News – Page 7 – University of Victoria Faculty Association

Briefing Note – Building a Bargaining Mandate for 2019

September 20, 2018 webmaster

Collective bargaining is slated to begin in February 2019. This briefing note will outline what our bargaining preparation process looks like and how we will engage with all Members to work towards final ratification of the Bargaining Principles document (bargaining mandate). A bargaining mandate backed by strong and united Membership support will amplify our negotiating power at the table. As we develop the 2019 Bargaining Principles document, it is crucial for us to engage with you to identify the issues…

2018 CAUT Aboriginal Academic Staff Conference – Delegate Sponsorship Available!

September 10, 2018 webmaster

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission concluded its formal process in December 2015, but the task of implementing its calls to action continues. The 2018 CAUT Aboriginal Academic Staff Conference will examine and discuss the progress being made, with a special focus on recommendations related to the post-secondary education sector. This event is an important opportunity for Aboriginal academic staff to meet peers from across Canada, build networks of contact and support, and share high level discussion about the status of…

Interest Arbitration Decision at Ryerson – Student surveys cannot be used to evaluate teaching performance

July 24, 2018 webmaster

A recent arbitration award between the Ryerson Faculty Association and Ryerson University sets a significant precedent for academic staff across the country on the use of anonymous student questionnaires. Arbitrator William Kaplan found that student evaluations are biased and unreliable, and ordered that the collective agreement at Ryerson be amended to ensure that results of student questionnaires are not used in measuring teaching effectiveness for promotion or tenure. As part of the decision, Kaplan writes, “The expert evidence convincingly establishes…