Weekly Update – August 20, 2021
August 20, 2021
Weekly Update – August 20, 2021
CUASA Business
New Campus COVID-19 Protocols
Carleton University issued a statement on August 19th outlining new campus protocols that take effect on Monday August 23. These protocols include the cuScreen self-assessment system. CUASA has not yet received a copy of the mandatory attestation policy and has yet to receive information from the return-to-work committee but will soon be attending an information session.
Update on New Sabbatical Research Grant
As you may recall, the recently ratified Collective Agreement between CUASA and Carleton University includes a new Sabbatical Research Grant. Your Union and Employer have agreed to terms regarding the administration of the grant, which are as follows:
- The grant will be made available within 1 month of the approval of the sabbatical research plan.
- The funds will be deposited into the existing PER account with a unique activity code (TRAVEL).
- Eligible sabbatical expenses (transportation, accommodation, conference registration fees) can be charged against your PER fund in the same manner as regular PER claims, except the unique activity code (TRAVEL) will be added in the relevant field. Per diem (meals and incidentals) is not an eligible expense under this grant but can be claimed against the regular PER accounts.
- Members will have 90 calendar days from their last day of sabbatical to submit their claim for expenses incurred during their sabbatical. After the 90 calendar days has expired, any unused funds will be recovered.
- Concur is the system that will be used for filing claims, and receipts and supporting documentation can be uploaded through that system.
- Finance is currently in the process of updating the PERs to ensure the prorated sabbatical research grant is deposited for all members who were on sabbatical effective May 1, 2021, or the full sabbatical research grant for those who began sabbaticals July 1, 2021. The Employer expect those deposits to be made by August 31. For members whose sabbaticals ended June 30, 2021, claims and supporting documentation for expenses incurred before the end of their sabbaticals will need to be received by September 30, 2021.
Scholars at Risk (SAR) Urgent Request
Scholars at Risk (SAR) recently sent an urgent request to Carleton University to support scholars fleeing Afghanistan. The SAR budget, along with support from the Dean of the host unit, will provide enough funding to host one scholar. SAR has asked the University President to help support two additional scholars. For more information see the Scholars at Risk Network and to donate see the Carleton SAR Program.
Sexual Violence Consultations
CUASA representatives and staff will be attending a virtual consultation with the Ministry of Colleges & Universities next week regarding potential changes to the requirements for institutional sexual violence policies.
Vacant Steering Positions
We are still seeking volunteers for the following Steering positions (click on the title below to see the position description):
* The Steering committee has allocated a 0.5 course release for the Vice President position.
Information on the nominations process can be found on our How to Volunteer page. 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. If you are interested in one of these positions and would like some information, or wish to nominate yourself or a colleague, please CUASA’s Chair, Nominations and Elections, Marylynn Steckley, at [email protected].
Call for Volunteers: JHSC
We are seeking one more CUASA volunteer to be one of the Association’s representatives on the University’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). If you are interested, please contact Marylynn Steckley at [email protected].
Academic Community Updates
- On Tuesday August 17, the Government of Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that COVID-19 vaccination policies will be mandatory in higher-risk settings, including post-secondary institutions.
- OCUFA welcomes government mandating vaccine policies for postsecondary institutions.
- Where truth and reconciliation stand at Canadian universities, University Affairs
- Congratulations to members of OPSEU Local 404 on ratifying their new contract with Carleton University.
Labour Community Updates
Labour Day 2021
The Ottawa and District Labour Council has announced its Labour Day 2021 March. The theme endorsed by the Canadian Labour Congress is “Workers Are the Recovery.” Join the ODLC on Monday, September 6 at 12pm. The March will begin at Ottawa City Hall (Elgin St. and Lisgar St.) and will adhere to social distancing and masks in line with Ottawa Public Health and Safety protocols.
Long Term Care Rally
The Ottawa and District Labour Council is holding a “Fix Long-Term Care” rally on September 13th at noon. The rally will begin at the Human Rights Monument on the corner of Elgin St. and Lisgar St. in Ottawa.
