Andrew DiNunzio

The bargaining session involved discussions regarding several contract articles, including Article 6, Article 9, Article 14, Article 25, and Article 29. The parties reviewed a proposal regarding a leave list, with agreement reached on the inclusion of specific types of special leaves. Additional information was presented concerning an increase in Article 29, and several items, including Articles 6, 14, 25, and 29, were scheduled for further review with updated language to be provided by the FOP for consideration by the Board of Trustees.

The meeting focused on establishing the scope for the 2026-2027 bargaining year, including wages and two non-economic articles for each party. Key discussions involved a 12% wage increase proposal, requests for flex-hour provisions, an 84-hour schedule, and expanded access to take-home vehicles. The parties also addressed leave benefits, the opening of specific articles related to grievance procedures and hours of work, and administrative concerns regarding dues deduction, which will be formalized in an MOU. Additionally, the university agreed to provide red-lined versions of articles for review.

The Board discussed various university matters, including reports from the Faculty Senate and Student Government Association, and updates on the Mission Statement review process. The President provided a report covering university funding, the establishment of a charter school initiative, and the opening of the Charlotte Center. Legislative and budget reports were presented, and the Board acted on several items including faculty promotions, fee increases for the Family Resource Center, tuition waiver policies, and new degree programs in Environmental Science and Human Performance. Additionally, the Board reviewed finance and administration items such as differential tuition, parking fee increases, the operating budget, and capital improvement plans. The session concluded with a performance evaluation of the President and an authorization to extend his employment contract.

The committee discussed several items, including an update on undeveloped land owned by the university and potential future land use. The Office of Internal Audit Annual Report for 2021-2022 was reviewed and approved, highlighting auditing experience, compliance with standards, and specific audit follow-ups. The committee also reviewed the 2022-2023 Internal Audit Work Plan and Risk Assessment, discussed endowment growth strategies, and addressed the 5-Year Independent External Assessment of the internal audit program. Additionally, reports on the bookstore contract with Follett Higher Education Group and a review of financial internal controls for university support organizations were accepted.

The bargaining meeting focused on several key topics, including data support for salary proposals under Articles 23 and 24, with discussions on lump sum payment options and state budget timelines. The participants addressed academic freedom and the use of generative AI in classrooms, noting the planned formation of an AI Council. Additional discussions included an update on the Article 20 snapback clause, the Tuition Exchange Program and its potential challenges, and the role of faculty in student success, specifically regarding faculty presence and engagement.