Dear Members –
It has become clear over the past couple of weeks that the Scholz/Moffit administration is preparing to make “difficult decisions” to reduce costs in response to a more negative picture of the university’s immediate financial situation. In addition to the campus-wide message sent by President Scholz and Provost Long earlier this week, we have heard reports from around campus with concerning implications for students, academic programs, and faculty careers. We have heard your concerns, and we, too, are worried.
Amid the doom and gloom, there is some good news. Bargaining unit faculty are protected by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (the CBA) between United Academics and the University which we recently ratified after 14 months of bargaining. The CBA contains several provisions and guardrails that constrain the administration’s ability to terminate faculty without cause.
We are prepared to enforce those provisions using all the tools and resources available to us.
Though the news is concerning, we are not yet aware of any concrete attempts to reduce or eliminate academic programs or faculty jobs. We are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to act swiftly if necessary.
If you have specific concerns or information to share, please contact info@uauoregon.org or talk to your UA steward/representative.
In solidarity,
United Academics Executive Council