We may not be done with bargaining, but United Academics of Ohio University is a certified union whose members now have certain legal rights and protections. This includes the right for anyone in our bargaining unit to have union representation present at any disciplinary meeting with management. In light of the implementation of the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (AOHEA, also known as Senate Bill 1) this right has become even more important than before. 

One of the core values that animated organizing UAOU is the defense of academic freedom. With the university revamping its policies in ways that place our teaching and research under greater scrutiny and pressure, we now have trained faculty union stewards who can be present with you and ensure that your rights are protected. This right could extend to other potentially disciplinary issues that faculty may encounter that are not immediately related to AOHEA, whether it is the right to engage in protest, or other more everyday issues such as being disciplined for refusing to go above an agreed-upon classroom enrollment cap. 

If you are facing an issue, have questions about policies, are not sure if this applies to your situation, or want to participate in stewardship training, reach out to unitedacademicsofou@gmail.com or talk to a union member colleague in your department or college.