American Association of University Professors
University of Delaware Chapter


301 McDowell Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE  19716
Phone: 302-831-2292; Fax: 302-831-4119; E-mail: aaup-mail@udel.edu


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Minutes from April 11, 2005 Executive Council Meeting

10-11:30 am; 302 McDowell Hall

Present: L. Bucher, L. Campbell, D. Colton, S. Dentel, K. Kerrane, S. Pollack, D. Smith, and J. Van Name

President Linda Bucher called the meeting to order. Executive Council went into Executive Session to receive David Smith's Grievance Officer's Report.

Bargaining

A summary of recent negotiations at the bargaining table, prepared by Kevin Kerrane, was shared with the Exec Council. Chief Negotiator David Colton began the discussion about the Arts & Sciences buyout policy proposed by Maxine Colm. While it does change the buyout from 1/6 (16.7%) to 1/8 (12.5%) for one course, it still includes the cost of an s-contract. What is unique about Arts & Sciences is that they return a portion of the buyout to the department. An additional statement clarifying the S-contract costs will be necessary. David will ask Maxine to further clarify the policy at the bargaining table.

It was reported that both sides of the table presented data regarding the cost of living. Administration presented a proposal for a three-year contract with total salary increases (across-the-board + merit) of: 3.25% in the first year, 3.5% in the second and 3.5% in the third. Structural adjustments were limited to full professors only, with $500 in the second year and $1,000 in the third. Administration requested a counter offer from the AAUP bargaining team. Using the AAUP chart of average faculty salaries at Mid-Atlantic doctoral universities as its basis, the AAUP team presented the following counter proposal for structural adjustments:

Rank 1st year 2nd year 3rd year Total
Full professors $750 $1,000 $1,250 $3,000
Associates $300 $450 $600 $1,350
Assistants $500 $700 $900 $2,100

This represents a .7 - .8% budget impact for structural change. In addition, the union team included the following salary increases: 3.75% for the first year, 4% for the second and 4.5% for the third. Instead of a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment, we may get a significant increase in the third year. Our counter offer is slightly lower than our original request. The question seems to be, how much will the UD pay for a three-year contract? Saul Hoffman's sources projected inflation going down in the future, which actually builds a case for COLA. COLA plus 1.5% would be good; however, administration does not seem to like COLA.

It was noted that we need structural adjustments for Assistant and Associate Professors, as well as Professors. The bulk of our members are Assistant and Associate Professors. It was noted that the bargaining team is made up of full Professors. It was also noted that some Chemistry faculty feel that as they work their way up, they are still below average; therefore, some Associate Professors seek opportunities elsewhere.

David Colton stated that we do not necessarily have to reach agreement by June. Administration would like a three-year contract. We too would like a three-year contract including COLA. If there is no COLA and inflation is greater in the third year than the across-the-board adjustment, we could ask for a re-opener clause. We could also ask for COLA in the third year. If we receive a decent enough offer in the third year, it will be difficult to get COLA. A re-opener clause buys into President Roselle's philosophy of providing for the cost of living.

Bargaining sessions are scheduled for Wed. April 13 and Wed. April 20, 2005. David stressed the importance of getting feedback from the Steering Committee. A Steering Committee meeting will be scheduled for 10 am Friday, April 22, 2005 in 202 Alison Hall.

David Colton reported on his visit with Chemistry faculty (see below) and then he and Kevin Kerrane departed.

Treasurer's Report

Sheldon reported that the finances are in order. He will ask Rita to move $50,000 from the checking account to the Morgan Stanley account. He also mentioned that we might wish to reconsider whether it is necessary to "incorporate". He suggested that we revisit this in the fall. Sheldon also reported on James C. Godwin II's response to Sheldon's letter regarding the contract to write the history of the UD - AAUP. Our concern seems to be whether there are any materials that he owes us. He has been paid $3500, plus some funds for supplies. Linda will get in touch with Gerry Turkel and Carol Hoffecker regarding this case.

Executive Council went into Executive Session to receive Leon Campbell's Contract Maintenance Officer's Report.

Leon also reported that the removal of "Lecturer" from the Faculty Handbook would make it necessary to replace it with "full-time temporary faculty". Full-time temporary faculty members have voting privileges in Departments.

Old Business

Linda reported that we received 69 responses to the second ballot (due to a correction) to revise the AAUP bylaws. The votes thus far are overwhelmingly (66-3) in support of the revisions. Deadline for voting is 4/15.

Linda's informational meeting with the faculty in the Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management program went very well.

David Colton also reported on the informational meeting with Chemistry faculty members. They expressed concern that they were not getting enough credit for their role in supervising graduate students. They also wanted more support from the AAUP. Their students are involved in research and they teach them in the process. It will be up to the Chemistry faculty to review their workload policies.

A report of the fiscal year 2006 campus-parking budget prepared by Lawrence O. Thornton, Jr., Department of Public Safety, was shared with Exec Council.

New Business

The AAUP Student Awards Committee chaired by Robert Taggart selected two recipients for the student awards for graduate study (at $2,000 each): Jennifer H. Adams and Christine M. Tate. A brief summary about them will be included in the May newsletter and they will each be recognized on Honors Day.

National AAUP News

We were reminded of the AAUP Summer Institute as well as the 91st Annual Meeting, June 9 - 12, 2005 in Washington, DC.

Future Meetings

Steering Committee/Department Reps: 4-22-05, 10 am, 202 Alison Hall
Executive Council: 5-16-05, 10 am, 302 McDowell

Respectfully submitted by Judith Van Name