Article 1 – Introduction

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Preamble

Recognizing that the University is committed to the pursuit of excellence in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge through teaching and research and to service to the local, national and international community, the parties to this Agreement are resolved to cooperate in promoting the attainment of these goals, abiding by the principles of academic freedom and dedication to the performance of professional obligations and responsibilities. It is the purpose of this Agreement:

(a) to establish formally an effective and orderly procedure for the discussion and determination of salaries and economic benefits of bargaining unit members;

(b) to provide protection from unilateral changes to negotiated policies and procedures regarding renewal, tenure, promotion and dismissal of faculty members, to similar provisions for Laboratory Instructors, Professional Librarians and Archivists, and to other policies negotiated under 9.1 and 9.2.;

(c) to confirm the mutual commitment of the parties to consultation in the development and revision of academic personnel policies other than those in (b) above;

(d) to maintain and promote the existing harmonious relationships within the University community and to provide a mutually acceptable means of settling differences which may arise from time to time without resorting to strikes and lock-outs.

1.2 Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is the freedom to examine, question, teach and learn, and it involves the right to investigate, speculate and comment without reference to prescribed doctrine, as well as the right to criticize the University, Faculty Association and society at large. Specifically, academic freedom ensures:

(a) freedom in the conduct of teaching;

(b) freedom in undertaking research and publishing or making public the results thereof;

Academic staff shall not be hindered or impeded in any way by the University or the Faculty Association from exercising their legal rights as citizens, nor shall they suffer any penalties because of the exercise of such rights. The parties agree that they will not infringe or abridge the academic freedom of any member of the academic community. Academic freedom carries with it the duty to use that freedom in a manner consistent with the scholarly obligation to base research and teaching on an honest search for knowledge.

As part of their teaching activities, teachers are entitled to conduct frank discussion of potentially controversial matters which are related to their subjects. This freedom of expression shall be based on mutual respect for the opinions of other members of the academic community.

Librarians have a duty to promote and maintain intellectual freedom. They have a responsibility to protect academic freedom and are entitled to full protection of their own academic freedom. This includes the right to express their academic judgement in the development of the Library collection within the context of Article 1.3.2 and to make the collection accessible to all users in accordance with the University Library policies, even if the materials concerned are considered controversial.

1.3 Responsibilities of the Members of the Bargaining Unit

1.3.1 Responsibilities of Academic Staff (other than Librarians and Archivists )

Appointment as a member of academic staff (other than librarians and archivists) entails a year-round commitment to the varied responsibilities of the position, unless the individual has a written contractual agreement with the University to the contrary. The primary commitment expected of a person holding one of the above positions is the pursuit of excellence in the responsibilities he/she undertakes on behalf of the university. These responsibilities may include:

(a) the conduct of undergraduate and graduate instruction, including curriculum development;

(b) research and scholarly work;

(d) supervision of student research and thesis preparation;

(e) participation in university administration and service to the university;

(f) public service through such activities as the dissemination of research and the provision of advice and assistance in the community at large.

1.3.2 Responsibilities of Librarians

All Librarians have certain responsibilities which derive from their practice as Librarians and their position as members of the academic community. The responsibilities of Librarians may include:

(a) Professional practice in the University Library by providing professional consultation and assistance to library users and by maintaining and developing the library holdings and information systems on the basis of the needs of Faculties, Schools, Academic Departments and the University Library and the financial resources allocated to the Library.

(b) Academic service within the university, which may include working with other members of the university community to enhance the academic excellence of the University and the quality of academic life, and working in the community at large through the application of the Librarian's academic or professional competence or expertise.

1.3.3 Responsibilities of Archivists

All Archivists have certain responsibilities which derive from their practice as Archivists and their position as members of the academic community. The responsibilities of Archivists may include:

(a) Professional practice in the University Archives by providing professional consultation and assistance to archives users and by maintaining and developing archival holdings and information systems on the basis of institutional needs and available financial resources. It is the responsibility of archivists to aid researchers in identifying relevant research materials and in facilitating access to these materials.

(b) Academic service within the university, which may include working within the university community to enhance the academic excellence of the University and the quality of academic life, and working in the community at large through application of the Archivist's academic competence or professional competence or expertise.