The Faculty Association’s vote reflects the interest that faculty have in the governance of the university and a diversity of opinion that one would expect among faculty in a vibrant academic environment like UBC.
It is important to point out that the faculty as a whole at UBC are represented in our governance through three elected members on the Board of Governors and a large number of elected faculty representatives on the two Senates. These faculty members have equal governance responsibilities to other Governors and Senators, and enjoy the respect of their faculty peers and fellow Governors and Senators.
The Faculty Association is the exclusive bargaining agent for its members and its primary engagement with the university is bargaining the terms and conditions of employment. Having said that, it too is an important voice on campus among many other constituencies.
UBC’s Board of Governors has invited representatives of the Faculty Association and other employee, student and alumni groups to attend the April 14 Board meeting to discuss governance. The Board is also encouraging written submissions from all members of the community. I know that the Board is looking forward to this discussion and to a thoughtful consideration of the views of all representatives as they work to improve Board practices under the guidance of a renewed Board that includes seven new members – five newly appointed members and two newly elected student members.
We take the concerns of the Faculty Association very seriously, and we look forward to a respectful and ongoing dialogue about improving governance practices. We are committed to working towards continuous improvement in all that we do.
– Philip Steenkamp, VP External Relations