TUGSA's Budget

TUGSA is responsible for the legal representation of all Teaching and Research Assistants as well as for performing all kinds of tasks, such as settling grievances. Most of the work that TUGSA does is performed by volunteer labor – but we do need an office to do all our work in.

Office rent, including utilities, liability insurance, office supplies, copier, and trash removal service: $15,530 a year

TUGSA also maintains membership in larger professional organizations, such as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). These organizations pay for TUGSA’s one paid staff person; they helped us negotiate our contracts; they help us in a myriad of other ways. Maybe most importantly, they pick up the tab whenever TUGSA needs to hire a lawyer to represent a graduate student, so that you don’t have to.

Membership in the AFT, the AFT-Pennsylvania, the AFL-CIO, and Jobs With Justice: $18,500 a year

TUGSA has clout with the administration to the extent that we have members. It only makes good sense to spend some of our money on recruiting new members, and on increasing TUGSA’s visibility.

Maintaining a website, hosting a Welcome Party and other events during the school year, marching in the Labor Day Parade, purchasing promotional materials such as t-shirts and buttons (all designed in-house by volunteer labor): $6,120

Sometimes we send some of our volunteers to a conference, to keep informed on issues and to keep TUGSA visible to the people and organizations who can help us.

Travel expenses: $4,000

TUGSA is sometimes asked to contribute to various charities. We can’t help much, but we always try to give a little.

Donations to charity: $300 a year

It’s money well spent. TUGSA has vastly improved the standard of living for all TAs and RAs. Your $25-35 a month helps to guarantee that we can continue securing benefits like raises and free health insurance that are worth thousands of dollars to TAs and RAs every year.

Membership in TUGSA: Priceless