Fact-finding brings issue of who should be considered FA members


Central Michigan University and the CMU Faculty Association are still at odds as to who should be considered a member of the FA.

The two sides met with fact finder Barry Goldman in Powers Hall Wednesday to discuss the remaining issues that separate both sides from reaching a new contract.

Among the issues was deciding what relation between members of the College of Medicine and coaches for CMU should have with the FA.

College of Medicine Dean Ernest Yoder was under oath as lawyers from both sides asked him how people interviewed for positions for the college reacted about the possibility of being a part of the FA.

"They were uniformly negative about being members of a bargaining unit," he said.

Lawyers for the FA brought up a discussion Yoder had with bargaining units about potential hires for CMED being a part of the group.

Yoder told lawyers, "If it becomes necessary, we will work with the FA," during the meeting with the bargaining group.

Derek van der Merwe, senior associate athletic director, said right now only three coaches are not a part of the FA: Dan Enos, football head coach; Ernie Ziegler, men's basketball coach; and Sue Guevarra, women's basketball coach.

While the FA has reported other coaches want to stay with the bargaining group, van der Merwe said that is not accurate.

"Twenty of 34 (coaches) were in support of moving outside the union," he said.

Issues come up when coaches leave because they are a part of the bargaining group, van der Merwe said.

Other Issues

Ray Christie, vice provost of Academic Administration, answered questions from lawyers about the current economic state of CMU, and said 94 percent of the current budget is from appropriations and tuition.

He was questioned about the financial feasibility of the current FA proposal and he said there was discussions about it between the bargaining teams.

"We've never stated we could not afford it," Christie said.

Christie later said he still thinks what CMU is offering is a "competitive raise."

Reappointment, tenure and promotion policies were also discussed; CMU proposes to extend the time in rank from four to five years for promoted professors to receive their salary increase.

Martin said this change would match the timeline for other promotion salaries, and be consistent with other comparable universities.

Also discussed was the FA's proposal to reduce the number of required meetings between college assistant or associate deans and FA members from twice a year.

Jennifer Green, history associate professor and FA bargaining team member, said the meetings were redundant because college deans already have the authority to speak to faculty members who are not meeting their requirements.

Robert Martin, associate vice provost of faculty and personnel services, said the meetings were a valuable practice, because they provide the opportunity to make sure the FA member is successful.

The next fact-finding hearing will take place Friday at 10 a.m. in Powers Hall 136.

University Editor Theresa Clift contributed to this report.

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