The Ohio University chapter of the American Association of University Professors called for the university to halt faculty non-renewals Monday in a letter to OU President Duane Nellis.
In an open letter published on its website, OU-AAUP wrote it was “disappointed in (the administration’s) lack of transparency and engagement with faculty” and asked for Nellis to make a public commitment to halt the non-renewal of employment contracts for instructional faculty.
“We understand that there are budget challenges ahead and no plan will make everyone happy,” the letter read. “What OU-AAUP will not tolerate, however, is being expected to silently watch as our colleagues who have helped build this institution are served with non-renewal notices.”
OU-AAUP published a previous open letter to Nellis in December, expressing faculty members’ concern about a lack of transparency about university budget decisions and potential cuts to faculty members.
OU-AAUP has not received a response to either letter from Nellis nor any other university administrators, according to the letter from Monday.
“To date, your Administration has rebuffed and ignored OU-AAUP’s attempts to influence and work with you on a sustainable response to the current budget situation. We are nevertheless ready and willing to put our disappointment aside and work alongside you to ensure Ohio University emerges stronger,” the letter read.
If Nellis does not make a public commitment to halt the further non-renewal of contracts by March 16, OU-AAUP claimed it will “begin to inform current students, prospective students, alumni, and local and state leaders of the radical changes that are taking place at (Ohio University),” according to the letter.
The organization considers this a last resort option.
The budget for programs that lack student involvement will be cut in order to put more funding toward more popular, growing programs that could build revenue for the university, Nellis said at the Faculty Senate meeting Monday.
Faculty Senate passed a resolution during the meeting, asking the university to increase transparency about university finances and have shared governance with faculty for all budget-related issues.
