The First Day of Class at CMU: What's a Student to Do?

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Category: Michelle Campbell

Published on Sunday, 21 August 2011 18:35

Written by Michelle Campbell

This is the third post in a series of entries designed to help guide students at Central Michigan University through the recent contract negotiations between the Central Michigan University Administration and the Faculty Association. I am a student writing for students. The specific purpose of this post is to discuss what students should do in the event of a job action on Monday, the first day of class at Central Michigan University.

Will There Be a Strike on Monday?

While no one but the Faculty Leadership can determine that for sure, this August 20th statement from Laura Frey, the President of the Faculty Association, suggests that times are becoming dire:

"Today, we had another mediation session form 11am to approximately 3pm. The administration is no longer willing to discuss economic issues. Although we continued to assert our willingness to bargain 24/7 and insisted we could foresee multiple paths forward, no additional bargaining sessions are planned."

It seems as though the administration is refusing to play nice and work with the Faculty Association. Therefore, it would not surprise me if a job action, and even a strike, were to occur on Monday morning.

When Would I Find Out if There is a Strike or Job Action?

The Faculty Association is meeting tonight (Sunday) at 7pm, presumably to discuss just this. You’ll know as soon as  a statement is released. You’ll actually probably get communication from the University Administration about it, but I would take that with a grain of salt. You can check CM Life’s website, or the Friends of CMU Faculty facebook page for speedy reportage on this issue.

Should I Go to Class if There is a Strike?

Yes. Unless you have political reservations about crossing a picket line, you need to go to class and find out if your instructor will be there. Before heading off to class on Monday, I suggest checking your email and blackboard for any communication from instructors. Remember, though, that if there is a strike, faculty will probably be cut off from using CMU’s email, blackboard, and even buildings.

What if I Have Political Reservations About Crossing Picket Lines to Go to Class?

This is a great question! Many students have been raised in families and communities where crossing a picket line, for any reason, is considered an act of treachery. You may want to refuse to cross a picket line to show solidarity. It is a legally protected right to refuse to cross a picket line and not be punished for it. However, there is a great amount of personal responsibility in this decision.

Most of your instructors who are still teaching on Monday (remember, adjunct, P&A, and graduate teaching assistants will still be holding class regardless of what is going on) will be willing to work with you on this. The first thing you need to do is to communicate with your instructors. It is absolutely not acceptable to stay at home, not attend class, not communicate with instructors, and expect no negative consequences from these actions. While you cannot be “punished” for refusing to cross a picket line, your education and grade could be in great jeopardy if you are absent and miss classwork.

If you decide you cannot cross a picket line, everyone expects that you will be out picketing with the faculty to show support. Solidarity cannot be shown while sitting at home.

My Faculty of Record Emailed Me and Said We Were Meeting Outside or at Another Off-Campus Location. Why?

Meeting outside of the building where your class is held is a way for instructors to still hold class without forcing students to choose between crossing a picket line and attending class. If this is the case, you have no excuse for not going to class. Some instructors do not have this luxury. Remember, most graduate teaching assistants are heavily supervised and not allowed much freedom with their classes during their first semester of teaching. Many graduate students have been advised to hold their classes in the classroom, but to expect make-ups. Again, communication from students is key in these situations.

What Can I Do?

1. Come to MainStage today (Sunday) from 3pm-6pm and talk with students and faculty. The FA will have a table, and there will be student volunteers available to talk to you if you’d prefer to talk to a peer.

2. Come to the student solidarity event tonight (Sunday) at 7pm on the Warriner Mall. This is occurring at the same time as the Faculty Association’s closed door meeting. This is the grassy area north of Warriner Hall and south of the SBX. We will be there answer questions and talking about what’s happening. The link to the Facebook Event is http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122213004543735

If you have a talent, please bring it–let’s make this a student centered solidarity event! A sound system would be good, too, if someone could donate it for the evening! Remember, Students and Faculty ARE Central!

3. Join the Friends of CMU Faculty Facebook page found here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/140403276035902/

4. Become informed. Know what’s going on. Ask questions, tell your roommates. The faculty WOULD LOVE to have you come and picket with them if that is what will happen. Don’t be shy–pick up a sign and start marchin’!

Remember, please share any questions, comments, and concerns. I look forward to seeing you at MainStage AND at the solidarity event tonight!

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