Bargaining 2023: Student-Related Matters
As you may know, the university has been in negotiations with our EIU-UPI partners for almost a year. Members of the EIU-UPI bargaining unit represent most of our faculty and academic support staff. Although many issues have been agreed upon by both parties, there are still some issues that have yet to be resolved and the UPI bargaining unit has indicated they may invoke their right to strike. While the University is hopeful negotiations will lead to a successful resolution and that a strike can be avoided, it is important that you know EIU remains committed to your uninterrupted academic progress. For that reason, contingency plans are underway that will keep you on the path for on-time course and degree completion.
Should a strike occur over the next few days, EIU wants to make sure you have the best available information possible. As such, if you find an instructor is absent for a scheduled on-campus course, you are encouraged to reach out to your academic department chair or college dean’s office, to determine next steps. If you're enrolled in an online course or an online element of a hybrid course, continue participating in your online activities and complete the coursework as scheduled in the course outline. And, if you’re involved in student teaching, internships, or clinicals, continue to attend and participate in all off-campus academic activities. Finally, please read your email regularly and often for updates from chairs, faculty, and the University.
Academic Area Contact Information
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean's Office:
Department Chairs:
College of Education
Dean's Office
Department Chairs:
Lumpkin College of Business & Technology
Dean's Office:
Department Chairs:
College of Health & Human Services
Dean's Office:
Department Chairs:
Sandra & Jack Pine Honors College
Classes
How are classes/labs/students impacted if a strike occurs?
Classes will continue throughout the duration of any work stoppage. EIU will make every effort to notify you by email and a sign on the classroom door if the class is canceled.
EIU will monitor all courses and follow up with students as soon as possible.
The University is fully committed to our students, and our primary objective is to continue normal operations to the fullest extent possible to minimize instructional disruptions.
Should I attend class?
Yes, you should attend class, continue your assigned readings, and complete all online or hybrid assignments.
What should I do if I go to class and the instructor is not there?
What will happen if classes or labs are canceled?
The issue of canceled courses and labs will be addressed at the program level. Students should address any questions to their academic deans or department chairs. The University is committed to making sure students receive the grades and credits earned for all enrolled classes.
How many classes are impacted by the strike?
The decision to strike is up to each faculty member. Union members are not required to inform EIU whether they will strike and the university is not permitted to inquire about their status. The number of classes, labs, and students that may be affected is unclear and depends on the level of participation in the strike.
Grades & Commencement
Should a strike occur, will students be able to sit for their final exams and will their grades be available?
EIU intends to make sure that students receive the grades and credits for all enrolled courses.
Will we hold commencement in case of a strike?
Yes,
commencement will take place as scheduled on May 6, 2023.
Are undergraduate and graduate student employees still expected to report to work during a strike?
Yes. All student employees are expected to report to their campus jobs during a strike. Student workers should address any questions or concerns to their supervisor.
Counseling Clinic Information
The EIU Health and Counseling Services Counseling Clinic remains open and providing services to students during the UPI Strike.
- Some of EIU's Counseling Staff are UPI members who may choose to strike. Students whose counselors are striking will have their appointments canceled or transferred to other counselors until their counselors return. These students will be notified by phone or e-mail as soon as possible.
- Students who see interns and temporary help counselors will continue to be seen as scheduled.
- Crisis services continue to be available between 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
For after hours and weekends, students experiencing crises should follow the directions below:
- If they are experiencing a mental health crisis, they should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or the LifeLinks toll free Crisis Line at 1-866-567-2400.
- If they have experienced a sexual assault they should contact SACIS Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Services toll free 24 hours at 1-888-345-2846.
- If they have experienced domestic violence they should contact Hope of Eastern Central Illinois / Coalition Against Domestic Violence toll free 24 hours 1-888-345-3390.
- For all medical emergencies or safety concerns immediately contact 911.
- If in doubt and unsure of what to do or who to call then dial 911.
- If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953.
Questions may be directed to either Eric S. Davidson, Executive Director (esdavidson@eiu.edu) or Jessica Cobert, Associate Director for Counseling Clinic (jacobert@eiu.edu).
