Weekly Update – March 26
March 26, 2021
Weekly Update – March 26
Returning to Campus in Fall 2021
This week, CUASA met with the University at the Joint Committee for the Administration of the Agreement (JCAA), where the majority of the meeting time was dedicated to discussing the plans for returning to campus in Fall 2021.
The University informed us that, while no final decisions have been made at this point, it is essential that planning for Fall 2021 get underway so that faculty, staff, and students all have ample time to prepare. We have been assured that all decisions will be made in conjunction with provincial COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines from Ottawa Public Health.
The University has asked all departments, schools, etc. to identify a list of courses of 60 students or fewer as possible options for offering face-to-face instruction in the fall. This number was determined using a formula provided by the province that allows the University to determine maximum classroom occupancy while still allowing for physical distancing. That said, not all classes of 60 or fewer students will be offered in-person, as Carleton does not have the space capacity for that. We have been informed that the University expects that perhaps half of those courses might be able to proceed in-person. The ultimate goal is for each program to offer one or two courses at each year level in-person to provide students with some flexibility for on-campus learning. The majority of Carleton’s courses are expected to proceed online in Fall 2021.
With regards to our members returning to teach those in-person courses, the University has stated that any CUASA members who need accommodation on the grounds of medical or family status should inform their Chair/Director right away. That said, Chairs/Directors have been asked to schedule courses according to member preference, when possible. CUASA objected to the “when possible” addition. As it stands, this means that even if you do not have a medical or family accommodation but would still prefer to teach virtually instead of in-person, that preference should be taken into consideration when possible. Any members who have concerns about the scheduling of their courses for Fall 2021 should speak to their Chair/Director immediately. You may also contact CUASA at [email protected] if any issues arise.
As a CUASA member you are being asked to indicate by next Thursday, April 1, if your preference is for virtual or in-person instruction. CUASA sought an extension of this deadline, but the University is holding to it. CUASA officially objected to this April 1 date insisting that it should be much later. However, we have been told that there will be an opportunity for revisions to the timetable in May, meaning should members wish to make any changes to what they’ve indicated in their initial submission due April 1, there should be ample time to request those amendments.
Finally, CUASA sought clarification on the rules for mask-wearing when returning to campus, whether members will be required to wear masks while teaching, if students will be required to wear masks while attending in-person classes, and what the cleaning of classrooms will look like. We have been advised that these and other issues are under consideration, and more information will be made available as we get closer to the Fall, depending on public health regulations.
Student Experience Questionnaires in Spring/Summer Term
CUASA and the University have signed an agreement to extend the terms of the letter of understanding on the Student Experience Questionnaires (previously referred to as teaching evaluations) to the Spring/Summer 2021 term.
This means that CUASA members teaching this term must opt-in to administer the student experience questionnaires and may only administer SEQs in electronic format. If members do not opt-in, they will be considered to have declined administering electronic questionnaires. If the SEQs are administered, they will only be used for collective data and not for career decisions.
Statement on Anti-Asian Racism
This statement comes from CUASA’s Chair of Equity, Dawn Moore:
CUASA wishes to express its condolences to the families and friends of the eight people murdered in Atlanta and express solidarity with our Asian colleagues and the broader Asian community who are experiencing racist and misogynist backlash in the wake of this violent attack. Last week, eight lives were taken in an act of hate. Six of the people killed were women. It appears the assailant was intent on targeting Asian women specifically. We both grieve and rage alongside our Asian colleagues and friends over this reprehensible act and the lives lost. We also recognize, once again, that we must act to combat all forms of discrimination.
CUASA denounces in the strongest terms all acts of hate and stands in solidarity with our Asian and woman identified colleagues and community members. We remain committed to fighting hate in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to building an anti-racist, anti-oppressive community. For those who are feeling the reverberations of these attacks most acutely please know CUASA is here for both support and advocacy.
Members are also invited to attend an Ottawa vigil for the Atlanta victims, organized in part by one of our colleagues, on Sunday, March 28 from 2:00-5:00pm in Minto Park. Details can be found here.
CUASA Business
Nominations for Steering Positions
We are accepting nominations for the following Steering positions (click on the title to read the position description):
Information on the nominations process can be found on our How to Volunteer page. The work of the Association continues, despite the current environment we find ourselves in. Remember that our Association is only as strong as its membership, so we count on the time and commitment of our members to achieve our goals. Some of these positions come with a course release subject to the availability of funds (please ask if interested).
Carleton Updates
Call for Applications: OCUFA Awards
The Carleton University Teaching Awards Committee (CUTAC) is looking to nominate faculty for the 2021 OCUFA Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards, which recognize outstanding teachers and academic librarians in Ontario.
If you are interested in applying or if you would like to learn more about the nomination process, please contact at [email protected]. Draft applications must be submitted to CUTAC by April 10. Find more details here.
Academic Community Updates
Weekly update on campaign to save Laurentian University
OCUFA has been busy coordinating action in support of the Laurentian University Faculty Association. Click here to read the full update and learn how you can support LUFA.
Faculty appalled there’s no money for Laurentian in new government funding for postsecondary education
Ontario’s faculty and academic librarians are appalled and dismayed that none of the $106.4 million in new postsecondary funding announced by the Ontario government has been allocated to Laurentian University. This funding is purportedly designed to go to institutions most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but it excludes the only postsecondary institution currently facing insolvency. This announcement demonstrates this government’s callous disregard for the people of Sudbury and the students, faculty, and staff who work at Laurentian.
To keep reading, click here.
2021 budget a missed opportunity to invest in Ontario’s future
Ontario’s university faculty and academic librarians are disappointed that the 2021 Ontario Budget fails to adequately invest in Ontario’s universities to put them on secure financial footing. University faculty and academic librarians have played an essential role developing the science and research that continues to inform Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their research and expertise have helped keep Ontarians safe during the pandemic and will be vital for supporting the province’s economic recovery.
To keep reading, click here.
This weekend, join OCUFA and the OFL for the first ever Education Assembly
This Saturday, March 27 the OFL will be hosting the first ever Education Assembly to unite workers, students, and parents from child care through postsecondary education.
COVID-19 has made navigating education systems more difficult than ever. This Saturday’s discussion will focus on developing education systems that keep everyone healthy and safe.
OFL Education Assembly
Saturday, March 27
10am-1pm
Register here.
Labour Community Updates
Budget 2021 lacks the bold vision Ontario needs for a just recovery
From the OFL: “The 2021 Ontario Budget misses the mark on leading Ontarians out of this year-long public health crisis and towards a just recovery. The Budget lacks meaningful investments into the public services that people rely on. Budget 2021 is missing paid sick day provisions for Ontario workers and there is no commitment to wage increases for PSWs and care sector workers beyond June 30, 2021.”
Click here to read more.
Canada’s unions applaud Supreme Court decision upholding federal carbon pricing
From the CLC: “Canada’s unions welcome today’s Supreme Court ruling confirming the constitutionality of the federal carbon pricing backstop. The constitutionality of the federal Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (GGPPA) had been challenged by the provinces of Ontario and Saskatchewan. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) was an intervener in these appeals.”
Click here to read more.
