Academic Freedom & Tenure Committee

Opportunity type: Employment type:

The Academic Freedom & Tenure Committee (AF&T) helps faculty members with workplace problems.

These problems range from the application of University policy or the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), to concerns about tenure, promotion, and performance reviews. Committee members are trained in key elements of University policy and the MoA. Where issues beyond their expertise or experience arise, AF&T has access to resources the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) and the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

The committee works on dozens of cases a year, and also advises the Board on the development and revision of relevant University policies.

AF&T is looking to fill 4-6 vacancies on the committee.

What's involved?

  • committee meetings occur usually 1 per term, with additional meetings needed for potential grievance/arbitration cases (all meeting discussion and information is heavily anonymized)
  • case load for committee members typically 1-3 cases per year, depending on complexity
  • cases assigned to committee members by the Chair and AF&T/Policy Officer
  • assist faculty members with issues relating to terms and conditions of employment
  • ensure confidentiality and privacy to faculty members seeking support
  • assist faculty with interpretation and application of FAUW’s Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), university policy and procedure
  • act as academic colleague and accompany members to meetings, acting as a witness and ensuring fair procedures are followed.  
  • discuss options with faculty members to fully explore various informal and formal processes

Committee representation

  • There will usually be 12–15 voting members of the committee, including the chair with representation from all Faculties
  • The Grievance Officer of the Renison Association of Academic Staff (RAAS), will be a non-voting member
  • the AF&T and Policy Officer, FAUW staff member shall serve as the committee support, in a non‐voting capacity
  • Only FAUW voting members are eligible to serve on standing committees.
  • Positions are renewable 2-year term