Weekly Update – October 15, 2021
October 15, 2021
Weekly Update – October 15, 2021
COVID-19 Campus Update
Late Wednesday evening, October 13, CUASA received a message from Deputy Provost Lorraine Dyke asking to meet with the Association to provide updates on new recommendations from the Carleton University Scenario Planning Working Group. Dr. Dyke indicated these recommendations include discussions about lab capacities, as well as Carleton’s strategy to be followed if Ottawa Public Health lifts physical distancing. Dr. Dyke’s last-minute offer was to meet with CUASA yesterday, October 15, in order to update the Association on these proposed changes before they are brought to Senate today.
CUASA informed Dr. Dyke that it is not able to attend an information session on such short notice. Given the significance of this issue, particularly in regard to its potential effects on workplace health and safety, CUASA told Dr. Dyke the University can seek consultation on this at the upcoming JCAA meeting that is scheduled for next Thursday, October 21.
The Association feels that less than 24 hours’ notice being provided for a discussion on such important topics is inappropriate and does not constitute meaningful consultation. We have repeatedly asked the University to consult with CUASA in earnest, not through last minute invitations and rushed timelines. CUASA will provide the University with its feedback and comments in the appropriate consultation forums, namely the JCAA, once it has had an opportunity to review the materials.
CUASA also asked that this item be placed on agenda of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) for full consultation with all campus unions.
CUASA Business
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 contact Marylynn Steckley, at [email protected].
Academic Community Updates
CAUT Fair Employment Week
Fair Employment Week is CAUT’s annual campaign to raise awareness about precarious employment on campuses and support local organizing to improve the working conditions of contract academic staff. FEW is taking place from October 18 to 22, 2021.
FEW events that have taken place in the past include tabling, op-eds, a letter to the institution’s President, social media actions, professional development workshops, and celebrations of the contributions of contract academic staff.
For more information, click here.
CAUT joins SPUL and FQPPU in denouncing proposed changes to governance at the University of Laval
CAUT joins the Fédération Québecoise des Professeures et Professeurs d’Université (FQPPU) and the Syndicat des professeurs et professeures de l’Université Laval (SPUL) in denouncing the University of Laval’s proposed changes to its statutes which would undermine the core principle of collegial governance.
To keep reading, click here.
Report cites concerns over academic freedom and governance at the University of British Columbia
CAUT has released an investigative report which found that a “history of failed governance” at the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies (PWIAS) contributed to challenges around academic freedom raised by the former director of PWIAS, Philippe Tortell.
To keep reading, click here.
