American Association of University Professors
As we reported to you in September, the Ohio House of Representatives had formed a “Higher Education Reform Study Committee” that traveled around the state seeking input on various aspects of higher education in Ohio.
OCAAUP President John McNay testified at one of the hearings, setting the record straight about faculty workload and administrative bloat.
Earlier this week, the Chair of the Committee, Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville), held a press conference at which he unveiled a 59-page report that outlined findings and recommendations of the committee (although 21 pages of the report is summary of testimony given at the hearings). Among other things, the report emphasizes reductions in remediation, the benefits of dual enrollment, more closely tying in workforce development, and addressing student debt and financial literacy. Additionally, the report recommends “establish[ing] higher education benchmarks for operational efficiency,” as well as financially rewarding institutions that reduce expenditures.
We can briefly rejoice that there was no mention of state mandates for faculty workload; although we will closely monitor how the legislature and universities might interpret the best ways for universities to cut down on spending.
We wanted to share with you that OCAAUP President John McNay had an editorial published online by the Cleveland Plain Dealer that helped to dispel many of the misconceptions about unions, as well as the faulty promises of “right-to-work” laws.
You can access the piece by clicking here.
Perhaps purely by coincidence, 10 days after publishing McNay’s article, the Plain Dealereditorial board came out with its own anti-“right-to-work” editorial, saying that “right-to-work would be an unnecessary and divisive fight in Ohio.”
We are pleased to announce that the 2014 Ohio Conference AAUP Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Collective Bargaining Congress (CBC) Midwest Regional Meeting, Friday, April 11 through Saturday, April 12 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel.
As in years previous, the Annual Meeting will begin with a reception and dinner on Fridayevening, and we will have a short business meeting on Saturday morning. Following the Conference’s business meeting, the CBC portion of the weekend will begin, which will include a short business meeting followed by a series of workshops. There will be workshops of benefit to both collective bargaining and advocacy members.
Please note that during the business portion of the Conference meeting, there will be a vote to dissolve the Conference’s 501(c)(3) tax entity. As we have reported in previous communications, the Conference initiated a new 501(c)(6) entity so that we are not limited in the advocacy work we engage in on behalf of our members. An online registration has been set-up by National AAUP, which you can access by clicking here. Registration is only $25. A block of guest rooms has been reserved for that Friday and Saturday night at a special rate of $115/night. Reservations must be made by Friday, March 14 in order to receive the reduced rate. While you may still be able to reserve a room after March 14, it will be at the regular hotel rate, which is significantly higher.
To make your hotel reservation online, click here.
You can also reserve your room by calling toll-free at (877) 901-6632 or locally at (614) 228-5050.
You must mention that you are with the “Ohio Conference AAUP Annual Meeting” to receive the special rate. For additional details, including a preliminary agenda and scheduled speakers, visit our events page.