Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding negotiations between the University and the Ferris Faculty Association.
What is the status of contract negotiations?
The University’s most recent contract with the Ferris Faculty Association expired at the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2018). The University and the FFA have engaged in contract negotiations since May 16 to reach an agreement. Despite the negotiation sessions, the sides have been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, to date.
Will classes be canceled if a contract is not in place by the time fall semester classes begin?
No. In the event of a strike, students are expected to attend their classes as scheduled. The first day of classes, for the Fall 2018 semester, is Monday, Aug. 27. If the regularly-scheduled faculty member is not in attendance, an administrator or alternate will meet with the classes and provide further information to students. Students should continue to attend their regularly-scheduled classes during any strike unless officially informed otherwise.
What happens to a senior graduating at the end of the Fall 2018 semester?
Seniors will receive individual assistance to ensure there is no disruption to their regularly-scheduled graduation date as a result of the strike. Our commitment is to ensure that our seniors graduate on time with a Ferris degree. Any students with concerns about their graduation status should contact their dean’s office as soon as possible.
NEW: My classes are online and I cannot access my course information in Blackboard – what should I do?
Some faculty have chosen to make their online courses available to students and others have not. Students should log into Blackboard and participate in any courses that are available. If you do not see one of your courses when you log into Blackboard, you should first double check and ensure you are registered for the course. If you are registered, and don’t see the course listed, please continue to access Blackboard periodically. It is our goal to ensure you have access as soon as possible. You will not be penalized for not being able to gain access.
If you have immediate concerns or questions, please call Ferris Online (ex. 2340) or Ferris eLearning (ex. 2802).
Will students’ tuition be refunded? Will room and board fees be refunded?
As our classes will meet and University residence halls and dining facilities will be open, as normal, no fees will be refunded as a result of a faculty strike.
Does the strike impact offices such as the Student Recreation Center, Birkam Health Center and FLITE?
No. The University expects that all facilities will not have hours or services impacted by a faculty strike. The University is committed to maintaining the services expected by students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Will campus activities, such as Founders’ Day and Athletics events, be canceled?
We do not anticipate any disruption of these activities. Accordingly, we have no plans to cancel any upcoming events as a result of a faculty strike.
Will students living in Ferris housing be allowed to remain in their units?
Yes. The University will host classes and maintain all regular campus activities. Students living in the University’s on-campus housing should not have their living arrangements disrupted as a result of what is anticipated to be a short-term faculty strike.
To what extent will the University keep the public updated?
In the event of a strike, the University will keep students, parents, alumni and community members updated via its website (www.ferris.edu). However, it is the University’s practice that all contract negotiations are conducted through face-to-face bargaining at the table.
Will non-faculty employees cross the picket line?
All employees are expected to continue to meet their professional responsibilities. The University does not anticipate any strike or reduction in services by non-faculty employees.
Will faculty continue to be paid? Will faculty receive benefits, such as insurance coverage?
Faculty who report to their offices, classrooms and laboratories, carrying out their regular responsibilities, will be paid and experience no interruption to their insurance coverage.
Will faculty who report to work continue to be paid and receive benefits such as insurance coverage?
Faculty who report to their offices, classrooms, and laboratories, and carrying out their regular responsibilities will be continued to be paid and experience no interruption to their insurance coverage.
Whom should I contact if I have any safety concerns?
The safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus is our highest priority. Any person with safety concerns is encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety at (231) 591-5000 or x5000 from a campus phone.