What is USU?
University Staff United is a new union of and for staff at the University of Michigan. We believe in democratic decision-making and we promote the idea that staff should have an equal seat at the table when decisions are made that affect our jobs. Together through USU, we can use our collective power to gain a voice for ourselves, claim the respect we deserve, and achieve material improvements in our lives and in our work.
We are staff on all three UM campuses and in many roles.
What Is AFT Michigan?
AFT Michigan, the state organization of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), is a union of education and healthcare workers at institutions across the state. University Staff United is partnering with AFT Michigan to build a strong local union with deep ties to other workers at the University of Michigan and in our surrounding communities. In addition to USU, several other unions at UM are affiliated with AFT Michigan: GEO, the union of graduate student employees; LEO, the union of nontenure-track faculty; and UPAMM, the union of physician assistants. Our union is made up of and run by staff. We decide for ourselves what changes we want to see in our workplaces, and what action we’ll take to achieve our goals. AFT Michigan provides us with valuable support, advice and training based in experience, and the solidarity of a connection to the larger labor movement.
Who Is Organizing USU?
We are! USU is by and for staff, and we will succeed if we all step up to build this community. You can get connected by filling out this form with your contact information and a member of the USU Organizing Committee will reach out to you. Here are just a few of the staff working to grow our union:
Aaron Stark | Application Developer | ITS | ![]() |
Ana Liuzzi | Associate Teacher | Towsley Children's House | ![]() |
Andy Brosius | Clinical Research Technician | Michigan Medicine, Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology | ![]() |
Anne Elias | Library Services Platform Training Manager | University Library, Collections Division, Technical Services | ![]() |
Ariel Mallett | UM EdHub Project Manager | School of Education | ![]() |
Autumn Kearney | Recruitment and Admissions Coordinator | School of Education | ![]() |
Candice Everett | Academic Program Manager | LSA Biological Station | ![]() |
Caroline L. Carter | Behavioral Scientist | Center for Academic Innovation | ![]() |
Dan Meisler | Communications Specialist | Institute for Social Research | ![]() |
Jocilyn Wagner | Gift Coordinator and Resource Cataloger | University Library - Collections - Tech Services | ![]() |
Kaitlyn Havens | Salesforce Administrator | School of Education | ![]() |
Katharine Korchnak | Academic Auditor | LSA: Student Academic Affairs | ![]() |
Katie Beasley-Sriro | Program Manager | School of Social Work | ![]() |
Katie Prichard | Associate Registrar | Museum of Art | ![]() |
Katy Mattingly | Administrative Specialist | Institute for Social Research | ![]() |
Kellie Chestler-Root | Teacher | Towsley Children's House | ![]() |
Kit Parks | Studio Coordinator | Stamps School of Art & Design | ![]() |
Kristen Adams | Staff Psychologist | Counseling and Psychological Services | ![]() |
Krysten Dorfman | Program Assistant | School of Education | ![]() |
Lauren Day | Access and User Services Assistant | University Library | ![]() |
Merritt James | Associate Teacher | Towsley Children's House | ![]() |
Nathan Sadowsky | Graduate Coordinator | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | ![]() |
Päv | Alum Engagement Manager | LSA Opportunity Hub | ![]() |
Rita Lee | Admissions Counselor | Stamps School of Art & Design | ![]() |
Robert Bixler | Materials Resource Coordinator | Technical Services/Arrivals and Activations | ![]() |
Samuel Simpson | Resource Sharing Specialist | Illiad/Collections | ![]() |
Todd Ziegler | Project Coordinator | LSA Sociology | ![]() |