RAAS Report
Friday, March 31, 2023
Ann Dennis, Editor
PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
These are busy times for the RAAS Executive and the Negotiating Team. For my part, in addition to negotiations, I have been trying my best to keep up with developments and build relationships in our sector, to deal with emerging issues here at Renison, and keep RAAS moving forward as an organization.
In regards that latter item, please make the time to come to the AGM (Tuesday April 11, 1:00-3:00, in the Dunker Family Lounge). While we do plan to create a hybrid option so that people can participate from remote locations, we (the RAAS Executive) really hope you will come in person so we can see each other in 3D for a change (in some cases for the first time!). We did agree on a “hospitality/social” budget at last year’s AGM, so there will be coffee and snacks at least, and we'll make sure there is time to just socialize.
Besides the social/relational aspects, the AGM is an important moment for us to come together, look at our financial situation, set a budget for the use of your union dues, discuss priorities for the coming year, hold our Executive to account (and/or applaud them!), and affirm our new Secretary-Treasurer (whoever we choose). I am thrilled that we have three nominees for Secretary-Treasurer this year (where last year we had only one). It is exciting to have new people, new perspectives, and new energy coming into the leadership of RAAS, and, personally, I will be more than happy to serve with whoever we elect. We have great choices!
Wendy and I have continued to meet on a monthly basis to exchange notes and discuss emerging issues. Very few issues have risen to discussion at that level, in recent months, and our meetings have been quite cordial. At the request of the VPAD, the RAAS Executive has agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding in order streamline the process of DTL searches and appointments. The MoU gives DTLs a right of first refusal on subsequent contracts and enables Chairs and Directors to re-appoint incumbent DTLs, rather than engaging in a search, when extending the DTL position makes sense.
While this MoU ends with the expiration of the current Collective Agreement and although the administration has been careful to say that it does not set a precedent for negotiations, I think this MoU bodes well for our Negotiation Team’s efforts to create more security for DTL appointments. What we lose in the process, however, is the opportunity to raise questions in Academic Council about why the plan is for another short-term contract rather than a permanent position, when program need is ongoing. Short-term contracts make sense in some cases, but I think we should all resist the ‘budgetary limitations’ narrative in relation to temporary versus continuing/permanent contracts, and press for permanent positions for precarious workers at every opportunity.
For the sake of brevity, I will forgo an exhaustive summary of all things CAUT and OCUFA (this time!). I think it is worth noting, however, because of the timing, that with passing of Bill 26, concerning sexual misconduct of university faculty members against students (or allegations thereof), all Universities in Ontario will be required to adopt a policy on sexual misconduct or violence before the Act comes into effect on July 1. While we should all get behind efforts to deal with sexual violence on campus, this particular Act has some serious flaws, including the potential imposition of draconian penalties across a wide range of offenses and allegations without due process. How this plays out in the UW community and at Renison itself should be of concern to us all, so watch for opportunities to engage in this very important discussion and contact me, your representative to OCUFA, for further information and analysis. Arriving at just and effective policy on this at Renison is going to require faculty input.
Once again, I want to encourage every member of RAAS to take advantage of networking, education, advocacy and other opportunities that come up through CAUT and OCUFA. If you see a CAUT or OCUFA event or activity that interests you, let a RAAS Executive committee member know, and we will try to make it happen.
Rob Case
RAAS President
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
The negotiating teams have been meeting and exchanging proposals regularly. We have had five 3-hour sessions and the mood, so far, is convivial. Unlike last time, the administration team (led by Kristiina Montero) has been bringing proposals to the table and returning counter-proposals in a timely fashion.
So far, we have been working on clarifying language governing under-enrolled courses, Renison Research Grants, and pregnancy/parental leave benefits. Our most substantive proposal so far has been on streamlining the appointment procedures for DTLs, giving those positions more continuity (e.g., giving DTLs the right of first refusal on subsequent contracts), and opening a pathway to permanency. We have not had a response to this proposal yet, but the MoU signed earlier this month suggests that the administration is open to a more streamlined search/hiring process and the right of first refusal at least.
We have had substantive back-and-forth on Tenure and Promotion, exploring different committee models. RAAS opened this negotiation by submitting a proposal for the retirement of the “VPAD-Tenure and Promotion Committee” (VPAD-TPC) and return to a one-committee (PTC) model. After considering a counter-proposal proposal for a more complex two-committee approach (similar to UW, Laurier and a number of larger institutions), the RAAS has submitted a counter-proposal rejecting the two-committee model in favour of a more robust one-committee model (similar to St. Jerome’s, Conrad Grebel, and most other smaller institutions in Ontario). This article is now in the admin team’s court.
We are currently considering proposals from the administration team concerning working conditions, workload, and service expectations, and we are exploring implications of different definitions of “seniority” on equity, diversity and justice priorities.
We have already started to hear from the administration team about budgetary restrictions, which we worry does not bode well for the negotiation of compensation. Even in these deficit years, however, it is quite obvious that while Renison must make choices, funds are allocated to areas that are considered a priority. Our position is that faculty salaries and working conditions – in parity with our comparators (UW and St. Jerome’s) – is a priority for maintaining the long-term quality, viability and reputation of our academic programs (not to mention the retention and wellbeing of our academic staff!).
Rob Case
Lead Negotiator
GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE
March's report of the RAAS Grievance Committee focuses on an issue OCUFA is currently exploring which is how to build equity into grievance processes. Several members from equity deserving groups have reported that the grievance process takes too long, and have asked OCUFA to explore more informal, alternative grievance resolution processes. Specific areas OCUFA is planning to explore;
The creation of an internal Investigatory Council as a place for conflict resolution-building
The reluctance of employers wanting to become involved at the informal resolution stage when disputes are equity related
Data and record keeping of grievance issues involving equity matters
If RAAS members have thoughts on any of the above points, please forward your thoughts to one of the members of the Grievance Committee. All answers will be held in confidence with identifiers removed prior to sharing with OCUFA. Members are Colleen McMillan, Meg Gibson, Amir Al-Azraki and Tracy Peressini.
Respectfully Submitted,
Colleen McMillan
Grievance Committee Representative
BOARD UPDATE
The Board met on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. We have two quick updates:
Finance Update
Motions were approved for two budgets: the 2023-24 draft budget and the 2023-24 Capital budget. Of note, the former budget was drafted without assistance from UW and remained inside the debt service ratio required by our financial lender (TD). The draft budget does have a non-cash deficit.
Board Advisory Group to the President for Collective Bargaining
Negotiations between the Employer and Association have begun. The Board’s Chair (Karen Spencer), Vice-Chair (Joseph Olubobokun), Treasurer (Shumiao Wang), and Chair of Governance (Thomas Littlewood) were appointed as a Board Advisory Group to support and work with the President on collective bargaining matters.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place in-person and on April 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Edwin Ng and Tracy Peressini
Faculty Board Representatives
RAAS LECTURERS COMMITTEE (LC) UPDATE
1. Consultations of the RAAS LC representatives with the RAAS President
In March this year, the members of a small working group of the LC continued consultations with the RAAS President about issues pertaining to the Lecturer membership, specifically the recent MoU regarding the renewal of short definite-term (DT) contracts (up to two years) as well as about fractional DT contracts for this group. Subsequent consultations and meetings between the RAAS Negotiation Team and the LC representatives will likely follow over the bargaining period between this negotiation team and the RUC Administration.
2. Participation in the OCUFA Social Media Day of Action (SM DoA)
In the last week of February 2023, RAAS Lecturers joined in the SM DoA organized by the OCUFA Contract Faculty Committee (CFC). To express their advocacy for the most precariously employed faculty at RUC as well as across Ontario, the lecturers at this institution met briefly on February 28 and took a picture of their meeting with the OCUFA CFC-designed graphics in the background. In addition to that, a full-time faculty member interviewed a Definite-term Lecturer at this college to talk about some positive aspects of their employment as well as challenges and concerns related to the precarious nature of DT contracts. The video is available at: RAAS Lecturers Advocating for Contract Faculty (Feb. 2023). It was also posted on the OCUFA’s Facebook page.
FAUW LECTURERS COMMITTEE (LC) UPDATE
1. Preparing for the 2023 Lecturer Town Hall
The committee has started preparing for the annual Lecturer Town Hall to be held at the beginning of April this year. Because the mediation over the Policy 76-77 (Faculty Appointments, and Tenure and Promotion of Faculty Members, respectively; both re. teaching stream faculty) revisions has been extended, the focus of the Town Hall will be on other issues such as clauses in Continuing Letters or Definite-term lecturer reappointment letters. Consequently, a representative from the FAUW Academic Freedom and Tenure (AF&T) Committee will participate as a guest.
2. FAUW Board elections and governance review
The Chair encouraged the committee members to apply to become a FAUW Board member as well as to vote in the elections. The position of a lecturer on the Board and those of member at large positions are available. The terms of service on this board are for two years, renewable for another term. The due date for nominations was March 23. The voting will take place between March 27 and April 6.
The Chair also shared the news about the FAUW governance review with CAUT. The main consideration for this review is the FAUW working structure, including the standing committees’ right to have a vote on the FAUW Board. Interviews of different committee members and the Board members will be conducted.
OCUFA CONTRACT FACULTY COMMITTEE (CFC) UPDATE
1. The OCUFA CFC’s Social Media Day of Action (SM DoA)
At the end of February this year, CFC organized its SM DoA. The engagement of contract faculty (CF) at different institutions in Ontario lasted throughout the week (to the beginning of March 2023). To find out how CF across Ontario participated in this initiative, check the OCUFA’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OCUFA . The successes and lessons from the SM DoA are summarized in SM DoA 2023 overview.pdf.
2. Participation in OCUFA’s petition to protect public universities
Before the delivery of the 2023 Federal Budget on March 28, CFC members encouraged their colleagues to participate in the OCUFA email petition to key Ministers to prevent another crisis like that of Laurentian University and to hold the government accountable to its election promise and reform the CCAA and Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (BIA).
Aga Wolczuk
RAAS Lecturers Committee Co-chair
Renison Representative on FAUW Lecturers Committee
OCUFA CFC Member
FAUW UPDATE
Check out the latest FAUW news, including a look at their new website!
SATIRE
CBC Gem to crack down on password sharing as soon as anyone signs up for a paid account
March 1, 2023, The Beaverton
As Netflix cracks down on people sharing passwords in order to boost its revenue, CBC Gem has announced that it too will stop all of its paid Premium Account members from sharing their password just as soon as someone signs up for the service.
CAUT NEWS
The CAUT Dedicated Service Award was established to recognize exceptional service provided by individuals at the local or provincial level. This award is granted by CAUT upon receipt of a recommendation from a local, provincial or federated association.
The expectation is that individuals who are recommended for the award will be those who have been particularly dedicated members of the association and have served it with distinction.
Recipients of the award will:
Receive a certificate of recognition from CAUT, which will be provided to the association for presentation to the recipient; and
Have their name listed in the CAUT Bulletin, put on the CAUT website and announced at the next CAUT Council meeting.
Nominations can be made at any time using this form.
If you have any questions or concerns about the nomination process, please email CAUTawards-prixACPPU@caut.ca.
OCUFA NEWS
RAAS is a member of the Ontario Confederation of University CAUT Associations (OCUFA), a province-wide association of our peers.
Laurentian University says it is helping fill French teacher shortage
March 27, 2023, The Sudbury Star
A unique incentive to enrol in Laurentian University’s French-language bachelors of education is now available to Francophone students.
Ontario to train more doctors for people - and for animals
March 23, 2023, Kristin Rushowy, Toronto Star
The province is pledging funding for more students to attend medical school while also creating a joint veterinary program between Lakehead University and the University of Guelph.
Canadian universities need to be more inclusive for Para athletes, says Paralympic Athletes’ Council Chair
March 15, 2023, Mark Keast, CBC.ca
Canadian universities need to prioritize providing Para athletes with better access to facilities, sports science, therapy, coaching, accommodations and tutors for academic support.
Peterborough Public Library to be recognized as Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund Legacy Space
March 8, 2023, Greg Davis, Global News
The Peterborough Public Library will be the first public library to honour of the late musician Gord Downie, and First Nations boy, Chanie Wenjack, who died after fleeing a residential school in 1966 in Kenora, Ontario.
University of Saskatchewan launches website aimed at rooting out Indigenous identity fraud
March 3, 2023, Geoff Leo, CBC Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan has launched a website aimed at verifying membership or citizenship in Indigenous communities.
Mark Your Calendars!
Please make note of the following three items that are coming up in February, March, and April:
| ITEM | KEY DATE |
|---|---|
| 2023 RAAS AGM | Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 1pm to 3pm, Dunker Family Lounge. In person Hybrid option is available |
Service to RAAS
Thank you to those who agreed to be nominated for the Secretary-Treasurer role. Service to the union is one of the most rewarding and valuable contributions you will give to the institution, and it is recognized as service in our Annual Reviews. We appreciate your support in helping us make our community the best it can be!
Member Spotlight
Hello wonderful RAAS members!
I have been at Renison since Fall 2018, and have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with students, staff, and faculty across our different programs. I did my undergraduate degree (way back when) at Harvard University and both my master’s and doctorate at the University of Toronto. I am currently an associate professor in both the School of Social Work and the department of Social Development Studies.
One thing I really appreciate about my role is the chance to think across disciplines. My research and teaching focus on two main areas: disability studies and 2SLGBTQ+ communities – and these fields are also interdisciplinary! As a registered social worker, I also bring many years of experience working directly with individuals and families in the community. I believe that it is important to bring lots of different perspectives to address the challenges faced by the communities we live and work in. I have been especially privileged to work with Autistic and neurodivergent communities in designing and conducting research.
I also love helping students to get excited about research, whether this happens in the MSW Advanced Social Work Research course, in SDS Research Apprenticeships, or in social work research placements. Far too often students have learned that research is something that “other people” do, rather than something they can learn about and participate in. Once they see the many different ways there are to do research, and the role the research can have in supporting social change, they are usually hooked!
I live with my two teens, my wife, our puggle named Henry, and our tuxedo cat named Cupcake Jones. I enjoy gardening, running, watching frothy shows, and doing jigsaw puzzles.
Meg Gibson
