Message from UWFA President

Pauline Pearson, UWFA President

My exams are written and the carols are playing in my office, which can mean only one thing—the end of the term is rapidly approaching and with it a welcome rest. I would like to extend warm holiday wishes to you all and congratulate you on a successful term.

I’ve now held the position of UWFA President for six months, and it seems timely to reflect on the successes and failures of my tenure thus far. I’m happy to report that more successes come to mind than failures. To end on a happy note, let me begin with the one failure that comes to mind. As many of you may recall, this summer I wrote a letter to Dr. Axworthy about the vacancy management plan and
asked that he speak to faculty. Despite a positive reply and subsequent reassurances in late September, no meeting is scheduled. I view this as unfortunate as I know many of you were eager to hear from him. I will continue to encourage him to address the Membership.

But we have enjoyed many successes over the past six months. There was a wonderful soiree on October 27 which was planned by Marissa Dudych and Hugh Grant with the support of the Membership Committee. (See pictures of that event in this issue.) I was pleased to see many of you there and to have the opportunity to meet new faculty. The food prepared by Diversity Food Services was outstanding and the caricaturist appeared to be a real hit, despite my initial reservations. I hope you will join us at future events organized by the Membership Committee. If you have an event that you would like to suggest, please contact Peter Ives.

The Communications Committee, chaired by Tracy Whalen, has produced several well-received newsletters, is working on a new logo, reviewing our policies on communications, and is contemplating changes to the website. Allen Mills and the members of the Constitution, Bylaws and Policy Committee are actively improving transparency at the UWFA by clarifying the policies of the organization and are increasing the diversity of the UWFA Council by adding a representative for faculty with term positions. Lisa McGifford has successfully negotiated the inclusion of lab instructors as part of UWFA. This means that we are 62 members stronger and can better protect the rights of these individuals. All of the staff and members of the UWFA committees play a critical role in each of the successes that we attain.

CAUT assisted us in providing training in grievance handling and collective bargaining.

I am pleased to announce that Catherine Hunter is the new UWFA Grievance Officer and a welcome addition to Council. In addition, the Collegiate faculty have approved a mandate for their upcoming negotiations.

Another notable success that may not be ours, but in which many UWFA Members played a supporting role, is the new Collective Agreement that was successfully negotiated by our colleagues at Brandon University. This success was hard won and a real accomplishment, given the egregious tactics of the University and the Manitoba government to derail the process. Their struggle is a warning and their solidarity is an inspiration to us all. Thanks to all the Members who participated in flying pickets and supported our BUFA brothers and sisters by joining their picket line. As BUFA Member Dick Henley writes in this newsletter, the presence of UWFA Members was very much appreciated and played an important role in their solidarity and morale.

Of course, I would be remiss not to mention ongoing issues. Student Evaluations of Teaching remain a topic of discussion. We are working together with the Employer to resolve concerns about the summary mandatory assessment, as well as to implement a voluntary formative assessment system that would provide additional information about teaching effectiveness. I am continuing my efforts to resolve difficulties with the new Contract Faculty office (3C70); we are also planning sessions to start preparing for Contract Academic Staff negotiations. I hope both Regular and Contract Academic Staff will join those discussions about a bargaining mandate.

Thanks to all who have made my role as UWFA President so rewarding. I appreciate your dedication, hard work, and support. Happy holidays!