Information Update on Potential CFA Strike

February 24, 2016

Dear Campus Community:

As you may be aware, the California Faculty Association (CFA) recently announced plans for a potential strike on all 23 CSU campuses April 13-15 and April 18-19, 2016. CSU representatives have not been able to reach a salary agreement with the CFA through the collective bargaining process. While we remain committed to the process and hopeful for its outcome, our campus leadership team and many others throughout the university have been planning for the possibility of a strike. I want to provide you with some important information.

I want to assure you that if a strike occurs, our campus, and all of the CSU's campuses, will remain open. While some classes may be canceled, we anticipate that many classes will be held as not all faculty will strike. Students are advised to check with their instructors about their individual class schedules and if your class is scheduled you should attend. We anticipate that campus operations and administrative services will be available and scheduled events will continue to the maximum extent possible. The campus will remain open to students, staff and the public. Our university police will be serving the campus to ensure a safe environment for all, which is always one of our primary goals.

The strike should not interfere with students being able to complete their semester courses and graduate on time. In the event a class is cancelled, it is possible that reading or other work will be assigned.

If a strike does occur, it is important to note the following:

• No individual, including students, can be compelled to take either the CSU administration's position or the CFA's position;
• Classroom time cannot and should not be used by faculty to discuss issues related to the strike;
• Students cannot be compelled to walk out of class, walk picket lines, stay away from campus or support the strike as part of a class assignment or in exchange for a grade; and
• Striking faculty may not block or otherwise obstruct student access to campus, campus services or the classroom.

I also want you to be aware that should a strike occur, media may be on campus and may ask people to comment. I encourage you to direct any media inquiries to our media relations staff at 818-677-2130.

I again emphasize that in the event of a strike, we plan to maintain full campus operations with minimal disruption to students, faculty, staff and guests. We respect our faculty's rights and remain committed to the collective bargaining process. I encourage you to periodically review our website at www.csun.edu/strikeinfo for ongoing updates and resources.


Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President
California State University, Northridge