Workload Committee Update
Many of our members have been waiting in anticipation for information pertaining to the Workload Study Committees (WLSC) recommendations. SAFA and SAFA Executive apologize for the delay. However, several factors were instrumental in the postponement of the recommendation. Discussions between the joint committees were suspended for a couple of months, this was caused through disagreements and a break down in communications. Furthermore, SAFA and Employee Services both agreed that an important step in the successful implementation process was to have the new incoming Vice President of Academics up to date with the joint committees proposals and recommendations. Although SAFA has a “Letter of Understanding” for a twelve month period, SAFA Executive agreed unanimously to extend the time limits for the WLSC in order for them to complete their important task.
Update re: Joint SAIT-SAFA Workload Committee Recommendations
- The recommendations from the Committee have been submitted to respective principals
- Met with Vice President, Academic and Employee Services May 20, 2015. Purpose of the meeting was to provide background information and an overview of the role of the joint committee
- 4 key themes/issues were reviewed by the joint committee:
- Class Contact Hours
- Averaging hours of work over 16 week vs 15 week
- Scholarly Activity
- Assignable Work
Although the Joint Committees identified 4 significant issues from the Work Load Study Committee’s (WLSC) recommendations, there was several additional important topics identified in the WLSC proposal. These themes will be addressed as part of the going forward discussion and final approval.
- Changes in the present Collective Agreement (Section 36.10) wording to read > Class Management and Other Duties Defined.
- Definitions > both committees agreed that clearer definitions n activities (instructional and Non-instructional) will improve understanding and transparency. Also to provide clarity for discussion of Performance Objectives and Performance Reviews on an Annual basis.
- Time Allocation Relationship > mutual agreement that outlines time allocation guidelines associated with the recommended CCH, CMA and OD. This scheme to be tested in a pilot project conducted on a variety of types of programs across SAIT: including defining rules; collecting data; reporting findings and recommendations to SAIT and SAFA Executives.
- Education Series > develop a joint SAFA and Management education series on the Collective Agreement. To be built into Teaching and Excellence foundation (TEF) for all new hires with mandatory attendance for Chairs and Deans.
- Blended learning> the Joint committees to establish and investigate future definitions for “blended learning”.
Next Steps:
- Each party to present the report and recommendations to their respective Executives prior to the joint meeting
- The workload committee to present the recommendations jointly to the SAIT Executive and SAFA Executive sometime toward the end of September 2015. Date to be confirmed
- SAIT Executive to review recommendations and follow up with SAFA on what can be recommended for further review and/or implementation by end of December 2015.
At the conclusion of the above discussion’s, and mutual agreement on the recommendations, SAFA’s intends to schedule a ’ Special Meeting’ for the membership to review the recommendations and accept or reject those recommendations through Ratification.
James McWilliams
SAFA President