News Update - July 26, 2006

Representatives from University administration and University Education Association (UEA) met for a second consecutive day for contract negotiations. We continued discussions on a number of important items. Below is a summary of the key topics along with a brief description of the current status for each:
Student evaluations of teaching
We discussed the process of gathering data from student evaluations and how that data is used by faculty and administration. The parties were not able to reach agreement on this issue and will continue discussing future negotiations. We agreed in principle to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that establishes a working group to identify evaluation tools for teaching evaluation. Representatives from both Crookston administration and Crookston faculty will serve on the working group. Their goal is to provide recommendations for new and existing tools and processes for student evaluation of teaching. The working group is charged with completing their recommendations within six months of the ratification of a new contract.
Compensation
The UEA proposed a 5.5% increase in year 1, a 6% increase in year 2, and a 6.5% increase in year 3. Their proposal is to split the increases between merit, across-the-board and additional merit, gender equity and market-based retention. The University proposed a 2% increase in each year of the three-year contract all delivered to faculty on the basis of merit.
Workload
Workload is an important topic for both parties, and both have presented proposals on parameters for workload. There was consensus that the Crookston campus adopt workload “protocols” that provide direction for the way in which faculty assignments are made. We also agreed to begin work on developing a protocol document, separate from the contract, with both parties bringing additional data to the next negotiations session. The language in the contract, in conjunction with the protocols, will provide overall framework for faculty workload.
Medical leave
We discussed University policy and contract language for medical leaves and will continue discussions at future bargaining sessions.
Personnel files
The University provided an overview of the materials contained in each faculty member’s personnel files. This information resides in several places – the academic information is kept in files that are part of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs office. The HR office also has a file with copies of some of this information, along with standard HR and payroll information for faculty members. The University is developing a proposal for the UEA to consider at the next negotiations session.
Duration of the contract
The University reiterated the desire to negotiate a three-year agreement. The UEA indicated that they have not yet committed to a specific number of years.

Our next negotiations sessions are scheduled for August 8-10 in Crookston. We will continue to discuss these issues as well as others already identified by both parties earlier in negotiations.

The University of Minnesota , Crookston (UMC) is one of four campuses in the University of Minnesota land grant system.  UMC is a coordinate campus that provides a unique approach through applied and polytechnic baccalaureate education, research, and service.

UMC is an equal opportunity educator and employer