Regarding COVID 19 and Extension of Probationary Period

Memorandum of Understanding

WHEREAS, Bowling Green State University (the "University") and the Bowling Green State University Faculty Association - AAUP (the "Faculty Association") (collectively, the "Parties") are parties to a Collective Bargaining Agreement (the "CBA") effective through June 30, 2022;

WHEREAS, the CBA stipulates that the total period of probationary service for tenure-track faculty members (“Probationary Faculty”) cannot exceed six years with the exception of an approved extension of the probationary period (Article 11) or other approved levels of absence (Article 21) as stipulated in writing by the Provost (Article 14, Section 3.1.1.7);

WHEREAS, the Probationary Faculty Member’s academic unit’s approved Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure Policy (“RTP Policy”) establishes standards and expectations regarding teaching/librarian effectiveness, scholarly/creative activity, and service (“T/R/S”) during the probationary service period for the successful recommendation for promotion and tenure;

WHEREAS, the University’s required shift to remote working due to COVID-19 was disruptive of Probationary Faculty and may affect their ability to accomplish their planned T/R/S during the 2019-2020 academic year;

WHEREAS, the Parties agreed that Probationary Faculty may request an extension of their probationary period by May 1, 2020, and all requests for extension would be approved by the Provost;

WHEREAS, this agreement was memorialized in a communication by the Provost to all Bargaining Unit Faculty Members on April 21, 2020 (“Communication”), and the University developed and distributed a form documenting the Probationary Faculty’s request (“Form”); and

WHEREAS, the Parties agree that a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is needed to address questions that have arisen regarding the Communication and Form;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree to the following terms of this negotiated MOU to clarify terms of the approved extensions of the probationary period for Probationary Faculty:

1. The total period of probationary service for Probationary Faculty is extended one year.
2. For purposes of Annual Performance Reviews and mid-probationary Enhanced Performance Reviews, the following table will be followed:

1. Probationary Faculty receiving an extension of the probationary period may seek tenure at any time during the period of probationary service, and denial of an early application for tenure shall have no effect on subsequent applications for tenure within the probationary period (CBA Article 14, Section 7.6.3)
2. All requests for extensions of the probationary period submitted after May 1, 2020 will follow CBA Article 11.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, the Parties have caused this Memorandum of Understanding to be made effective this 26 day of July, 2020.

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY

By:

Joe B. Whitehead
Provost and Senior Vice President

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY ASSOCIATION – AMERICAN ASOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS

By:

David J. Jackson
BGSU-FA President