Dear UIS Community:

The University has been diligent in negotiations with the labor union that represents tenured and tenure-track faculty, and another mediation session is scheduled for this afternoon. We are willing and able to stay at the table as long as possible today to reach an agreement without disruption to our teaching and learning community. The University will continue to offer additional dates and times to meet with the union and is hopeful that the parties can come to an agreement that serves the best interests of our entire university community.

It is our understanding that some members of the union may engage in a work stoppage starting tomorrow, April 3. From the University’s perspective, a strike is not warranted and does not change the fiscal constraints that limit what the University can ultimately provide in a new contract.

The University is committed to our students’ academic success and ensuring as little disruption to the educational environment as possible, though some adjustments may need to be made.

Please visit the informational bargaining website and watch your UIS email and Canvas for the most up-to-date information on the status of negotiations and additional guidance.

Should a work stoppage occur, we advise the following:

STUDENTS:

• Please keep attending all your scheduled classes, including on-ground, online and lab courses, unless notified by your professor that the class is cancelled. If you arrive for class and your professor is not present, please wait at least 15 minutes before leaving. It’s important to note that not all faculty members are part of the striking union, including non-tenure track and adjunct instructors, whose classes will continue. Additionally, not all faculty who are eligible to legally strike may choose to do so.
• The University is committed to supporting your ability to make timely progress toward your degrees and meet your course objectives should a work stoppage impact your course. We encourage you to follow and complete the assignments detailed in the course syllabi on your own.
• If you are in a class that has required hours to complete as part of an internship or clinical experience, please continue to report to that experience. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the Dean of Students’ Office.
• Graduate assistants who are supervised by faculty choosing to strike should continue their work and reach out to their respective dean’s office for guidance with any supervisory questions.
• Students who have questions or concerns about their academic experience should contact the Dean of Students' Office at deanofstudents@uis.edu. A representative from the office will coordinate with your College office, and you will receive a response about your concern as soon as possible.
• We know this situation may cause stress and uncertainty. Support services are available to assist you, including the UIS Counseling Center.

FACULTY:

• For members of the tenured and tenure-track faculty union represented by UPI Local 4100, participating in the strike is an individual choice. If you are not part of the union, please carry on with your classes and work as usual. UIS employees covered by other existing collective bargaining agreements have contractual provisions preventing them from participating in a sympathy strike.
• If you have any questions, contact Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Drew Schlosser at (217) 206-7148.

STAFF:

• All other UIS employees should continue to report to work as usual. Employees covered by other existing collective bargaining agreements have contractual provisions preventing them from participating in a sympathy strike.
• If you have any questions, contact Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Drew Schlosser at (217) 206-7148.

We greatly appreciate the contributions of our tenured and tenure-track faculty and will continue to work with the union to reach a sustainable and fiscally responsible agreement as quickly as possible.

We will send another communication to the UIS campus by 10 p.m. Sunday, April 5, with an update on the status of negotiations and plans for classes on Monday, April 6. In the meantime, to stay informed, please visit our informational bargaining website.