The University of Oregon is prepared for a possible strike and will be communicating more frequently and broadly about how other employees can volunteer to assist in the various end-of-term efforts, according to information shared at the Officers of Administration council meeting.
Bill Brady, UO’s senior director of employee and labor relations, spoke to the group of approximately 40 about the preparation efforts underway while the university continues contract negotiations with the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation.
“We’re still hopeful that there can be resolution, but it is also the time to finalize our plans if a strike occurs,” Brady said.
The university and the union did not reach agreement during a Nov. 13 mediation session. More opportunities are possible before a strike could occur, which could happen as early as dead week. Discussions continue and more information about the university’s offer is available here.
OAs in attendance at the meeting asked about impacts of a possible strike on employees and students, and sought guidance about how to answer questions in departments and campus units.
“We know this is already impacting workload and we are finalizing information today about how volunteers can help us serve all of our students if a strike occurs, and how individuals will be compensated for it,” he said.
“Many employees have specialized skills, such as language fluency and advanced degrees in many disciplines that may be needed to help proctor exams or assist in grading. Our preference is to maintain continuity with volunteers already on campus,” he added.
The university’s Academic Continuity Team has prepared guidance for academic leaders about continuity plans, payroll implications of a strike, tracking mechanisms and adjustments possible for fall term completion to ensure that fall graduation as well as student financial aid and registration for winter term won’t be impacted.
Brady also reiterated that GTFs who choose to strike will continue as students and should be expected to fulfill those roles. Updates to all students will follow in the coming weeks about impacts of a possible strike.
The agenda also included an update from Amanda Hatch, executive assistant and operations manager for the Board of Trustees, who spoke about four recent forums seeking input about the qualities wanted in the next president. The presidential search committee and advisory group will begin working on the position description based on the input received from many individuals who’ve attended meetings and submitted comments via a web submission form.
Individuals at the meeting tossed several adjectives into the mix: brave, accessible, engaged, student-focused.
Sandra Gladney, executive director for Academic Extension, wants a president who is attuned to trends in higher education and how our mission fits in, and someone with presence who can make her proud to work at the UO.
“I want to say, ‘that’s my president,’” she said.
A fifth public forum has been scheduled to allow additional input to the search committee. It will be Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Giustina Ballroom at the Ford Alumni Center. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Teri Rowe, OA Council chair and treasurer and the Economics department manager, encouraged members to be involved in the presidential search. Rowe is a member of the presidential search advisory group.
“We are not a rubber stamp group and I have come to feel that our contribution will have an impact on the selection of our next president,” Rowe said. “Don’t be shy and don’t assume that your input has already been said.”
-- By Julie Brown, Public Affairs Communications