UConn-AAUP May 13, 2026 Update
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In this issue:
- Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Coverage- Message From UConn Human Resources
- UConn-AAUP Assistance
- Traveling Internationally? Save this contact info!
- UConn-AAUP Chapter Arbitration Next steps
Voluntary Supplemental Insurance Coverage- Message From UConn Human Resources
From May 1 through May 31, 2026, eligible employees will have the opportunity to enroll in voluntary supplemental coverage offered through Alliant Insurance Services. During this special enrollment period, the following benefits will be available on a guarantee-issue basis (no medical underwriting required). Please note that future enrollment periods may require completion of a medical questionnaire:
- Short-Term Disability (The Hartford)
- Long-Term Disability (The Hartford)
- Universal Life Insurance (MetLife)
These programs are designed to provide added financial protection and peace of mind for employees and their families. Additionally, coverage is portable, meaning employees may retain these benefits even after separating from UConn.
How to Enroll: To learn more or to enroll, employees may contact the Benefits Service Center at 1-877-252-2051. Licensed Benefit Counselors are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST to assist with questions and enrollment.
We encourage eligible employees to take a moment to review their options and consider securing coverage during this limited-time opportunity.
UConn-AAUP Assistance
UConn-AAUP not only negotiates the collective bargaining agreement but also ensures that it is followed. UConn-AAUP bargaining unit members may find themselves in situations where they are unsure if the administration is taking an action(s) that may impact the terms and conditions of their employment. If you think this may be happening, please contact David Amdur, Associate Director at davidamdur@uconnaaup.org to confidentially discuss your concerns or questions.
Traveling Internationally? Save this contact info!
With the changing landscape of international travel, UConn-AAUP wanted to remind members that if you are traveling internationally on University business this summer and run into issues; please make sure to connect with the administration and with the union as soon as possible. Should you face an issue, especially while crossing the border, connect with David Amdur davidamdur@uconnaaup.org.
UConn-AAUP Chapter Arbitration Next steps
The chapter currently has two grievance arbitrations filed.
CLAS Workload Increase Grievance Arbitration
The CLAS workload increases, which includes information on:
1. Reduction of TA allotments.
2. Increases in course enrollments.
3. Reduction of course releases.
4. Increases in course assignments.
We have chosen an arbitrator and are working through potential dates for the hearing. We have evidence of increases in course enrollments, increases in course assignments, and department policy changes on TA allotments and course releases. If you have experienced these increases in workload and are willing to participate in written or oral testimony, please contact Michael Bailey
Literatures, Cultures and Languages Grievance Arbitration
We have a grievance filed in the consolidation of programs offered in Literatures, Cultures and Languages. The grievance was heard at the Dean’s level, was put into abeyance, and now taken out of abeyance and moving to the Provost level as there has not been a resolution of the grievance as of yet. If you are willing to participate in written or oral testimony, please contact David Amdur
Interest Arbitration – Is used when there is a dispute related to interpretations and implementation of existing or new contract language. We have 2 articles of the contract that were not resolved in negotiations and are headed to interest arbitration.
Article 14: Reduction of Staff For Discontinuance of Programs or For Financial Exigency.
This arbitration falls on the interpretation of Staff and which bargaining unit members are included in that Article 14. The administration thinks that the process outline in article 14 applies to tenured and tenure-track faculty only. The union believes that the article applies to “staff”, as defined in Article 1, which are faculty and bargaining unit members. The inclusion of staff in article 1 and the reduction of staff in article 14 have been in play since the first contract.
Article 30: Faculty Participation in Department Governance.
This was the number 1 issue for the Administration in these negotiations. There was an attempt to to erode faculty governance in the departments by inserting the Provost office to have final authority on department documents and in determining workloads and credit value of courses and service responsibilities.
Also, there was a proposal what could be considered Post Tenure Review that required observation of teaching for evaluations for all faculty holding at least the rank of Associate Professor or Associate Professor in residence by the department head, dean or associate dean in writing every 5 years.
Oral and/or written testimony is important for both arbitrations. Faculty governance within departments must be maintained. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Michael Bailey