- all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Important Strike Information
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

[cid:5d5c073f-844d-40c0-8443-ff08227275f3]<https://youtu.be/1rsqTV_6c9w> https://youtu.be/1rsqTV_6c9w Forging a collaborative path forward Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Janice Ristock shares message with community on UMFA strike Two issues are at the heart of the strike by the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) - workload and research metrics. In an interview this week, the University of Manitoba's Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Janice Ristock addressed these concerns, and her hopes to find common ground and a positive path forward for students, staff and faculty. On the issue of workload, Ristock noted that UMFA's current proposal would create a lengthy, cumbersome process - and one that is not viable as it would take away the Deans' role to determine workloads. Under the UMFA proposal a Dean would decide on a teaching policy and bring that forward to faculty members, who would vote on it by secret ballot. If faculty voted against the teaching policy, the Dean would have to revise it and present a second version for another secret ballot vote. If that version was also rejected, it would then go to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and the executive director of UMFA for resolution. "If we're unable to come to an agreement, then it would go to an external arbitrator who is not a member of our community and who is not an academic," said Ristock. "To me, it's not a viable process. It's a process that is very time--consuming and if it gets to the stage of an arbitrator, it's also very costly." In contrast to UMFA's proposal, Ristock drew attention to the importance of the roles of Deans, and their broad consideration of students and faculty. "Deans have the responsibility to consider the academic programs in a unit, to consider the needs of students, the timetable," she said, "and they also have a responsibility to consider the other aspects of an individual professor's workload - research and service commitments." These considerations have to be made on an individual basis, she added. Ristock notes the University has proposed a fund, worth $1.5 million, to help with teaching workloads by providing opportunities to hire a range of support for faculty, including teaching assistants, graders/markers and sessional instructors. In its compromise offer, the University has also proposed creating a joint committee with faculty to examine faculty members' concerns over workload increases due to administrative duties. "We have been listening to the concerns expressed about administrative workloads and have offered a solution to begin to address those issues," said Ristock. "It's a point where we can begin discussions." An additional fund of $500,000 would support implementing recommendations by the joint committee for real improvements to administrative burdens. On the issue of research metrics, Ristock noted that UMFA appears concerned the University may in the future impose research metrics on performance evaluations and decisions around tenure and promotion. "I think it's important to clarify that currently there are no provisions in the collective agreement that speak to the use of research metrics, nor do any of the faculties' tenure and promotion criteria impose the use of research metrics in making assessments," she said. The University has reasserted that research metrics will not be used as a substitute for comprehensive assessment. "The University's position is that it has to be a decision amongst colleagues to decide whether or not it's appropriate to use research metrics as one indicator of the quality of research - and that's very discipline-specific," said Ristock. "There's not one research metric that can be used to assess all research. And we think it's also very important to say that research metrics alone can never be a substitute for a thorough assessment based on the quality and the quantity of research output." Ristock urged faculty members and members of the community to read the University of Manitoba's latest proposal<http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/staff_relations/media/UM_Proposal…>.

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Strike Information Update for Students
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear students, As the University and UMFA move through the second week of labour negotiations, we recognize and share your concerns about the impact the ongoing labour disruption will have on your studies. We expect there will be adjustments to the Voluntary Withdrawal date, exam period and the end of Fall Term, and there could possibly be a change to the start of Winter Term, depending on the length of the strike. Senate is responsible for approving any of these changes and will meet tomorrow. We will share Senate's decisions as soon as they are made. The longer the strike continues, the greater the impact on the academic year. We are listening to you, and working together with our colleagues across campus to find solutions, answer your questions and provide information to address the challenges you face. In the meantime, please continue to consult umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<file:///C:\Users\foggt\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\Content.Outlook\KH4M9USD\umanitoba.ca\strikeinfo> for updates to the FAQs, the official list of continuing classes, and other important information. If you have any questions not answered there, please contact us through the site or by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. Thank you for your ongoing patience during this difficult time. The response from students has been intelligent and respectful. I feel honoured to serve this community, and I know I'm not alone. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Update on Mid-Term Exams and Holiday Closure
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 04 Nov '16

04 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear students, Conciliation between the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association is ongoing, and we are hopeful that we can reach a positive conclusion soon. Your successful completion of this academic term is our top priority. You have told us that one of your top concerns is mid-term exams. If your class/section is on the official list of continuing classes (http://umanitoba.ca/registrar/status_of_classes.html), your mid-term exams may take place as scheduled. Check with your instructor. If your class/section is not on the official list of continuing classes, you are not responsible for any coursework for this course while the labour disruption continues-including mid-term exams. Mid-term exams for these classes/sections will not take place during the strike, but may be rescheduled at the completion of the strike. Mid-term exams for classes resuming at the end of a strike will not be held on the first day a course re-starts. An appropriate schedule to make up for lost time in courses will be determined once they appear on the list of courses being offered, or at the end of the strike. Please check the official list of continuing classes often as it will be updated regularly. We are also able to confirm that the holiday break will proceed as originally planned. The University will be closed from December 23, 2016 to January 2, 2017. We are working hard to answer all questions you may have through our FAQs and the strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca> email. We know that many of you have other questions that we haven't yet answered-for example, the voluntary withdrawal deadline and the impact of the strike on the final examination schedule, as well as how much notice you will have before returning to class once an agreement between the University and UMFA has been reached. We are doing our best to answer these important questions, and will pass on that information as soon as we can. Please continue to refer to www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> for the latest updates and answers to your frequently asked questions. We want to help guide and support you during this time of uncertainty. We are hoping for an agreement to be reached as quickly as you are. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Message sent on behalf of Dr. Joanne Keselman - Interim Vice-President (Administration)
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 04 Nov '16

04 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01D236B3.B117AB50] We have received a number of inquiries regarding the University closure over the holiday break. I would like to confirm that the University will be closed December 23 - January 2 as originally scheduled. For other strike-related questions, please continue to visit umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo regularly for updated information. If you have questions that aren't answered in the FAQs, there is a place for you to submit your questions online. Thank you.

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Student Update
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 03 Nov '16

03 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear students, You remain our top priority as the University of Manitoba continues conciliation with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) this afternoon. We recognize that as the strike continues, you will have concerns. We also know you have questions related to topics such as the upcoming voluntary withdrawal date, exam schedules, and the December holiday break and are working to get you answers as soon as possible. Our goal remains to minimize the impact to the academic year. The official list of continuing classes continues to be updated regularly, so please check back often. Information on www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> is also updated regularly in response to questions we are receiving from you and with the latest news and information surrounding the strike. Any questions that aren't already answered, can be submitted through the site or by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. We are hopeful for a positive conclusion to conciliation and will inform you in the event of any updates. Susan Gottheil Vice-Provost (Students)

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An Update for Students
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 01 Nov '16

01 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear Students, As you know, UMFA members are on strike as of this morning. The University remains open and many classes, as well as student activities and services continue. There could be delays getting onto campus, so give yourself extra time getting here. For a list of available student services, please click here<http://news.umanitoba.ca/strike-info-for-the-campus-community/>, and for the official list of continuing classes, please click here<http://umanitoba.ca/registrar/status_of_classes.html> - be advised that this list will be updated regularly, so check back often. We're sure you have many questions during this time - please visit umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo/> to see answers to commonly asked questions. Should you have questions that aren't answered in the FAQs, there is a place for you to submit those on the site as well, and we will do our best to answer in a timely manner. Thank you for your understanding, and know that we are here to support you during this time. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Status of Classes During UMFA Strike
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] The University of Manitoba has a plan in place should the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) commence a strike November 1, 2016, as they have indicated. You continue to be our highest priority. We are committed to seeking a settlement with UMFA to ensure there is as minimal as possible disruption to the term. Please note: * The University remains open and will continue with normal operations to the extent possible. * The Status of Classes website<http://umanitoba.ca/registrar/status_of_classes.html> will have the official list of continuing classes. Check the site often as classes may be added or removed as information becomes available. * You are responsible for classes that are on the official list, and for any ongoing activities including classes, labs, tutorials, practica, clinical assignments, studios, tests and assignments identified through consultation with your faculty school or college. * Any classes that are not continuing will resume at the conclusion of the strike. * Check the official strike information website<http://umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo/> frequently for updated information and answers to common questions. We will provide you with information as soon as possible should there be any major updates. Thank you for your patience during this time. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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University disappointed UMFA rejected counter proposal
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 31 Oct '16

31 Oct '16

University seeks conciliation in effort to prevent strike and reach a settlement The University of Manitoba is asking the Province to appoint a conciliator to resolve outstanding issues with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA). Last night, UMFA walked away from a weekend of mediation - with a mediator selected by the faculty association - and presented the University with a final offer. This morning at 11:30 a.m. the University responded with a counter proposal that addressed substantive issues raised by the faculty association with respect to teaching load and performance metrics. The University also asked UMFA to extend the strike deadline to fully consider the counter proposal. UMFA rejected the University's counter proposal. "We are committed to doing everything possible to find a solution so that student learning is not compromised," said John Kearsey, Vice-President (External). UMFA is scheduled to begin strike action Tuesday morning. The University continues to explore all possible options to prevent a disruption to students. "The University of Manitoba is disappointed that UMFA has rejected yet another attempt to enable our students to continue the academic year without disruption. UMFA rejected the University's salary offer in March, a comprehensive offer of settlement in September, and now, after a weekend of mediation, there has been no progress," Kearsey says. He added, "It is regrettable that UMFA has chosen to strike when so many attempts have been made to take a different path forward." The University understands that students will have concerns - and support is available. The University will remain open during a strike and an official list of continuing classes, as well as a series of common questions, is posted at umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://news.umanitoba.ca/mymail/54579/00000000000000000000000000000000/aHR0…>. Everyone within the University community takes seriously the impact of a strike on students, faculty and staff for the long-term sustainability of the University. We know this interest is shared by everyone who is part of the University community.

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UM and UMFA Bargaining Update
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 28 Oct '16

28 Oct '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] As we go into the weekend, the University of Manitoba and University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) continue to work together through mediation to help bring collective agreement negotiations to a positive and timely conclusion. UMFA has announced a strike date of November 1. This means that should a settlement not be reached, UMFA members could go on strike as of Tuesday morning. We understand that you may have concerns about how this could affect you. At this time, plan to attend your classes and other campus activities as usual - the University remains open. Visit www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> for answers to many of your questions. As information becomes available, it will be posted on www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> and any major updates will be communicated to you by email. You remain our highest priority and we are committed to communicating with you in a timely fashion. As soon as an update is available, we will inform you - hopefully with news that a settlement has been reached. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Message from David Barnard, President of the University of Manitoba and Mark Hudson, President of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 28 Oct '16

28 Oct '16

This message is being sent from Mark Hudson, President, UMFA, and David Barnard, President, University of Manitoba to all members of the University of Manitoba community After one day of productive mediation, the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have agreed to communicate jointly to the University community about a dramatic recent development in our ongoing efforts to negotiate a new collective agreement. >From the University of Manitoba's perspective: Over the past several days, the Province has made clear to the University that it has established fresh mandate parameters that seek cooperation in achieving a compensation "pause" throughout the public sector. Public bodies, including the University of Manitoba, are being asked to extend existing contracts for an additional year at zero per cent in order to stabilize public sector compensation levels. We now find ourselves in the unusual circumstance of having a newly articulated Provincial mandate regarding public sector compensation levels that will have a profound impact on the final compensation levels that we will be able to negotiate, despite having already made what we believe to be a fair and reasonable offer on September 13, 2016. The University of Manitoba is indeed challenged by these circumstances coming at the end of what has been a difficult but advancing series of discussions since March 2016. >From the University of Manitoba Faculty Association's perspective: This 11th hour action represents illegitimate government interference in a constitutionally-protected process of collective bargaining. Mediation continues, and our focus is to advance our Members' priorities through that process. The UM is an independent body whose Board must have the autonomy to engage in all aspects of negotiation. The Province has unnecessarily endangered a complex negotiation through this misguided interference, and its action has jeopardized the educational goals of every UM student. UMFA is currently exploring legal options, and continues to focus on negotiating a fair deal for its members. Bargaining has been presented with an unexpected complication, but both parties are resolved to continue discussions. Our negotiations comprise many issues of grave importance to valued faculty members and these will be addressed as the mediation process continues this weekend. Both parties recognize the impacts a strike can have on students and will work diligently to avoid such an outcome prior to the November 1 strike deadline. The University administration and UMFA take our responsibility to the larger University of Manitoba community very seriously. We are united in caring deeply about the University's mission to create, preserve and apply knowledge contributing to the well-being of this province, Canada and the world. As both parties continue mediation throughout the weekend with a media blackout imposed by the mediator, there will be no further statements by either party.

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