The University and Union bargaining committees met on Nov. 1, 2023, to continue negotiations for an initial faculty contract.

In a written communication to the Union following the Oct. 25 session, the University rejected the Union's proposed Memorandum of Understanding regarding Faculty Representation on the Board of Trustees, which was initially presented by the Union on Oct. 18.

In response to this communication, at the start of the Nov. 1 session, the Union's bargaining committee asked questions regarding the University's rejection of the Memorandum of Understanding. In responding to the Union's questions, the University noted that faculty already have the same rights as the general public to observe Board of Trustees meetings and that faculty may present issues to the Board through University Senate. 

The Union then presented a counter proposal on Separability, and a proposal on Eligibility for Tenure and Promotion. The University promptly responded by presenting a counter proposal on Separability and it also presented a counter proposal on Appointment, Renewal and Promotion of TCPL Faculty.

Additionally, the Union proposed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding FAM, AAUP-AFT Service Credit. Much of the terms of this were previously proposed as part of the Union's Oct. 18 MOU regarding Negotiating Team Course Release and Service Credit, which the University rejected on Oct. 25. 

The parties ended the bargaining session early in the afternoon and spent their remaining time working with their respective committees on proposals requiring their response.

As of the conclusion of the Nov. 1 session, the University is awaiting responses from the Union on the following proposals:

• Purpose
• Separability
• Appointments
• Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment
• Management Rights
• Health, Safety, and Security
• Discipline and Discharge
• Grievance and Arbitration 
• Duration
• No Strike/No Lockout
• Dues Deduction
• Appointment, Renewal, and Promotion of TCPL Faculty

The following proposals are pending response from the University:

• Academic Freedom
• Shared Governance
• Evaluation of Teaching
• Intellectual Property, Copyright, and Artificial Intelligence
• Online Course Content
• Eligibility for Tenure and Promotion
• Data Sharing

The University continues to engage in good faith bargaining on matters related to the terms and conditions of employment of bargaining unit faculty members. The University and the Union are scheduled to meet next on Nov. 15 and Dec. 6 and 19, 2023, and Jan. 17 and 31, 2024. 

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