During the session with the faculty units, CalArts presented proposals on (1) Discipline and Dismissal for Special Faculty, (2) Intellectual Property, (3) Academic Freedom, and (4) Grievance and Arbitration and No Strike, No Lockout.
Regarding Discipline and Dismissal for Special Faculty, CalArts conveyed agreement to a “just cause” standard (meaning that disciplinary action must be supported by reasons) for Special Faculty during the contract period, which would not apply to decisions regarding non-reappointment of adjuncts, as institutions of higher education require flexibility in managing their instructional needs from term to term.
Regarding the Academic Freedom article applicable to faculty, CalArts responded to CU-UAW’s revised proposal, continuing to rely on the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) version of academic freedom. The AAUP Academic Freedom standard is regarded as the gold standard for faculty across the country—it has not only stood the test of time but is used widely across higher education institutions across the United States. At the prior session, CU-UAW suggested that other art institutions do not follow the AAUP. CalArts’ research indicates otherwise. In fact, CalArts compiled research of faculty collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at comparator arts schools, and found that institutions such as RISD, the Art Institute of Chicago, Pratt, Art Center, and Minneapolis College of Art and Design all follow the AAUP closely or fully—research that CalArts shared with CU-UAW.
Additionally, CalArts incorporated its Censorship Policy—affirming that there shall be no censorship of art—into this article.
Regarding the Intellectual Property (IP) article applicable to faculty, CalArts’ revised proposal incorporated the Institute’s existing policy (CalArts’ Policy on Ownership, Copyright and Sale of Objects of Art) and expanded on this by incorporating standard IP language from comparator art institutions.
Finally, on the proposed package of Grievance and Arbitration and No Strike, No Lockout articles, CalArts presented revised proposals on both. Regarding No Strike, No Lockout, CalArts presented its standard provision and emphasized the importance of maintaining labor peace during the term of the agreement. CalArts expressed concerns about provisions that would permit work stoppages or demonstrations during the contract period. The parties invest a substantial amount of time negotiating the rights and obligations in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and a No Strike, No Lockout provision is essential to preserving stability during the life of that agreement. CalArts views the Grievance and Arbitration provision and the No Strike, No Lockout provision as complementary. Together, they ensure that disputes are resolved through an orderly process rather than through work stoppages.
CalArts remains committed to good-faith bargaining and looks forward to continued productive discussions with CU-UAW.
June 17, 2026: Regular and Technical Faculty Bargaining Units
During the session with the faculty units, CalArts presented proposals on (1) Discipline and Dismissal for Special Faculty, (2) Intellectual Property, (3) Academic Freedom, and (4) Grievance and Arbitration and No Strike, No Lockout.
Regarding Discipline and Dismissal for Special Faculty, CalArts conveyed agreement to a “just cause” standard (meaning that disciplinary action must be supported by reasons) for Special Faculty during the contract period, which would not apply to decisions regarding non-reappointment of adjuncts, as institutions of higher education require flexibility in managing their instructional needs from term to term.
Regarding the Academic Freedom article applicable to faculty, CalArts responded to CU-UAW’s revised proposal, continuing to rely on the AAUP (American Association of University Professors) version of academic freedom. The AAUP Academic Freedom standard is regarded as the gold standard for faculty across the country—it has not only stood the test of time but is used widely across higher education institutions across the United States. At the prior session, CU-UAW suggested that other art institutions do not follow the AAUP. CalArts’ research indicates otherwise. In fact, CalArts compiled research of faculty collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) at comparator arts schools, and found that institutions such as RISD, the Art Institute of Chicago, Pratt, Art Center, and Minneapolis College of Art and Design all follow the AAUP closely or fully—research that CalArts shared with CU-UAW.
Additionally, CalArts incorporated its Censorship Policy—affirming that there shall be no censorship of art—into this article.
Regarding the Intellectual Property (IP) article applicable to faculty, CalArts’ revised proposal incorporated the Institute’s existing policy (CalArts’ Policy on Ownership, Copyright and Sale of Objects of Art) and expanded on this by incorporating standard IP language from comparator art institutions.
Finally, on the proposed package of Grievance and Arbitration and No Strike, No Lockout articles, CalArts presented revised proposals on both. Regarding No Strike, No Lockout, CalArts presented its standard provision and emphasized the importance of maintaining labor peace during the term of the agreement. CalArts expressed concerns about provisions that would permit work stoppages or demonstrations during the contract period. The parties invest a substantial amount of time negotiating the rights and obligations in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and a No Strike, No Lockout provision is essential to preserving stability during the life of that agreement. CalArts views the Grievance and Arbitration provision and the No Strike, No Lockout provision as complementary. Together, they ensure that disputes are resolved through an orderly process rather than through work stoppages.
CalArts remains committed to good-faith bargaining and looks forward to continued productive discussions with CU-UAW.