Canadian Association of University Teachers

 
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CAUT Policies

Policy Statement on Academic Administrators Inside the Bargaining Unit¹

1
Where administrators in academic units are members of the bargaining unit, the academic staff association must negotiate in good faith on their behalf. Circumstances clearly differ from one university to another as to the complexity of administrators' duties and, as a consequence, the terms, conditions and procedures will differ. The minimum terms are:

(a) release time so that the person is able to perform the duties of the position;

(b) provisions in respect of a return to full-time academic duties, which may include the right to sabbatical;

(c) the right to due process in appointment, recall, removal and renewal; and

(d) the right to full protection of academic freedom.

2
Any administrative stipend attached to the position of an academic administrator who is a member of the bargaining unit shall be paid to the member only for the duration of their administrative appointment.

3
The academic staff association should include in the collective agreement:

(a) procedures for participation of the members of the academic unit in the selection of the academic administrator;

(b) procedures for participation of members of the academic unit in the periodic review and potential recall of the academic administrator by due process.

Approved by CAUT Council, May 1979; amended, November 2004.

Endnote
1. Labour relations boards have normally included academic administrators, such as chairpersons and librarians exercising supervisory duties in bargaining units, either by express ruling, or by accepting the agreement of the parties. The most important factors in determining those who are excluded are the ability to hire and to discipline.