NEW FACULTY ORIENTATION
An information session was held on Sept 18 for new faculty as well as shop stewards (departmental reps). Outlining a “typical” career path, we touched on some of the provisions of the 12th Collective Agreement (CA) that would come into play over the course of a career at Acadia: from annual career development meetings (Article 15), through applications for renewal, tenure, and promotion (12) and leaves (24), right up to retirement (23 – Pensions). Because most of the people in attendance were full-time faculty, we focused mainly on a typical career for that group; some provisions are different for Part-time Faculty (11), Instructors (43), and Librarians (45-55).
We also covered some of the provisions of the CA that govern our work on a day-to-day basis, particularly Working Conditions (17), and Professional and Personal Development Allowances (25). And we covered some things that are (we hope) not part of a typical career, but are important to be aware of nonetheless: Discipline (14) and Grievances (18). With respect to the latter, it is crucial for members to inform a grievance officer (either directly or via their shop steward) as soon as possible if they think they are being treated in a way that violates the CA; consulting a grievance officer in no way commits the member to filing a grievance, but failing to do so promptly may make it more difficult or impossible later.
While the information did cover a few of “the basics” of the CA, ultimately it is the responsibility of the member to be aware of its provisions and to make the Association aware if these are not being followed. The CA governs how we do what we do here. Familiarity with the CA is important to ensure that its provisions are being applied properly – that it is working for you. And it is important to understand that the CA is a document that we collectively have a voice in authoring. The 12th CA will expire in June 2010. Now is the time to start thinking about what the 13th should look like, and working towards achieving it.
Andrew Biro