Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Over the holiday break, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) formally disclaimed any interest in further representing our non-tenure-track and part-time faculty. In response to this formal disclaimer, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) revoked the SEIU’s certification as the collective-bargaining representative. Finally, on Friday, January 5, the NLRB allowed the SEIU to withdraw its previously filed Unfair Labor Practice charge and dismissed its Unfair Labor Practice complaint against the university. With that, the four-year-old legal dispute between the SEIU and the university is now finished.

But our work to support our faculty—all of our faculty—is far from over. To those who have passionately argued for change in the university’s relationship with our non-tenure-track and part-time faculty: we hear your message. Today marks a new opportunity to address the concerns you have raised, including shared governance, faculty titles, employment security, compensation and work space on campus. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we have a special calling to care for and value each member of our campus community and we must be accountable in fulfilling that commitment.

I have been in discussions regarding this matter with both Interim Provost Bob Dullea and Provost-designee Shane Martin. We are all committed to work directly with our non-tenure-track and part-time faculty to determine how best to support their success and needs. Bob will be sharing additional updates in the near future.

While we may not always have agreed, I am grateful for your willingness to engage thoughtfully and energetically on these important issues over the past few years. I am committed to working cooperatively and constructively with all faculty on our shared goals for the university and its work environment.

Sincerely,

Stephen V. Sundborg, S.J.
President