The Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) Academic Freedom and Grievance (AF&G) Committees have two related mandates: To protect academic freedom and to assist Academic Staff Members (ASMs) with grievances when there is a perceived violation of the Collective Agreement between Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) and MUNFA Collective Agreement.
What is Academic Freedom?
All academic staff members have the right to academic freedom. Academic rights and freedoms are outlined in Article 2 of the Collective Agreement. To review the model clause on Academic Freedom adopted by the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) Council, visit www.munfa.ca/resources
The AF&G Committee’s Role
The AF&G Committees are constituted so as to ensure a degree of autonomy from the MUNFA membership and the MUNFA Executive Committee. Committee members are appointed by the MUNFA Executive Committee to staggered terms of up to three years.
The AF&G Committees may approach any level of University Administration or other parties directly to facilitate resolution of a case, or to investigate matters pertaining to academic freedom or the implementation of the Collective Agreement. The Committees also have independent access to the MUNFA lawyer and to the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT). The AF&G Committees report to the MUNFA membership at General Meetings each spring and fall.
Categories of Grievances
In addition to academic freedom, the AF&G Committee is specifically concerned with a range of concerns individuals ASMs may have with the University administration regarding their individual status, duties and rights as defined by the Collective Agreement.
Broadly speaking an individual grievance may arise from one or more of the following:
The AF&G Committee’s Role
