The Communiqué – Volume 48, No. 6 March 4, 2026
In This Issue:
- Steering Nominations
- Unit Standards
- Increases in Administrative Work
- International SOS Services
- OSAP Cuts
- All Out for OSAP Rally
- CUASA CU Collective Agreement
- Academic Freedom Townhall
- CUASA Feedback on Draft AI Framework for Carleton University
- CUASA Events
- OCUFA Updates
- CAUT Updates
Steering Nominations
CUASA is now accepting nominations for the Steering Committee! The Steering Committee is responsible for the implementation of the policies of the Association. More information and nomination forms can be found here. The deadline for nominations for President is Wednesday, April 15, at 4:30pm. The deadline for nominations for the remaining open positions is Friday, May 1, at 4:30pm.
Unit Standards
Under Article 10.3(a) of the Collective Agreement committees developing Unit Standards should represent “all the areas of specialization in the unit”. It has come to CUASA’s attention that in the development of unit standards some units are not including Teaching Stream members on the committee. If this is the case in your unit or if you have any other concerns about the process, please write to [email protected]. Unit standards are reviewed and voted on by all faculty members in a unit.
Increases in Administrative Work
Members have asked whether they can be required to complete tasks normally or previously performed by other workers on campus. The short answer is yes, subject to specific limitations and considerations.
The legitimate concern that arises the assignment of new duties to CUASA members is whether doing so results in a workload issue.
Administrative work is typically considered service to the university, and the collective agreement provides under article 12.5(b) that “An employee’s service shall be in reasonable balance with the employee’s other obligations, duties, and responsibilities as set out in this collective agreement.”
For research stream faculty, article 14.2(b)(ii) also provides that “Faculty Members shall have the right and responsibility to devote a reasonable portion of their time to meaningful scholarship and research activities.”
Members being assigned too much administrative work or service work generally, should contact CUASA to discuss if their service workload is infringing on their rights under article 12.5(b) and 14.2(b)(ii) (in the case of research stream faculty members) of the collective agreement. Each member’s workload concerns will have to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
CUASA members are reminded that they must work now and grieve later. This means that members must comply with lawful and safe employer orders because failing to do so puts them at risk of being disciplined for insubordination. Members retain the right to file grievances if they believe the work assignment violates the collective agreement, for example, if it represents an unreasonable increase in workload, falls outside their normal duties or past practice, or interferes with their research obligations.
CUASA strongly encourages members who are being asked to do additional service work to document it carefully and to note that it is outside their normal workload and temporary in nature, so it does not quietly become treated as part of their regular duties.
To consult with CUASA about a workload concern, please email [email protected]
International SOS Services
Carleton’s Environmental Health and Safety Department of Risk Management has asked CUASA to remind members of the benefits of registering with the Carleton International SOS when travelling abroad.
OSAP Cuts
CUASA would like to thank the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Anne Bowker for her response to Premier Doug Ford’s fundamental misunderstanding of the purposes and possibilities of post-secondary education in our province.
Ontario Federation of Labour Solidarity Statement
PSAC Ontario condemns OSAP grant cuts
*members who would like a copy of the Dean’s letter can write to [email protected]
CUASA CU Collective Agreement
CUASA is pleased to announce that the 2024-27 collective agreement between CUASA and Carleton University has been signed and is now available on the CUASA website, following ratification of the agreement in May 2025.
Academic Freedom Townhall
Many thanks to all who attended the February 5th Townhall on Academic Freedom. Hosted by a collective of campus unions and groups including CUASA, CUPE 4600, GSA, CUSA and PSAC 77000 the Townhall was an informative and lively discussion on the importance of academic freedom and what we can do as a community to protect it.
For information on upcoming Townhalls please follow CUASA on Bluesky and keep up with the Communiqué.
CUASA Feedback on Draft AI Framework for Carleton University
Thank you to members who provided feedback on Carleton’s AI Draft Framework which proposes to provide “guidance on the use of AI at Carleton”. Your feedback was collated and sent to Vice-Provost, Academic and Global Learning – Dr. David Hornsby. You can read the letter here. CUASA continues to meet with the employer on this topic.
CUASA Events
Ottawa Charge Game
On April 18th, join with CUASA members and friends to cheer on the Ottawa’s Professional Women’s hockey team Ottawa Charge as they face off against the New York Sirens!
CUASA has set aside 60 seats for members. Tickets will be $31 + fees ($36.04 total). Purchase your tickets here until March 28th!
In addition to what’s sure to be a thrilling match, the Ottawa Charge will also be celebrating Pride!
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Open House – Member Drop In
All members are invited to drop by the CUASA boardroom for coffee, snacks and conversation with CUASA’s President Dominique Marshall, members of CUASA staff and your fellow CUASA members. Learn about what your union is working on and share your work experiences on Carleton Campus.
Thursday March 12 – Noon to 1pm. CUASA Boardroom – 2009 Dunton Tower (20th Floor)
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Co-Operators Lunch and Learn
Co-operators are hosting a Thursday, March 12th, 2026.This session is for members to learn more about the program and explore specific features of their Co-operators insurance policies. CUASA has partnered with the Co-operators to provide discounted home and auto insurance rates to our membership. Register for the information session here.
OCUFA Updates
Wednesday, March 11 is Contract Faculty Social Media Day of Action. This year’s theme “Stop the Gigification of Faculty Work”, highlights the growing reliance on precarious academic labour and what it means for faculty, students, and the future of our universities.
We encourage faculty to join the conversation and show solidarity with contract faculty across Ontario. For more information visit the OCUFA website.
CAUT Updates
CAUT has asked CUASA to share the following survey.
The France-Quebec Chair on Contemporary Issues in Freedom of Expression (COLIBEX) is asking academic staff to complete a Survey on Academic Freedom. The survey, supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, is intended for academic staff in postsecondary education in Canada, with a special section for colleagues working as academic staff association representatives. The deadline for responses is April 1, 2026.
