Parking and Transportation Services recently, and without notice, revoked access to the subsidized UPass for all postdoctoral researchers. This benefit was negotiated with Parking and Transportation Services by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs 15 years ago. According to the UPass website, fellows are entitled to this benefit as well; yet they are denied this benefit. We believe postdoctoral associates and fellows should be able to purchase and use the subsidized UPass based on their economic need and transient role in the University, similar to students.

Postdoctoral associates and postdoctoral fellows are critical to maintaining the very funding that supports the University of Minnesota. Removal of this benefit limits the access postdoctoral researchers have to affordable transportation, and as such, their ability to get to work and perform their duties.

We, the undersigned postdoctoral community, are calling on the University to meet with the Postdoctoral Association and correct this matter. We believe all postdoctoral researchers (associates and fellows) have a right to a meaningful voice in our community at the University of Minnesota.