OUR NEW PRESIDENT
In addition participation on the search committee, attendance at the candidate forums and studying candidates’ backgrounds,177 faculty members responded to our United Faculty candidate survey (with only a 48 hour turn around!). According to regents and others, the survey findings were an important part of the committee and regent deliberations. Special thanks to UF Vice President Becky Wilson Hawbaker who represented UF on the committee. She did a fantastic job of standing up for AAUP principles.
United Faculty also extends our heartfelt appreciation to Jim Wohlpart. Jim’s willingness to go through the search process was motivated by his deep commitment to UNI. It is important that we acknowledge and honor his commitment.
We also thank Dean Brenda Bass for all she accomplished during her time as Interim Provost. She was tremendously collaborative and effective in her work with United Faculty. She has our sincere respect and appreciation.
With the presidential search in our rear view mirror we must focus on major challenges that lie ahead. Just prior to Thanksgiving break, United Faculty and the Board of Regents exchanged our initial contract negotiation proposals. Later this week, I’ll send you copies and summaries of each proposal. The bargaining team has formulated our first counter offer (to be exchanged on December 15th).
Along with contract negotiations, all of Iowa’s public employees, are facing the grave risk of a legislative assault upon Iowa statues that enable us to bargain collectively (see my recent email “A Gathering Storm“). I cannot overstated the seriousness and complexity of this situation. We probably will not know what form the assault will take until after the legislature convenes in early January. I’ll provide more information as it becomes available. Until then, be prepared to mobilize on behalf of our faculty collective bargaining rights.
Thank you again to everyone who empowers our faculty voice. Faculty working conditions are student learning conditions.
Onward,
Joe Gorton
President, United Faculty
