 2022) at the Student Records Department. I then started working full time at Support Services as Administrative Assistant from July 2022-Present.

To begin with we as a team can implement a systematic approach to gathering and analysing information. I am good at analyzing information and working as a team. I am also good at convincing and addressing concerns that affect employees and the workplace. These issues may include compensation, working conditions, the work environment, benefits, and company policies and procedures.

With thorough preparation we can successfully negotiate. The Union should accomplish improved wages and benefits, ensure safer and better working conditions, and protect workers rights and job security.

Zone F

I have been with the College of DuPage for almost three years and have only worked within Adjunct Faculty Support. My experiences have taught me how to communicate clearly, listen with empathy, and work on a team of many. I’m comfortable finding common ground and solving problems, skills I think would really support the collective bargaining process.

I’d like to see our union strengthen collaboration between faculty and administration while ensuring fair treatment, transparency, and respect for everyone’s contributions. I hope we can improve support and resources for classified staff, promote professional development opportunities, and create a stronger sense of community across departments. Most importantly, I want our union to be a trusted voice that advocates for equity, open communication, and shared success, helping all classified staff to feel valued and empowered in their roles.

Zone G

I have been working at COD in the Print Services department since April 2024 (1 and a half yrs).

Skills I possess that can help is that I have a graphic design background. I can create flyers, brochures, posters, and T Shirts if needed. I am a good listener as well as a great problem solver.

What I wish to accomplish is that the COD gets rid of the current compensation plan and have it where there is unlimited pay potential regardless of the tiers. Equal pay and longer tenured employees should come first and have the rights for equal compensation. I also want classified employees to be seen, heard and treated fairly.

Zone H

I’ve worked in the Financial Affairs department at COD for almost 11 years.

Having held six different positions in the Financial Affairs department, I will bring a strong technical knowledge of various financial processes to the bargaining table, with a particular emphasis on payroll and fringe benefits.

I want our union to provide a greater level of employment protection and total rewards/compensation for Classified employees, making us feel more valued and empowered.  A happier employee leads to higher performance and contributes to a stronger sense of community and solidarity, which also serves to aid the mission of the college.

Zone I

5 years - Office and Classroom Technology (Client Solutions, Help Desk)

In high school and college I served in leadership roles for various extra curricular activities. Later I served in the Peace Corps advocating for the home based care organization, elementary school, and high school in my village.

I want our union to provide a much needed voice for the classified staff so that the administration finally takes our input into consideration on important matters. Too often we’ve been left out of major decisions that affect our working conditions, salaries, and career growth. Our concerns are valid and our demands are reasonable. We shouldn’t have to unionize to be heard, but that’s what it took and I will work very hard to make sure we won’t let this momentum end.

Zone J

I will have worked at COD for 4 years this December, in the College’s news bureau as part of the marketing department.

Editorial skills which could be of good use to review bargaining fine print. Copywriting skills for helping with creation of union themed messaging.

The main outcome I’m looking for our union to accomplish is to establish a meaningful presence among other unions on campus, as well as to solidify our desire for fair treatment and pay.

Zone J

I've worked at COD for a total of four years if you include my student employment. I was first hired in Campus Central within my first year of taking classes on campus. My position was called Chaparral Leader and later changed to New Student Seminar presenter. My position entailed giving presentations to new students, helping build class schedules and assisting with FAFSA applications. Before the MyAccess Lab closed, that was where I primarily worked in unless the circle desk needed coverage. Currently, I work in the InterCultural Student Initiatives office as an administrative assistant.

I have very strong negotiation skills alongside problem-solving. As one of the younger employees, I have a fresh perspective and would be innovative. Additionally, I'm interconnected with various departments on campus. Building relationships is something I'm great at naturally.

My primary hope for our union is to establish fairness and stability for all employees. The union must negotiate better compensation, differential pay when working odd/weekend shifts, and true bereavement days. Another priority is to protect current work-from-home policy as it provides a healthy work-life balance.

Part-time at-large

I have worked at COD for about a year and a half, first in continuing education and then in Culinary as the Culinary Market supervisor, but I graduated from COD with degrees in both culinary and baking and pastry, so I started at the culinary school in about 2009.

As a parent to two neuro-divergent kids, I have spent a lot of time as an advocate during meetings with school administrators. I feel that the experience that I have gained in those spaces will be very helpful to me during the collective bargaining process.

I would like to see our union help classified staff at the college to be treated well so that we all want to stay and continue to give our all to the school. As a graduate of the culinary school, I loved my experience so much as a student that I wanted to stay and work with the amazing people that I got to know. I look forward to working with the union to make sure that our experiences as employees are as great as that of our students!

I have worked at COD since Sept. 2023. I started as the Division’s Academic Division Business Associate and then transitioned to a Program Support Specialist role. I am also an adjunct faculty for the CIS department.

With over 20 years in dentistry, including as a Practice Manager, and experience at COD as a Business Associate and Program Support Specialist, I bring strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. As a proud COD alumna, I’m deeply invested in our community and committed to fair, collaborative collective bargaining outcomes.

I want our union to secure fair wages, transparent policies, and adequate bereavement leave. Expanded professional development and free tuition for dependents are also priorities that reflect true investment in staff and their families. With over 20 years in dentistry and higher education experience at COD as a Business Associate and Program Support Specialist, I understand the value of equity and opportunity in the workplace. As a proud COD alumna, I care deeply about our college community. Our union should advocate for respect, transparency from HR on policies and procedures, and meaningful benefits that support and empower all staff.

I’m a returning adult student turned long-term, full-time employee!

8+ years in various COD roles:

• Adjunct Faculty-1 year 7 months

• Navigator in Student Affairs- 5 years 2 months, and

• currently Enrollment Coach in Admissions, Outreach, and Enrollment.

I advocate and get results! To secure our first vital contract, I’ll bring the same grit and persistence that I demonstrated during a 10-month, successful negotiation with six insurance adjusters, securing my family’s needs after a house flood. I improve our conditions and benefits, advocating on the Classified Staff Committee and its scholarship and wellness subcommittees! I influence others on three CODSU committees as a founding activist! I pay attention to detail! Psychology, counseling, and English expertise ensure I listen between the lines, bring people to consensus, and craft and interpret contract language.

I aspire to regain the earning potential we lost from the compensation study. I propose the creation of clear, documented career paths and implementation of internal internships, job shadowing, and mentoring opportunities, empowering us to earn desired roles, increasing earning potential. I call for a faculty-like, transparent step compensation, crediting experience, education, and unique skills like multilingualism. I charter for data-backed office hours, expanded remote work, and mandated wellness breaks. I seek affordable benefits for all Classified Staff.