Dear colleagues,
As you are all aware, the administration has provided faculty with “Guidelines for Implementing University Rule 3359-20-03.2” on faculty workload. As the Chapter and Faculty Senate pointed out, while UR 3359-20-03.2 specifically refers to the workload of the “full-time faculty,” the administration’s advice states that unit workload guidelines refer only to the “regular faculty,” defined elsewhere as tenured or tenure-eligible faculty. The administration’s response is to propose that the Board of Trustees changes UA’s workload rules.
The Chapter reminded the administration about Article 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (re-printed below) which clearly and unequivocally states that, although workload policy is a management prerogative, the Chapter and other relevant bodies (e.g. Faculty Senate) need to be consulted about any changes in workload policy. It is our position that no changes in the Board rule can occur PRIOR to this consultation, and that “notification” does not equal “consultation.”
ARTICLE 27 WORKLOAD
In accordance with the requirements of Ohio Revised Code §3345.45, the Board has adopted a faculty workload policy consistent with standards developed by the Ohio Board of Regents. Any modification to this policy shall be at the sole discretion of the University in consultation with appropriate constituencies, including the Akron-AAUP.
We are in the process of arranging times to meet with the administration and its representatives about any modifications in workload policy. Once we have these meetings scheduled, we will seek information from our members about any and all changes proposed by the administration.
In the meantime, we know that units across campus are busy trying to complete their workload documents in the tight timeline given to faculty by the upper administration. We would like to remind you of the importance of this document; it’s important that the faculty take the time needed to get it right. Most importantly, unit-level policies should be consistent with the approved University Rule 3359-20-03.2 currently in effect.
Sincerely,
The Akron-AAUP Executive Committee