University of San Diego Faculty Prepare to Strike Over Course Cuts

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Faculty members rally outside USD to advocate for their rights amidst course cancellations.

News Summary

Nearly 200 faculty members at the University of San Diego are set to strike in response to recent course cancellations and allegations of union-busting by the administration. The strike, organized by USD’s College of Arts and Sciences, will last until Thursday evening. Faculty express concerns over mass course cancellations affecting future job security and academic offerings. Union members allege that course cuts are retaliatory actions against their unionization efforts. Despite the strike, the university plans to keep classes running for non-participating faculty.

San Diego – Nearly 200 faculty members at the University of San Diego (USD) are set to strike on Wednesday in response to recent course cancellations and allegations of union-busting practices by the university administration. The strike is organized by union faculty members from USD’s College of Arts and Sciences and will last until Thursday evening.

The strike is a reaction to widespread concerns about mass course cancellations that occurred in the current spring semester. Faculty members assert that these course cuts were implemented without adequate discussion or negotiation regarding their consequences. Many faculty see this as a direct attack on their rights and an infringement on their ability to educate students effectively.

Soroya Rowley, a lecturer in theatre at USD, has voiced her strong feelings about the situation, describing the university’s actions as “a slap in the face” to faculty members. The union making these allegations, Service Employees International Union Local 721, recently filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board due to this incident, signaling the seriousness of the faculty’s claims.

Concerns about potential further course cuts are growing among the faculty, especially regarding the upcoming fall semester. Data revealed during a union review indicated that approximately 25% of non-tenure track faculty who taught in the fall of 2024 are currently not scheduled for classes in the fall of 2025, intensifying worries about job security and the future of academic offerings.

Rowley and other faculty members have suggested that these course cuts are retaliatory actions in response to their efforts to form a union last year. Dean Noelle Norton acknowledged the conflict in an email to faculty and staff, referring to the current situation as “difficult times” within the realm of higher education. She expressed hope that faculty, including union members, would continue their teaching responsibilities to aid students in completing their courses.

Despite the conflict, the university has stated that it respects the faculty’s rights to free speech and assembly. However, USD highlighted its obligation to ensure that students maintain their academic progress and complete their studies uninterrupted. The administration stated that the timing of the strike is “disappointing and unfortunate,” particularly as it coincides with the end of the semester and final examination period.

The university also emphasized its commitment to negotiating in good faith and cautioned that the union’s demands could potentially lead to significant increases in undergraduate tuition costs. In preparation for the strike, the union has instructed its participating faculty members not to engage in any teaching activities, including holding office hours, sending emails, grading assignments, or preparing for courses.

The strike is scheduled to commence at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and conclude at 9 p.m. on Thursday. In addition to the strike, a rally is set to take place at noon on Thursday, where faculty, students, alumni, and community supporters will march to the President’s Office to further advocate for their cause.

While the strike is projected to cause disruptions, Dean Norton has confirmed that the campus will remain open and that classes will continue for faculty not participating in the strike, ensuring that academic operations are minimally affected during this time.

As the strike approaches, further updates from the university were released at 6 p.m. the evening prior, indicating ongoing communication and efforts to address the situation.