University of San Diego Faculty Strike Over Course Cancellations

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Faculty members gather for a rally at the University of San Diego to demand fair treatment and negotiations regarding course cancellations.

News Summary

Nearly 200 faculty members at the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences initiated a two-day strike to protest mass course cancellations and alleged union-busting actions by the administration. The strike embodies growing tensions regarding employment stability and teaching conditions, with faculty expressing concerns over unilateral course cuts and retaliatory measures linked to their union efforts. As negotiations unfold, the strike emphasizes the need for equitable discussions about faculty rights and employment conditions amidst significant challenges in higher education.

San Diego – Nearly 200 faculty members from the University of San Diego’s College of Arts and Sciences began a two-day strike on Wednesday, protesting mass course cancellations and alleged union-busting actions by the university. The strike, organized by faculty represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721, highlights increasing tensions between the university’s administration and faculty regarding teaching conditions and employment stability.

Faculty members claim that course cuts implemented for the current spring semester were made without prior negotiations over their implications. The striking faculty are particularly concerned about alleged retaliatory actions by the university linked to their union efforts initiated last year. Observations indicate that approximately 25% of non-tenure track faculty members who taught in fall 2024 are not scheduled for courses in fall 2025, raising concerns about future employment opportunities and the impact on academic programs.

This strike is designed to emphasize the faculty’s desire for equitable negotiations regarding their employment conditions and to call attention to the unilateral nature of recent course cancellations. The action is scheduled to last until 9 p.m. on Thursday, featuring a rally at noon on the second day, where participants plan to march to the President’s Office.

In a recent email, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences acknowledged the strike and the impactful state of higher education, referring to the current circumstances as “difficult times.” Despite the strike, the university maintained that regular classes would continue, with faculty members who opted not to participate fulfilling their teaching responsibilities. Dean Norton encouraged these faculty members to continue supporting their students, emphasizing a commitment to academic standing through the completion of coursework.

The university also expressed disappointment regarding the timing of the strike, which coincides with the end of the semester and the impending final exams. USD asserted that while they have engaged in good faith negotiations with the union, certain demands could potentially lead to significant tuition increases, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

In April, the union filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the National Labor Relations Board in response to these course cuts. The faculty’s grievances are seen as more than just immediate employment concerns; they reflect a growing discontent within the academic community about how the university is managing its budget and the long-term impacts on educational quality and faculty welfare. Faculty members argue that recent decisions made by the university administration undermine their ability to provide a robust education to their students.

As the strike progresses, it has sparked discussions within academic circles regarding the balance between university operations, faculty rights, and student needs. The outcome of this strike and subsequent negotiations will likely have lasting implications for the future landscape of the University of San Diego and its approach to shared governance and faculty employment.

Overall, the strike represents a pivotal moment for faculty at the University of San Diego as they advocate for their rights and seek fair treatment amid challenges brought about by administrative decisions. The developments surrounding this protest will be closely monitored by both faculty and students alike, as they reflect broader issues affecting higher education.