On April 30, 2026, CalArts met with the faculty bargaining units to continue discussions regarding the nonrenewal proposal. CalArts presented a revised, one-time, non-precedential proposal and walked through key updates. This included clarifications to the 30-day retraction window, under which a nonrenewal notice may be conditionally withdrawn if a voluntary resignation or retirement occurs within the same program and the impacted faculty member is able to teach equivalent coursework. The parties reached agreement on this portion of the proposal. CalArts also addressed questions related to process and timing, including how notice will be shared, and acknowledged the union’s request for additional information regarding enrollment trends and program vitality, noting that such data reflects multiyear considerations and will take time to compile and provide.
CalArts further outlined the remaining provision offering two potential paths for faculty after a nonrenewal notice is issued, including signing a severance agreement in exchange for an agreed-upon payment and release from final year teaching obligations, or continuing employment through the final year with access to the grievance process; however, the union indicated it would like to review enrollment data before responding to that portion. As such, they submitted a Request for Information on enrollment data and targets by program. CalArts will review the request and respond in a timely manner.
Throughout the discussion, CalArts expressed a willingness to continue discussions on severance and to work toward a resolution that provides clarity for impacted faculty as soon as possible. CalArts was prepared and hopeful to come to an agreement during this session, but will need to allow time to respond to the Request for Information and proposed meeting again during the week of May 18, 2026.