October 15, 2008

Q: Why is BUFA publishing different answers to these questions than the Brandon University administration?

A: Because administration's answers do not take into account BUFA or BUSU concerns, and because they do not take into account the many differing instructional arrangements that exist across campus. The administration did not consult with BUFA before posting their position. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to these questions, especially when a negotiated Collective Agreement has not yet been achieved.

Q: When students return to class, how will class time be made up?

A: That will be determined by a negotiated back-to-work protocol. It is highly unlikely that professors will make these determinations individually, as the administration's Q&A document seems to imply. Such an approach would result in utter chaos. The fact is that resumption of classes will occur on grounds agreed to by the parties. This strike has not been a vacation for faculty, and additional teaching will need to be scheduled in ways that are fair and equitable. It is well worth noting that BUSU has a number of concerns about this process, concerns that warrant consideration by the parties as they seek to make up lost instructional time

Q: Will there be make up classes?

A: Again, this is a key feature of a negotiated back-to-work protocol. One thing that is almost certain: it will not be "entirely up to the discretion of the professors," at least not individually as seems to be implied by the administration's release. There is a broad range of different scenarios that need to be taken into account here: courses that would normally meet for three hours per week, courses that meet four hours per week, compressed courses in which an entire semester's work is compressed into 5-week delivery, courses that consist of hourly individual lessons (such as music), and so on. In some of these cases, some classes may eliminated. In others, students may find it extremely unfair for even one of these to be eliminated. There is, in short, no responsible blanket solution to this question. Almost certainly there will be makeup classes. How many, when, and how will have to be determined collaboratively by BUFA and the Brandon University administration. Since Senate is the supreme academic body of Brandon University, it is not inconceivable that it will have a role in determining the precise answer to this question. It is not uncommon in situations like this for classes to be extended beyond the normal end of term. Of course, in some cases (Education, for instance) the end of the term is already scheduled rather late. Once again: a blanket solution for all courses is not likely.

Q: There were tests/assignments scheduled for the period of the strike. How will those be dealt with?

A: They will probably be rescheduled in many cases. In other cases, they might be eliminated. The actual answer to this question will depend a great deal on the length of the strike.

Q: How will final exams be affected?

A: Obviously, this depends on the length of the strike as well. It is quite possible they will have to be rescheduled, in whole or in part.

Q: How are VW dates affected?

A: Again, the honest answer has to be, "That depends on the length of the strike." Normally, one would expect such dates to be moved back by the number of days the strike has been in effect. If there is agreement that the term must be compressed, VW dates might be moved accordingly. Certainly, the scheduling of VW dates would have to determined in light of midterm exam dates, and so forth - so that students can make informed decisions about continuing their enrolment based on their evaluated performance in courses.

Q: How are tuition refund dates affected?

A: On its face, the BU Administration's answer to this particular question seems a reasonable one. However, that depends entirely upon the length of strike action. What might have been reasonable within the context of a two-day or a one-week strike , for instance, becomes less so as the strike drags on.

Q: Will there be any refund for lost class time?

A: This is an administrative decision, probably up to the Board of Governors. If missed classes are made up, perhaps there would not be a need.

Q: How will Fall graduations be affected?

A: Depending (again) on the length of the strike and the nature of the negotiated back to work agreement, we hope graduation dates would not be affected.

Q: Why did the administration put the information on their website without consulting with BUSU or BUFA ?

A: That's a very good question. If you find out the answer, please let us know.

Bottom line:

The only honest answer to student questions at the moment is that "We do not know exactly what process will be instituted, as none has yet been agreed upon. However rest assured that both parties have stated that they will have the best interests of all students at the forefront of back to work protocol discussions. Every effort will be made to avoid any long term academic effects on students' programs of study."