An organization that represents about half of the faculty at Monmouth College is criticizing the school administration over several budget-related issues.
The Monmouth College chapter of the American Association of University Professors sent out a release Monday taking aim at the school’s leadership for what they say are an abrupt stoppage in retirement contributions. They also say salary cuts have been threatened and other policies that have driven faculty away.
They say decisions made by leadership has lead to dozens of layoffs, early retirements, and deep budget cuts to the College’s academic programs
A representative from the Monmouth administration who did not wish to be quoted said that most of what the AAUP asserts is not true or misleading. They said retirement benefit cuts have been talked about for a while, salary cuts have never been brought up, and wasn’t sure who was represented by the AAUP.
They also say that many of the difficult decisions Monmouth has made this year are both because of COVID-19 and a changing landscape in higher education.
The AAUP acknowledges there have been cuts in employer retirement contributions at other schools, but they criticize the suddenness of the announcement.
Chapter President Dr. Craig Vivían says the Dec. 22 announcement came on the heels of talks about communication between staff, administration, and trustees about budget issues.
The administration tells WGIL that generally disputes between faculty and administration are handled through the faculty senate.
AAUP has a standing meeting with the Faculty Senate where AAUP Vice President Kenneth Cramer says they take their concerns first.
However, in the case of retirement cuts Cramer says there was only an announcement to their budget committee. He adds there was no opportunity for staff to offer alternatives to budget problems.
Monmouth’s AAUP chapter is planning to host a series of town halls to engage with colleagues, students and stakeholders. They’ll also present alternative measures they think would be more effective.
