2025-2028 Bargaining Blog: Session 7

Hi! This is Xanthippe, FSU-GAU’s bargaining chair. During our most recent session, session seven, we discussed academic freedom (Article 5), non-discrimination, sexual misconduct, and retaliation (Article 8), as well as our outstanding Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement. 

For academic freedom, it is very important to GAU that we included the word “publish” in our proposed language. The BOT team initially pushed back, striking our language with the word “publish.” This round of revisions, we were able to get the word “publish” in our new proposed language! We then entered into tentative agreement on Academic Freedom (Article 5). 

For language on non-discrimination, sexual misconduct, and retaliation (Article 8) we proposed added language on what is considered discrimination, per the Supreme Court definition. We also proposed language that would safeguard our rights as a union to be able to organize. There were also some general housekeeping things in the article, like updating links and things of that nature. FSU-BOT has yet to issue a response to this article. 

For the Memorandum of Understanding, now titled a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the FSU-BOT team issued a written response to the MOA, providing certain protections, a minimum of two weeks written notice of termination due to budget cuts, prior to termination the Board will make a reasonable effort to relocate an assistantship for the individual effected, and the department providing a list of available assistantships for the individual effected. We proposed adding the language that would extend the tuition waiver for an additional semester in the event that an assistantship is affected or terminated. They came back with not an additional entire semester, but at least extending the tuition waiver for the remainder of the semester. We are now in tentative agreement with the MOA as well. 

Overall, today was a very satisfying and productive session. We have some big things on the horizon, so make sure you’re following us on Instagram, @fsugau. We will also announce our next session time and date there. If you have any questions, please email us at bargaining@fsugau.com

In Love & With Solidarity, 

Xanthippe Pack-Brown

FSU-GAU Bargaining Chair