On May 7th, 2025, members of the MUNFA Executive and MUNFA staff met with President pro tempore Dr. Jennifer Lokash and Acting Provost Dr. Amy Warren. The meeting was approximately one hour long.
MUNFA brought forward two main topics of discussion for this meeting:
- Funding and Program Priorities
- Labour Relations
Funding and Program Priorities
Drs. Lokash and Warren shared that the 2025-26 university budget is being finalized ahead of its presentation to the Board of Regents. The administration indicated that more cuts would be necessary in the coming year despite the avoidance/pause of the planned provincial funding cut. While no detailed breakdown was provided, student recruitment and retention, and investment in software to streamline operational processes (e.g., travel claims) were noted as spending priorities for the new public funding.
MUNFA expressed significant concern about the direction of the proposed budget, particularly given the lack of clarity around how these funds will support the University’s core mission. We recognize that improving enrollment and retention is important, and we emphasized that these outcomes depend on robust academic programming. New funding must prioritize:
- restoration of teaching and research capacity,
- stability of programs across all campuses, and
- retention and fair treatment of ASM’s in precarious contracts.
MUNFA also raised the longstanding concern that major financial decisions continue to be made without adequate consultation. We urged the administration to adopt a more collaborative and inclusive approach by engaging faculty and staff to inform budget solutions before decisions are made, and by ensuring transparency around how priorities are set and resources allocated. Shared governance is essential to rebuilding trust, strengthening institutional cohesion, and securing Memorial’s long-term future.
Labour Relations
MUNFA also brought forward several concerns regarding the essential labour relations work undertaken with the Faculty Relations office, including delays in addressing grievances and inconsistent communication. This is particularly an issue at Grenfell Campus, where interim arrangements have persisted for years. Dr. Warren will be meeting with us soon to learn more about the long list of outstanding queries and grievances.
In Solidarity,
Ash Hossain
President, MUNFA
