Gerlind Kiupel
What is your job title?
Systems Engineer III
What area of campus and department do you work in?
East campus, FRIB
How long have you been at MSU?
Since October 2009, approaching 10 years
How long have you been an Area Representative?
About 2 years
Why is being a member of the Union important to you and what value does it bring?
When our bargaining team sits at the table with MSU, I want them to have a strong mandate from a large membership so they can negotiate further improvements to our contract. We already have a pretty good contract but I’m sure everybody can think of something that they would like to see included or expanded.
Furthermore, should I ever run into problems endangering my employment, I can count on the union to fully support and fight for me.
What words of advice do you have for the new hires at MSU?
Try to take advantage of the many free events on campus. Get to know fellow APA members by attending More-You-Know Lunches, community lunches, the picnic or other events organized by APA. Read the contract and ask questions.
What do you love about working at MSU?
It is such a diverse, international community: I love meeting and working with people from all parts of the world and hear their stories.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
I like to spend time with my family, travel the world, scuba dive, and I always look forward to my weekly horseback riding lesson.
The AR’s are appointed by the Executive Board and their role is to assist with distributing APA materials and information and to serve as a resource for members. AR’s are assigned to a geographic area of campus, so if there is not an AR in your immediate building, you can find one nearby. For a list of AR’s go to http://lay.wyz.mybluehost.me/about/area-representatives-2/
Gerlind Kiupel in Krygyzstan summer 2018.