University of San Diego Faculty Strike Over Course Cancellations

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Faculty members rally in solidarity during the University of San Diego strike.

News Summary

Nearly 200 faculty members at the University of San Diego have initiated a strike in response to mass course cancellations and allegations of union busting. The strike, involving faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences, aims to protest decisions made without proper dialogue. The union claims the actions are illegal and have sparked concerns about future course availability. Amidst the strike, the university emphasizes its commitment to maintaining educational standards while facing labor relations challenges.

San Diego – Nearly 200 faculty members at the University of San Diego (USD) have begun a strike to protest mass course cancellations and allegations of union busting. The strike, initiated on Wednesday and scheduled to conclude on Thursday evening, involves faculty affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, representing the College of Arts and Sciences.

The faculty members contend that USD cancelled courses for the current spring semester without proper discussions regarding the ramifications, an action the union classifies as illegal. Faculty leaders have expressed strong feelings about these measures, with one theatre lecturer labeling the course cuts as a “slap in the face.” Concerns about potential mass course cancellations for the upcoming fall semester within the arts and sciences department are also rising among faculty members.

In April, the faculty filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over the spring semester cancellations. Recent evaluations by the union indicated that around 25% of non-tenure track faculty for the fall 2024 semester are not currently booked to teach courses in the fall 2025 schedule. The actions taken by the university have led to speculation among faculty that the institution is enacting punitive measures against those who formed a union last year.

The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Noelle Norton, acknowledged the challenging landscape of higher education in an email communication. She expressed a hope that faculty who choose to remain on the job will continue providing instruction despite the strike. Norton, however, noted that the university views the timing of the strike as “disappointing and unfortunate,” particularly regarding its responsibility to ensure students’ academic progress.

In response to the strike, USD released a statement indicating that while it had bargained in good faith with the union, fulfilling certain union demands could result in substantial tuition increases. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining educational standards and operational continuity. During the strike, faculty who are not participating are expected to continue their teaching responsibilities.

The SEIU has directed striking faculty to abstain from holding classes, office hours, or meetings, which includes refraining from grading or preparing for current and upcoming courses. Organized events are planned during the strike’s duration, including a rally at noon on Thursday to rally support from colleagues, students, alumni, and community members, culminating in a march to the President’s Office.

This strike carries significant implications not only for faculty rights within USD but also sheds light on broader issues involving labor relations and course management at the university. As the strike progresses, the responses from both faculty and administration will likely shape future negotiations and the operational landscape for USD.