Update on Faculty Relations

This message is sent on behalf of Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, vice-president, people, equity and inclusion, and Wade Parkhouse, provost and vice-president academic, pro tem. It has been sent to all faculty and staff.

As we have been working to fill the vacant Executive Director, Faculty Relations, position over the past few months, we have simultaneously been reviewing and exploring options to strengthen the structure and supports to Faculty Relations and determine how to best support the team in the absence of two significant leader roles. We have heard calls for clarity on the dual reporting of the Faculty Relations office to both the VPPEI and Provost. We are also working together to strengthen the Provost model and set up the inaugural VPPEI office for success.

As a result, with input from SFU’s executive, Deans, affected employees and following discussion with SFUFA, we have made the following decisions, effective immediately:

• The Faculty Relations Office with all roles and functions supporting collective agreement administration, supporting faculties and faculty affairs, will report to the Provost’s Office.
• All roles and functions related to faculty equity, all shared operational services, such as faculty benefits administration and immigration support, will remain in the VPPEI.
• The Provost and VPPEI will continue to support collective bargaining decision-making together to ensure faculty and staff bargaining plans align with provincial mandates.
• The senior role in Faculty Relations will be revisited to ensure the position meets the needs of the organization. In the immediate term, the office:
  • Will be administratively supported by a Director of Administration and/or others within the Provost Office;
  • The search for a Director, Faculty Relations Labour Relations, is underway and we will likely fill that role ASAP to focus on collective agreement management and our work with SFUFA. We have temporary support in place now. This Director role will be supported by the Provost’s Office while the final structure and staffing is confirmed.

We recognize the impact and toll of the state of constant change on all and are focused now on stabilizing the office and staffing. Our intent is that these clear decisions enable us to best support staff and focus on immediate priorities. Our thanks and gratitude to all who have supported and taken on added duties over the past year to “keep the lights on…” and to the whole community for your ongoing support and patience.

Should you have any questions, please reach out.

Sincerely,

Yabome Gilpin-Jackson
Vice-President, People, Equity, Inclusion

Dr. Wade Parkhouse
Provost and Vice-President Academic, pro tem