(WOLFVILLE, NS) - - The binding interest arbitration process between Acadia University and the Acadia University Faculty Association (AUFA) that began on March 1, 2022, concluded with arbitrator William Kaplan's decision. The 12-page award document, which addresses outstanding issues not resolved in collective bargaining, was shared with both parties on July 29, 2022.

Representatives from the University and AUFA are working through the decision to finalize the wording in the 16th Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors and the Faculty Association, which is the certified bargaining agent for full- and part-time academic employees. The new contract will be in effect until June 30, 2025.

“I am grateful for the arbitrator’s work to find resolutions to matters where we could not find common ground during collective bargaining,” said Dr. Peter Ricketts, Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “There is much work ahead to rebuild trust and I am committed to working with our leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure we have the work and learning environment that our community deserves.

“I know our entire campus community believes wholeheartedly in our mission to provide Acadia students with a transformational educational experience, and I look forward to the work we will do together to ensure we continue to do just that,” said Ricketts.

The new Agreement will take effect retroactively on July 1, 2021.

“The steps that got us to the 16th Collective Agreement were difficult and AUFA looks forward to it being finalized,” said Dr. Erin Crandall, President of the Acadia’s Faculty Association. “Acadia faculty remain committed to fostering a university that inspires students and produces innovative teaching and research.”

The University’s Board of Governors recently approved its 2022-2023 budget, which will strategically invest in boosting enrolment, retention, and student resources to help grow the revenue necessary to sustain Acadia.