March 2, 2009

Hi all,

The recent news of legislative changes enabling Mount Royal to apply for the university name marks one of the last major pieces of the transition initiative at Mount Royal. The legislation has passed second reading; the remaining steps include seeing the legislation through final reading and approval by MLAs, followed by its proclamation by the Lieutenant-Governor. Once that's accomplished the legislation requires an Order-in-Council from Cabinet. Planning funding for the new library/learning centre has been approved, which is an indication that the government will consider a request for construction funding favourably, although the timing of that is especially unclear at the moment. The message from government is that the 6% budget increases received by post-secondary institutions in recent years are coming to an end next year, that capital projects are being delayed, and that access/expansion funds are now very limited in the system apart from a few strategic areas. Internally, the University Implementation Committee has scaled down its work almost completely. Contract negotiations on the Memorandum of Understanding on rank and promotion are continuing, and the Negotiations Committee will continue to report on progress over time. Both sides have committed to resolving the outstanding issues this academic year. Since next year will be a full negotiations year as the current contract comes to an end in June 2010, the Association has had some preliminary conversations about Articles that may need to be reopened or developed in the next round.

We're also working on some systems and Bylaw changes within the MRFA to adapt to the new environment and prepare for faculty growth. As part of this, I was able to meet with the members of the 2008-2009 ISP group in February; our Professional Affairs Committee hosted a very successful workshop on parlimentary procedure; and a group of faculty attended a workship on Exec roles and grievance administration. Exec will be making some announcements and rolling out other proposals as we get closer to the AGM on May 9th (coming up sooner than we think).

This is the second year the MRFA will recognize a colleague with our Distinguished Service Award. If you would like to nominate a colleague who makes an exceptional service contribution to the Association and Mount Royal, please let me know.

Mount Royal is always a work in progress, but there have been some very substantial achievements over the last couple of years. Thanks to all of you for your many contributions in getting us to this point.

David

Dr. David Hyttenrauch

President

Mount Royal Faculty Association

Ph. (403) 440-6191

Fax (403) 440-6752

Cell (403) 827-6732 (TAP-MRFA)