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UUP FREDONIA CHAPTER 2016 LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING MINUTES UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016, 11:30-12:30 Compiled by Missy Sidor Present: Ziya Arnavut, Virginia Horvath, Terry Brown, Liz Praetorius, Mike Daley, Missy Sidor, Tara Singer-Blumberg, Reneta Barneva 0. Minutes for the November 20, 2015 LM meeting will be reviewed after the meeting. 1. Affirmative Action policy modifications: Waiting on Chief Diversity Officer Bill Boerner to provide more detailed procedure to Administration which will then share with LM for discussion and approval. Concerns that the current tripartite model is not the best practice as the panel members do not have training. 2. BS Degree unbundling: This agenda item was added by Bruce Simon who was not present to provide clarification. President Horvath and Provost Brown indicated that currently the university was looking at adding credentialing certificates/ micro degree to enhance BA/BS programs but not stand alone. Provost Brown also indicate the administration was still moving towards decreasing contingent faculty lines for tenure track lines. The discussion was tabled until more information can be provided. 3. Associate Dean in COE position: Discussion as to the appropriate classification of the Associate Dean position- MC or UUP. Past history indicates the position was initially MC. However when the position was offered to Dr. Pickering he was provided the option to keeping his UUP status to maintain benefits. Provost Brown raised concerns that secondary to the duties of the position, it fit the description of an MC administrative position and based on the nature the duties having it as a non UUP position is more beneficial to the UUP members. Typically, in similar circumstances when tenured faculty member accepted an administrative MC position they had retreatment rights in his/her appointment letter. Mr. Daley indicated that there is no consistency across campuses as to similar positions being UUP or MC. Ms. Singer- Blumberg indicated that UUP stance is related to keeping UUP positions in the union. Therefore the UUP position would most likely be to maintain the position as UUP and not transition it back to MC. Dr. Brown thanked UUP for the input and indicated she would be going back to cabinet for further discussion.

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Page 1: UUP FREDONIA CHAPTER 2016 LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING …uuphost.org/.../2017/02/LM-Meeting-Minutes-Feb-Dec.-2016.pdf · 2017-02-07 · UUP FREDONIA CHAPTER 2016 LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING

UUP FREDONIA CHAPTER 2016 LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING MINUTES

UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting Minutes February 2, 2016, 11:30-12:30

Compiled by Missy Sidor

Present: Ziya Arnavut, Virginia Horvath, Terry Brown, Liz Praetorius, Mike Daley, Missy Sidor,

Tara Singer-Blumberg, Reneta Barneva

0. Minutes for the November 20, 2015 LM meeting will be reviewed after the meeting.

1. Affirmative Action policy modifications: Waiting on Chief Diversity Officer Bill Boerner to provide more detailed procedure to Administration which will then share with LM for discussion and approval. Concerns that the current tripartite model is not the best practice as the panel members do not have training.

2. BS Degree unbundling: This agenda item was added by Bruce Simon who was not

present to provide clarification. President Horvath and Provost Brown indicated that currently the university was looking at adding credentialing certificates/ micro degree to enhance BA/BS programs but not stand alone. Provost Brown also indicate the administration was still moving towards decreasing contingent faculty lines for tenure track lines. The discussion was tabled until more information can be provided.

3. Associate Dean in COE position: Discussion as to the appropriate classification of the

Associate Dean position- MC or UUP. Past history indicates the position was initially MC. However when the position was offered to Dr. Pickering he was provided the option to keeping his UUP status to maintain benefits. Provost Brown raised concerns that secondary to the duties of the position, it fit the description of an MC administrative position and based on the nature the duties having it as a non UUP position is more beneficial to the UUP members. Typically, in similar circumstances when tenured faculty member accepted an administrative MC position they had retreatment rights in his/her appointment letter. Mr. Daley indicated that there is no consistency across campuses as to similar positions being UUP or MC. Ms. Singer-Blumberg indicated that UUP stance is related to keeping UUP positions in the union. Therefore the UUP position would most likely be to maintain the position as UUP and not transition it back to MC. Dr. Brown thanked UUP for the input and indicated she would be going back to cabinet for further discussion.

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4. Early retirement incentives and work load: Concerns were raised by UUP that early retirement incentives lead to workload issues with faculty/staff, especially in terms of service. VP Praetorius indicated she was aware that this may have a negative impact on faculty/staff left in an area/department and that this would be looked at loosely in terms of the impact and how to manage the workload for those who remain if the incentive is offered.

5. Emergency closing of library. Provost Brown indicated a procedure (not policy) had

been proposed by Randy Gadikian and relevant parties and brought forth to cabinet. The plan is that staff members may choose to come in and/or stay and that the library would be staffed by previously identified student workers who reside on campus. Some changes to the procedure are recommended and the final procedure has not been approved.

6. Administration support of legislation for retirees: This is open for further discussion

between Dr. Arnavut and President Horvath and outreach group. This lead to further discussion on President Horvath’s legislative focus on Admissions building funding, maintenance of effort, capital plan for finishing projects and rational /predictable tuition. UUP indicated they may be able to support some initiatives. But most likely not rational tuition. Both Administration and UUP are opposed to Ed TPA.

7. Credit hour base salary for Adjuncts increase to $3000: Provost Brown indicated she is

still advocating for an increase, however it cannot be looked at until enrollment numbers are in. It would then need to be approved by cabinet. The earliest this can be looked at is May 1, 2016.

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UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting Minutes March 1, 2016; 11:30-1:00 pm

Location: President’s Conference Room, Fenton Hall Compiled by John Staples

In Attendance: Jefferson Westwood, Renata Barneva, John Staples, Tara Singer-Blumberg,

Missy Sidor, Ziya Arnavut, Ginny Horvath, Mike Daley, Terry Brown.

1. February 2016 and November 2015 LM meeting minutes approved. Ziya will add names of

attendees.

2. UUP asked about lack of shuttle bus service in the evenings:

a. Mike Daley will check on costs to extend service by 1.5 hrs. Will update next

meeting. Ginny Horvath is in favor of doing this four days a week if the costs are not

exorbitant.

b. UUP asked for quick action due to winter weather conditions.

3. UUP asked if the administration had considered its suggestion that the associate dean in

education’s position be made a UUP SL5 professional?

a. The administration has decided to stick with the original decision to post as

Associate/Full Prof., 12 months. Need to tweak language of the post – Mike Daley

will discuss with Tara.

b. UUP asked about the evaluation issues (i.e. exception re no teaching for promotion).

c. Terry Brown said that it is important that the Associate Dean not be a professional –

we want someone capable of stepping up into the Dean’s role, and someone who

understands faculty perspective on teaching issues and curriculum issues.

i. The fact that the person isn’t filling a teaching position doesn’t mean that

they won’t ever teach.

ii. The administration needs the ability to assess the administrative duties of

faculty who have reassigned course load.

iii. A discussion followed of how to incorporate evaluation of faculty

reassigned to administrative reassignment of duties. This is not in HARP.

iv. Tara noted that it is a broader concern than just this position. We need to

come to some agreement on this.

v. Ginny Horvath noted that Department Chair evaluations already occur, so

there may be a model.

vi. Missy Sidor asked how appointment letters for such positions will spell

out the administrative reviews.

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vii. It was noted that because the position is already UUP it cannot have

“retreat rights” as listed in the job posting, but a right to return to a

teaching job.

1. At what point can this right be enacted, and will it be at either

party’s discretion?

viii. Terry Brown said that she is working with Deans to establish a consistent

practice of appointment to administrative duties, with clearly defined

duties, evaluation process, stipend, etc.

1. Such decisions might be made at multiple levels, depending on

the nature of the appointment.

ix. Ginny Horvath noted that if it is a faculty appointment, there is a

requirement of a department-level review.

x. Missy Sidor: Returning to the example of Chairs – appointment is term,

with clear process of review.

1. But would there be Departmental input from the department? At

what level?

2. UUP encourages feedback at all levels. Dept. should provide

feedback in the evaluative process.

3. Appointment letters normally spell this out.

xi. Jefferson Westwood noted that if we are hiring internally, the person

must be tenured or tenurable.

xii. Tara stressed that it is important to build in the evaluative process for

promotion from Associate to Full.

4. UUP requested an update on library emergency closings procedure.

a. Mike Daley responded that the Procedure has been developed with input at all

levels. The new policy will go out to Library faculty and staff shortly.

5. UUP asked if any decision has been made yet to offer an early retirement incentive this

year?

a. The administration responded that there will not be one this year.

6. UUP asked if there is a plan to cut stipends of chairs. There are such rumors going around.

a. Terry Brown responded that there is no plan to cut stipends of chairs.

7. UUP asked about the administration’s intentions and attitudes toward unbundling:

a. What does Administration think about unbundling of degrees and disruption

discourse more generally?

b. Do they think fears that faculty roles could also become unbundled, too, if we were

to move away from traditional degrees (such as more online learning, certificates,

badges, and micro-credentialing), have any justification?

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c. Do you foresee any danger of further erosion of tenure if SUNY System Admin

pushes this agenda?

Discussion:

d. Ginny Horvath responded that any such discussion would be state level. There is no

such discussion at Fredonia at this point. There is no pressure from system on this

either. We are being asked to look at degree completions, and are we looking at new

certificate programs. If we included CAS and/or minors, might we increase

completions by 50? We have said yes, but we assume within academic programs.

e. Terry Brown added that she has also not heard any talk of this.

f. Ginny Horvath added that things like “badging” the first year experience are no

attempt to decouple. Even this is not for academic things. Instead it is credentialing

that legitimizes learning experiences outside of the classroom. It is not intended to

replace academic training.

g. Terry Brown added that she can’t take a stand against this, without understanding

the issues more deeply. Is open to further discussion. We do need to adapt to

changing demands. We cannot be permanently wed to traditional ways of delivering

degrees and credentials. However we will not adapt or compromise on:

i. Faculty ownership of curriculum.

ii. Academic Freedom.

iii. Shared governance.

We can preserve these things, while we talk to faculty about changes adapting to

new times.

h. Ginny Horvath added that we need to explore change while preserving value. So, for

e.g., offering credit for life experience. But these things need to be asked of faculty.

This might be a way to engage people in our community. Would need to be

authentic, and controlled by faculty.

i. Terry Brown also added that we insist that proposals for new programs pass through

departments, so this maintains faculty control of curriculum.

j. Discussion followed on whether there are off-campus sites where it would make

sense to offer our programs. There are issues, i.e., about faculty assignments.

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Recognizes that this is a terms-and-conditions issue. And again, departments should

have a role.

8. Tara asked about the Governor’s proposal to reduce term of retiree health insurance –

anything from SUNY?

a. The administration responded that there is nothing yet.

b. Mike Daley added that if any such practice were attempted, he assumes that UUP

and CSEA would immediately file improper practice charges.

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UUP FREDONIA CHAPTER LABOR MANAGEMENT MEETING MINUTES April 5, 2016; 11:30-12:50 pm

Compiled by Iclal Vanwesenbeeck

In Attendance: Mike Daley, Ziya Arnavut, Tara Singer-Blumberg, Jefferson Westwood, Ginny Horvath, Terry Brown, Derrik Decker, Iclal Vanwesenbeeck, Kevin Seitz, Caldwell Proper. 1. Discussion of March 1 Minutes: March 1 2016 meeting minutes got approved. 2. Discussion of Bus Scheduling: UUP requested an update on the evening bus schedule. The

current shuttle bus goes until 7:30pm. The administration suggested if the student operated

escort system could be used between 8:00pm and 3:30am, by calling the extension 4999. This

service provides building to parking transportation for all campus community. Other

alternatives suggested were: To extend the evening escort to start at 7:30, or that there is

another shuttle bus to cover 7:30-8:00pm time slot. Administration said they would investigate

the cost of running the campus shuttle from 7:30 to 8 Monday-Thursday, to fill in the "gap"

between when the shuttle bus now stops and when the escort bus begins. The adjustments to

the schedule would likely take effect in Fall 2016.

3. Discussion of Budget: UUP asked for a budget update based on the absence of tuition increase for the next AY. The administration responded that the lack of MOE, lack of tuition increase, and in the absence of increase in enrollment, there existed real challenges to the budget. UUP asked when there would be more clarity on the budget. The administration noted that the next six weeks were critical. They said they would offer updates on future LM meetings. The administration emphasized the importance of talking to legislators, working together as a campus to come up with our own solutions, given the lack of state-level investment. In addition, the campus budget feels the unintended consequences of state-level mandates, such as the minimum wage. UUP asked how the administration decided whether or not to cut across the board. The administration responded that they haven’t met to discuss this yet, but that they would do it as strategically as possible, and that they would want involved governance in this. UUP asked what the Fredonia chapter could bring forth at the next NYSUT. The administration responded that MOE and competitiveness were two things they could bring forth. On the latter, it was important for Fredonia to be able to recruit and retain the best, and therefore to be able to have the salary increases and the incentives to retain the best.

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UUP confirmed that they would mention this in the NYSUT meeting. 4. Coordinator Stipend Discussion: UUP asked if we could get an update on the plans for the next AY.

a. Will there be stipends for the coordinators? Administration responded that there is need for inventory and a clear understanding of the duties for all assignments that currently have stipend and release time. Chair allocations and coordinator stipends come from different budgets, and in the case of coordinators, the institution does not make an allocation but the deans and chairs develop these coordinatorships in time. Eventually the budget/allocation for the coordinator stipends go to the deans and the deans distribute it. Currently, most of the coordinatorships are in Visual Arts and Performance and Liberal Arts and Sciences. However, the administration added that the workload assignments for coordinators were not as consistently done as they were in the case of chairperson assignments. UUP asked if there was a timeline for when coordinators would be notified. Administration noted that it is currently under review and the discussions on this issue are taking place now. UUP also asked where associate chairpersons fell in this model. Administration responded that Music was the only one that received institutional allocation for the associate chairperson seat.

b. How many coordinators are there currently? Administration responded that there are currently 34 academic coordinators and the stipends range from 500-4500 dollars.

c. If the positions are eliminated, who will be doing the additional work? Administration responded that we need clarity on what administrative duties coordinators perform. UUP confirmed that it, too, asks its membership to have a clear understanding of what duties are expected in exchange of a stipend. Administration noted that in May 2016, coordinators should know what their duties are and have workload letters.

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UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting May 3, 2016; 11:30-1:00 pm

President’s Conference Room, Fenton Hall

Present: Ziya Arnavut, John Staples, Ginny Horvath, Mike Daley, Caldwell Proper, Jefferson

Westwood, Missy Sidor, Derrik Decker, Tara Singer-Blumberg, Iclal Vanwesenbeeck

1. Approval of April 2016 minutes.

a. The administration will review and confirm by Friday.

2. UUP requested an update on the early retirement incentive:

a. How many people applied?

i. 2 UUP faculty have formally applied and the paperwork is underway. A 3rd is

likely.

b. How will their work be covered?

ii. It is too soon to tell. The paperwork details the proposal – the administration

will share it when is available. UUP noted concern that adjuncts do not fill

service roles, so the outcome might place more burden on the remaining

faculty. The administration said that it is cognizant of this issue.

3. Update on student enrollment and its possible impact on adjunct hiring:

a. Currently ahead of last year by 20-50 deposits. However, we will not likely hit our

target of 1050. We might hit 1000. We are graduating a big class, so there will be

shrinkage. We need to adjust our expectations. Our target for next year will be 4650;

last year we enrolled 4889.

b. The SEM plan, etc., takes long view to increase back to 5100-5200. We are going to

plan for under 5000 students, and this will mean adjustments to infrastructure.

c. Will have specifics by Monday, May 9th, about cost control.

d. Positions will be left vacant positions. The administration is committed to no layoffs

and retrenchments. We will reduce costs by attrition, restructuring, etc.

e. This will be fleshed out in budget meetings next week.

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f. No details about adjuncts, etc., but if there are fewer students, there will be fewer

adjuncts.

4. UUP asked about new faculty and professional hires: is there a decision how many positions

will be filled next AY.

a. The administration advised that there is no decision yet. At this point, the operating

assumption is that there will be no new hires. This is not a hard freeze – there are going

to have to be some exceptions.

5. UUP asked how many cameras are there on campus:

a. The administration answered that there are 150.

b. UUP asked where they are located and what are they pointed at?

i. The administration replied that they are all over the campus. The

purpose is safety. Most entrances are covered. They are not pointed in

windows or office doors. There are also in the parking lots and the

bookstore.

None are in private areas, unless they are part of a criminal investigation, and

even then they are not in offices, but public interior spaces. There have been

two cases over past 15 years of concealed cameras to document ongoing

problems. In these cases, the cameras were approved by the President and

the relevant VPs.

There are notices wherever the cameras are.

c. UUP asked who has access to see the feeds?

i. The administration answered that it is only the University Police and one

person from IT who provides tech support. The IT person only has access

when he goes to the police office to work on them.

o The administration invited the UUP exec to tour see the police office

and camera system.

d. UUP asked were the new cameras that have been ordered will be installed?

i. The administration responded that these are replacements. There will be no

new placements.

Tara Singer-Blumberg advised that she and Mike Daley are working on a new

camera policy. It will also address things like drones as well, requiring special

permission for their use.

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6. UUP questioned why three employees were recently transferred without consultation or

input?

a. UUP asked if additional transfers being planned?

i. The administration responded that none are under discussion right now,

but we should anticipate more in the future.

b. Discussion followed of how the process can be improved in the future, and how to

better incorporate the employee in the process, to make for a smoother transition?

i. The administration stressed that it had no intention to mistreat

employees, and is willing to work with UUP to do better in the future. What

would work better?

ii. The administration will meet with the three employees recently transferred

to address any concerns. UUP representation will also be invited to the

meetings.

iii. UUP urged that as soon as decisions of this type are made, the process

should should immediately become inclusive.

UUP also asked that there be transition time.

The administration said that when possible, it makes sense to make such

transfers at the end of annual review cycle.

UUP also noted that the process needs to involve the supervisors – who

write performance appraisals, etc. How does all this affect their workload?

UUP stressed noted that this also affects individual performance reviews –

work plans need to be adjusted accordingly.

The administration said that it is determined to get this process right.

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UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting September 29, 2016; 10:30-noon

President’s Conference Room, Fenton Hall

Present: Ziya Arnavut, Ginny Horvath, Kevin Seitz, Mike Daley, Caldwell Proper, Jefferson

Westwood, John Staples, Tara Singer Blumberg.

1. Approval of May 3, 2016 minutes.

May Minutes approved, with addition of Kevin Seitz's name to attendees.

April Minutes approved.

2. We respectfully request that management send a notice to all MCs and department heads that they try, whenever possible, to avoid scheduling meetings on designated holidays, and that this be done on an annual basis near the beginning of the fall semester. (It could be done with a link to the list of holidays that are on the HR web site.)

This was brought up at LM last year, but it happened again this year on Columbus Day. Can we do this consistently at the start of every semester?

Admin: The administration will issue a memo to Deans and Directors. Will also recommend that Jewish high holidays be included; will also examine possibility of freezing rooms on holidays through the event scheduling software. In addition, administration proposes examining the possibility and consequences of re-designating Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples' Day.

UUP: will also add such holidays to its UUP calendar

3. Non-reappointment letters for all FT Contingents that chairs were told by their deans to

send out. This is apparent violation of HARP V.K. In addition, UUP sent an email to Provost and about DPCs not being consulted. In return, we were told that HR was going to investigate, but we have never gotten a response.

Admin: HR will be meeting with Deans on 11 October and report back after that meeting. Also, HR indicated that HARP may be in conflict to Board of Trustees. This issue is driven by enrollment, and Board of Trustees policies suggest that where necessary, late notification is permissible.

UUP: will review HARP before next meeting to clarify its position. UUP advised that the problem is less about late notification than the failure to engage with departments. HARP has the intent of dialogue intent, and there was no dialogue this year.

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4. How many adjuncts were not reappointed? What is the number of adjunct faculty? How many are full-time? How many are Senior lecturer?

Admin: advised that it doesn't have numbers yet from SUNY admin. Will share when they

are available.

5. How many faculty applied for advancement to Senior Lecturer, how many were awarded the title, how many weren't, and on what grounds? Admin: There were seven applications for senior; six were approved, and one rejected. The rejection was due to problems with documentation – the applicant has been encouraged to reapply.

6. People who were not issued their contracts on time were supposed to receive a payout of their deficit reduction. However, this didn’t happen. Why? Admin: responded that our Payroll Department has to secure a list from SUNY admin, and review. If there are specific examples, they asked UUP to supply the names and they will review. UUP: will provide a list of names.

7. Some contingent faculty had their direct deposits canceled without notification. Why?

Admin: This is because OSC automatically cancels after 3 consecutive pay periods without direct deposit. If there were specific issues, can UUP supply names, so admin can investigate? It is probably a function of timing. Faculty in this position need to reinstate direct deposit.

8. Will the management work with us in helping prepare chairs, departments, and potential

applicants for the next round of applications and reviews?

Admin: advised that this is already underway. A chair development workshop coming. UUP: recommended training for new chairs, and development of best practices guidelines.

9. Planning for the next round of HARP negotiations. When can we start?

Admin: It was agreed that this probably should start after completion of handbook negotiations. We can aim for January, but we should discuss this again at the next LM meeting, after the handbook committee has met again.

10. Can HR send reminder letters to supervisors who might be out of compliance? This also

needs to go to academics who supervise professionals.

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Admin: said that there has been an IT glitch, and it is working to correct it. 80% + are completed, and they are tracking. UUP: advised that automatic reminders are not being issued to everyone. Admin: will check this out.

11. What's the size of the budget deficit next year?

Admin: advised that the structural deficit in the 2016-17 budget is $6.9 Million Structural Deficit. Don't know what the operating budget deficit is. Have achieved some additional savings since May, and this has bought us some time. The plan to close the budget gap is to increase enrollment, find new ways to generate income, and to continue to find savings.

12. We were assured that the program revision we are doing now it is not meant to lay off

people - are the savings expected to come from other sources than salaries? How much is expected to come from salaries?

Admin: The goal is no layoffs. Faculty may have to be reassigned, and we expect savings through attrition. There is no explicit target.

13. What will happen to the programs that will be eliminated? Will the faculty/professionals

be reassigned to other departments? Will the eliminated academic programs continue to exist and if so for how many years?

Admin: At this point the administration is expecting divisions and departments to review programs and seek creative solutions. There is no explicit plan to eliminate programs, and consequently no plan for what might happen with them.

a. When will the faculty hear if their program is eliminated? At AdAstra meeting we heard that we need to open new sections - will new faculty be hired?

Admin: AdAstra is an academic scheduling tool. It will help analyze, i.e., numbers

of seats needed by department. AdAstra, among other things, can identify where we need more sections. Clearly, this will affect hiring and course assignments. Right now we are doing analytics. But we hope to be able to move to the next stage.

b. Status of PEPRE document.

Admin: If program array review leads to a recommendation of closing programs, then PEPRE will come into play. It seems likely that this will occur in academic affairs, but will not invoke until necessary.

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If we come to imposing PEPRE, there is no explicit time-line. UUP: If we invoke PEPRE and this leads to program/department closure, when would it happen and what would happen to faculty? Admin: Expectation that faculty would continue to teach Gen Ed, etc. There may be attrition, but no plans for layoffs. One of the reasons for not invoking PEPRE is the hope that faculty will think about revisions, rather than defense.

14. Can we have an update on what has been done regarding employee reassignment and procedures that will be used to involve the employee to aid in transition?

Admin: Would like to address restructuring that requires reassignment at the cabinet

level. Admin: Have talked about better ways to approach reassignment in the future. Recognizes there have been failures, and committed to improving the process in the future.

13. DSA assignment.

Admin: Will be paid on 12/13. An equal distribution. Will issue a letter soon to notify of what the awards will be.

14. SUNY Albany has raised contingent pay per course to $3600 from $2800. Two years ago

we raised it to $2700 from $2500 with the expectation that we will raise it to $3000 soon. Do we have any date?

Admin: will consult with Provost on this. HR Director: we are paying $1000 per credit hour. Will double check on this.

UUP Sometimes long-time contingents (and tt) get overload and revert to former rate. Admin will let us know.

15. FLSA Admin: Beginning next week, posting open information sessions re update to FLSA. Compliance module notices coming out today. Notices coming out 10/22. Violence in Workplace policy – time to revisit the policy and make sure it is up-to-date. _______________________________________________________________________

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UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting Minutes November 16, 2016, 11:00 – 12:30 pm

President’s Conference Room, Fenton Hall

Present: Ziya Arnavut, Ginny Horvath, Kevin Seitz, Terry Brown, Tara Singer-Blumberg, Mike Daley, Jefferson Westwood, Caldwell Proper

A. Approval of September 29, 2016 minutes.

Minutes should say “Minutes” and not “Agenda.” Updated #2 bullet point, noting that on 10/4/2016, Management distributed a campus-wide announcement to all employees noting that certain dates should be avoided to the fullest extent possible when scheduling meetings.

B. Old business 1. Non-reappointment letters for all FT Contingents:

UUP asked what was the result of the 10/11/2016 meeting with the Deans?

Mike noted that the primary focus of the 10/11/2016 meeting was the pending renewal/non-renewal decision pertaining to part-time faculty, paying particular attention to the 45-day “notice-date” specified by Article XI, Title D of Policies. Mike discussed the fact that Article V.K. of HARP provides that in the event a full-time Adjunct is to be non-renewed, such action must be made “in consultation” with the DPC. Mike also noted the impact of Article 32 of the Agreement and sections V.E.3 and I.G of HARP on the topic. Mike stated that the Deans reserve the right to, on an individual basis, renew or non-renew any Adjunct based on the unique operating needs of their respective divisions. Terry noted that in the event any adjunct member is non-renewed, they will receive a contractually-compliant notice.

Management noted that Ms. Ann Fearman sent a letter to part-time faculty stating that everyone was going to be getting a non-renewal notice. Why did she send this? Ziya responded that he will look into this and report back to the group.

UUP asked why are we sending these letters to Adjunct faculty? Terry noted that we can’t afford to pay people for not teaching. We must be compliant with the 45 day notice requirement just referenced. She noted that reappointment letters will be sent when we know with certainty what classes will be offered. Terry noted that Adjuncts should not expect to be renewed. She noted that renewal of any Adjuncts appointment depends on the enrollment and demand for the class.

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What happens with direct deposit? Mike noted that OSC regulations state that if there is no deposit in an employees account for three consecutive pay periods, then direct deposit is automatically canceled. Mike will check with Payroll Director Sue Cortes to see if there if any flexibility available to us. Mike did not anticipate much flexibility be afforded to us from OSC.

Terry stated that Management is trying to create more predictability re: employment for Adjuncts but given the fact that enrollment is down, we need to be careful, to be strategic and intentional as regards any appointment.

2. Adjuncts: Please provide the following data- a. How many were not reappointed? 53 b. Current number of adjunct faculty? c. How many are full-time? d. How many are Senior lecturer?

Update: Mike sent the requested information to Tara and Ziya following the meeting. 3. HARP negotiations: Proposed timeline? - Caldie tentatively scheduled six meetings for the spring 2017 semester. Terry asked that HARP negotiations be tabled until June 2017 since the Right Serving/Right Sizing initiative and the Faculty Handbook are occupying significant portions of her and others time. Update: These meetings have been canceled. Caldie is in the process of scheduling for June-August 2017 timeframe. 4. Professional Performance plans: Mike reported that 13 UUP-represented employees are missing either a Perf. Prog. or Perf. Eval. By 11/18, he anticipated that number should be down to 10. HR is continually contacting the colleagues directly involved to ensure compliance with contractual mandates governing same.

a. How many reminder letters sent out to supervisors for employees without a current PP? Mike noted that HR has been in contact with all supervisors.

b. HR’s plans to ensure 100% compliance? Mike stated that HR continues to send “reminder notices.”

C. New Business 5. Adjunct Pay

a. Fredonia is currently $900 per credit hour. Ziya asked is Management open to raising the minimum to $1000? Ginny and Terry agree that they want to make this happen subject to the realities of the budget. Terry stated that Ann Aldrich is conducting a financial analysis of this request. Once completed, she

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will share it with Kevin Seitz who will take it to Cabinet. Ann’s analysis will probably not be ready for January (spring semester) but could potentially be ready to implement in August for fall 2017 semester again, predicated upon the budget and enrollment. The issue of a newly-hired faculty member making on or about the same salary as a currently employed faculty member was discussed. Ginny noted that faculty are not on a step system.

6. J-term and Summer Session Salaries. Assoc. Provost Horowitz, Director Eric Skowronski and Mike met with Tara on 10/21/2016 to review and discuss a proposal governing Sum. Session compensation. To date, we have not heard a definitive response from UUP. Ziya suggested that a reduction of salary is not a way to incent colleagues to work Summer Session. Ziya stated that he believes that tenure-track faculty would not be interested in doing J-term or summer sessions for the newly-proposed fee structure. Terry stated that most, probably the majority of faculty will receive an increase in pay under the proposed plan should they teach in the summer. She noted that it is her understanding that a very small number of faculty could potentially witness a reduction in compensation as the plan as presently administered should they elect to teach. She also noted that this is not a contractual matter given it is Sum. Session. A discussion occurred regarding reworking the compensation proposal so that:

a. Anyone on the current model should be “grandfathered in” and the proposed model implemented. Terry wants to look at the numbers before discussing this further.

7. Ziya asked if the union could get a list of Management Confidential members of Fredonia State and their Salaries. Mike asked why UUP wants this info. He noted that the requested is available to them at any time through “See thru NY” Ziya responded by noting that UUP is interested in reviewing the cost of

administration vs. the cost of faculty.

Update: Mike sent the requested salary data to Ziya after the meeting.

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UUP Fredonia Chapter Labor Management Meeting December 9, 2016, 11:00-12:30

President’s Conference Room, Fenton Hall

Present: Virginia Horvath, Terry Brown, Kevin Seitz, Michael Daley, Ziya Arnavut, John Staples, Jefferson Westwood, Tara Singer-Blumberg, Caldwell Proper

1. Approval of November 16, 2016 Minutes – Note changes to page 3 line 2 rewording of Tara’s remarks to indicate a discussion was held rather than a “suggestion…” Also, all “Adjunct Faculty” be referred to as “Part-time contingent faculty.” Request to strike “Terry says that adjuncts should not expect to be renewed” and rather say that renewal depends on enrollment and demand. (Non-Agenda item) Part-time faculty non-renewal process- UUP suggests that there may be another way (not specified) to non-renew part-time faculty. Tara noted that the “mass non-renewal” of part-time staff has an impact on employee morale. The Union noted it is open to discussions on how to address the matter. Terry stated that her goal is to treat the staff well, comply with the contract and be fiscally responsible. Terry stated that she is open to meeting on the topic—to include deans—to discuss communication and timing of renewals. 2. Extreme Weather: Mike stated that the “Extraordinary Weather Announcement” was e-mailed to entire campus on 10/4/2016. Mike noted that “Essential Service” staff are identified by title and can be found on the Policy on Essential Services located on the HR website under Policies. 3. Handbook Dates- Caldie will try to schedule dates for the spring. Also Caldie will try to schedule LM dates for the spring. 4. FLSA- Mike stated that all the effected staff have received a letter from him regarding the determination of their status under the FLSA. Tara and Ziya thanked Management for their actions pertaining to the process. 5. Direct Deposit- Mike stated that OSC automatically cancels Direct Deposit (DD) when there is no “activity” on an account for three consecutive pay periods. Tara asked if Payroll has a COS on file, appointing a colleague with a future appointment date could an “override” be processed to halt the DD cancelation. Mike stated he would discuss with Sue Cortes. 6. Student Learning- Ginny noted that we need to collectively encourage NYS to invest in Higher Ed. She asked for UUP’s input re: how we can make SUNY a positive example for affordability on a national level? She noted Fredonia did not increase fees or prices for student housing. Without such funds, Ginny noted we are exploring Right Serving/Right

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Sizing (RS/RS) in a local effort to increase efficiencies and address the fiscal realities we face. Ginny asks that UUP explain this position to members. Ginny stated that SUNY is seeking approval for a $100-$300 tuition increase and will allow campuses to choose the amount they think best meets their needs. Ginny also noted that we need to stop a number of classes with low student enrollment. Such classes cost money which we could be using for students with housing and food issues. Ginny noted that Management is cognizant of the impact of costs on student learning, persistence, completion, and success (and therefore on our bottom line, both short-term and long-term). Discussion: Ziya asked how UUP can help. For example, can the Union engage in local (on/off-campus) problem-solving and collaboration/coordination or a regional advocacy strategy? Ginny noted that advocacy for Fredonia is welcomed. Ziya asked about the allocation of funds in last year’s budget? Ginny noted we are not making our admission target so our projected revenues are lower than anticipated. As such, there is no “over target” money available for Management to use to address other fiscal concerns. Ziya inquired about possible monies from Residence Hall. For example, could we “set-aside” certain “expenses” such as dorm fees as a potential form of scholarship for foreign students? Ginny responded that Management is not allowed to waive tuition or dorm costs. She also noted that all scholarships have to have actual money assigned to support them. Terry noted that we need keep Fredonia affordable and thus a viable option for families. Again, we hope RS/RS will assist in supporting this goal. Terry states that she is not going to support a department that is not participating in RS/RS. Management proposes to have a $300 emergency fund for students in need and is asking if UUP members would donate to such a cause. UUP says that they would and would rather donate to a student in need fund than to some scholarship. UUP asked if there is a fund at the Foundation available for this purpose. Ginny agreed to check with Betty Gossett on the matter. It was suggested that perhaps a payroll deduction could be established for this purpose. 7. Budget- a. How is the operational budget allocated to divisions (colleges) and departments? Can we have the specific numbers and is there any formula applied to determine the budget for the academic departments? Ginny noted that the Budget books contain the information requested.

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b. What percentage of the 6.9 million deficit is expected to be covered by salary reduction? How is this load expected to be distributed between management confidential, UUP, and CSEA members? Ginny noted that the Budget books contains the information requested. c. If the reports the department chairs submit in March show that most of the programs are viable, what the next step will be to resolve the issue with the deficit?- Ginny stated that we will limit the number of low enrolled sections offered with the goal of lowering the expense associated with same. Terry asked for a definition of “viable” noting it should not be a defense of the status quo. d. Can you give us more information about the visit of Provost Cartwright? What is going to be the objective of his visit? Can UUP EB meet with his delegation? Ginny noted that she had limited information to share on the topic. She noted that Provost Cartwright is touring other SUNY campuses to learn about such things as enrollment challenges but noted that no date has been set for a Fredonia visit. Ginny noted that she anticipates each colleague will be encouraged to form a “team” re: the Provost’s visit. She invited Ziya to serve on Fredonia’s team Other business- Mike asks the UUP to remind its members to turn in their Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. 2016 timesheets. _________________________________________________________________________