Hoping to establish a stronger voice, some faculty members are forming a union. According to the American Federation of Teachers, Metro State would be the only recognized union in public higher education in Colorado.

Faculty Senate President Joan Foster says that more than 70 out of 285 Metro State faculty members have joined the American Federation of Teachers, enough to charter a local chapter of the union. AFT spokesman Jamie Zapata said the federation represents 1 million people, including 150,000 from higher education. Union chapters receive legal assistance and help with contract negotiations and organizing.

Provisional officers to guide the new chapter for the next six weeks are in the process of being appointed. "The next step is to create bylaws and to nominate permanent officers," said Foster, adding that because of her duties with Faculty Senate, she won't be an officer.

"We're concerned for the health of the institution," Foster said. "We genuinely care about the college's mission, we care about our students and we want to do a good job. We feel we need to have a better voice that's heard more." Foster said concerns with the new faculty handbook, including a new reduction in force policy, as well as the overall health of the college, has spurred the move to establish a union.

"Collective organizing creates an environment where individuals who work hard for the institution can have a true voice," Zapata said.

Foster said membership will cost a little more than $250 a year. "My goal is to make faculty not feel pressured to join. I just want the faculty to have the option."