Appointments,
Reappointments, and Terminations
Employment
Performance Evaluation
Academic
Freedom and Responsibility
Outside
Activity/Conflict of Interest
Leaves of
Absence and Other Leave
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and Tuition Payment Program
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Check-off Authorization Form
UFF - GAU –
PAC Payroll Deduction Authorization Form
The intent of the University of South Florida Board of Trustees (hereafter the University) and the United Faculty of Florida/ Graduate Assistants United (hereafter UFF-GAU) in carrying out negotiations for the members of the bargaining unit is to advance the quality and effectiveness of graduate education at the University of South Florida (hereafter USF), and to make the University a desirable place to teach and research. The University and the UFF-GAU aim to maintain high standards in all phases of administration, instruction, research, and service. The University and the UFF-GAU recognize the mutual benefits of continual improvement through amicable adjustment of matters of mutual interest.
The parties recognize the unique contributions of graduate assistants to the work of the University. Graduate assistants play a key role in the teaching and research endeavors of the University. A competitive compensation package which enables the University to attract and retain highly qualified graduate assistants is desirable.
The University and the UFF-GAU also recognize the value of a governance system for graduate assistants in areas of academic concern, and that shared governance within this system be maintained and strengthened. The University's academic governance system shall recognize the participation of graduate assistants, at appropriate levels and with reasonable rights and privileges. Matters which may benefit from the involvement of graduate assistants, and to which they may contribute their experience and knowledge include: (a) curriculum policy and structure; (b) requirements for degrees; (c) policies for recruitment and retention of students; (d) development or reorganization of academic programs; (e) grading policies; and (f) other matters of traditional academic concern. The President or representative may confer with Graduate Student Councils or similar bodies on all matters of academic concern; however, the University and the UFF-GAU understand that such conferences shall not interfere with the exclusive right of UFF-GAU under this collective bargaining agreement to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment for graduate assistants at USF.
This Preamble is a statement of intent and is, therefore, not subject to Article 11, Grievance Procedure.
1.1 Bargaining
Unit. Pursuant to the certification of the Florida Public Employees Relations
Commission, dated June 18, 1980, as amended by Public Employees Relations
Commission Order Number 03E-170 dated July 17, 2003, which can be located at 29
FPER P 180, certifying the United Faculty of Florida (UFF-GAU) as the exclusive
representative, solely for the purpose of collective bargaining with respect to
wages, hours, and other conditions of employment as specifically set forth in
the Agreement, for all employees in the bargaining unit described in said
certification, University has entered into this Agreement. The bargaining unit
is described as employees holding the following titles at the
Graduate Research Assistant (Class Code 9182),
Graduate Research Associate (Class Code 9181),
Graduate Teaching Assistant (Class Code 9184),
Graduate Teaching Associate (Class Code 9183), and
Graduate Assistant (Class Code 9185).
1.2 Exceptions. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the University or its representatives from meeting with any individual or organization or hear views on any matter; provided, however, that as to any such matter which is a proper subject of collective bargaining and covered by a term of this Agreement, any changes or modification shall be made only through negotiations and agreement with UFF-GAU.
Appointments, Reappointments, and Terminations
2.1 Letter of Appointment. The University shall make appointments on letters, signed by a representative of the University and the appointee. The letter of appointment shall be sent to the appointee within ten (10) days after the conditions necessary for the appointment have been met. No salary shall be paid in the absence of a signed letter of appointment properly on file with the University. The employing department shall ensure that the signed letter of appointment is properly on file. The University may add additional informational items but may not thereby abridge the rights or benefits provided in this Agreement. The letter shall contain the following elements as a minimum:
(A) Date;
(B) Classification title and class code;
(C) Employment unit (e.g., department, college, institute, area, center, etc.);
(D) Length of appointment and a statement that no department or university representative may make a binding agreement to reappoint the employee for longer than the term of the contract. Research grants, advisor's promises, and departmental agreements are not binding;
(E) Special conditions of employment;
(F) Name of supervisor and a statement that the supervisor may or may not be the same person as the academic advisor or committee chair;
(G) A statement that the employee's signature thereon shall not be deemed a waiver of the right to process a grievance with respect thereto in compliance with Article 11, Grievance Procedure;
(H) A statement that the employee’s appointment makes an employee eligible to apply for but does not guarantee a tuition waiver. The parties acknowledge that employees need this information as soon as available. Thus, employees will be notified in a timely manner whether they will receive tuition payment under the University tuition payment program.
(I) A statement that the appointment is contingent upon the employee providing required documentation of employability;
(J) A statement that the appointment is subject to the Constitution and laws of the State of Florida and the United States, the rules of the University, and this Agreement;
(K) Percent of full-time equivalent (FTE) assigned, and the corresponding average hours per week as defined in Article 6.1(A);
(L) Stipend based on appointment and the amount paid per biweekly pay period;
(M) A notice specifying the location of the employee's official evaluation file and stating the employee's right to access such file; and
(N) A statement that "All graduate assistants at USF work under a contract negotiated by Graduate Assistants United (GAU) and the Board of Trustees. GAU is the labor union certified as the exclusive bargaining agent for graduate assistants at USF."
2.2 Reappointments. No appointment shall create any right, interest, or expectancy in any other appointment beyond its specific term. Upon written request, the UFF-GAU shall be provided information regarding established guidelines for graduate assistant appointments. When appointed, employees shall be provided with criteria concerning reappointment.