Faculty separations remain consistent despite tumultuous year, ratified contract

Data shows the number of faculty who left Central Michigan University during the 2011-12 academic year remained consistent despite turmoil between the Faculty Association and the administration.

There were 40 total faculty separations. This includes 20 retirements, 17 resignations and three cases of denied tenure and non-reappointment.

These numbers are consistent with previous years.

In 2010-11, there were 37 total faculty separations from the university: 18 retirements, 14 resignations, two non-reappointments and one death. There were similar numbers in 2009-10 with 17 retirements, 20 resignations, one discharge, one death, six non-reappointments and two who did not return from leave, making a total of 43 separations.

Matt Serra, director of faculty personnel services, said Friday he did not think last year’s contract negotiations affected the number of faculty separations or hires for this year.

“I have no knowledge of any such claims and cannot comment on what appears to be speculation,” he said. “… Based on the data, it does not appear to have had any effect.”

Serra said departments employ various methods to attract and maintain faculty members.

“After hiring a new faculty member, the department, college and university make every effort to create an environment in which he/she can be successful,” Serra said. “This includes providing resources, guidance and, in some cases, direct mentorship.”

Faculty members voiced their concerns about the tense relationship with the administration and were uncertain of the future, Central Michigan Life reported in January.

Sociology Department Chairwoman Brigitte Bechtold told CM Life in January she didn’t think the contract was a good compromise.

“I am disappointed by the outcome,” she said. “I don’t think this is a good contract. I think that faculty and administration relationships still have a lot of issues, and the contract is only one of several.”

James Hill, a professor of political science, told CM Life previously he felt the relationship between the FA and administration was severely damaged.

“The wounds are very deep,” Hill said. “This will take some positive outreach to the faculty by the administration to begin what I think will be a long healing process.”