UAOU certified by SERB
We’re ready to bargain!
We are organizing a union to:
Secure a just, safe, equitable, and collegial environment for teaching, learning, research, creative activity, and service.
Negotiate the working conditions and compensation structure that will enable the recruitment and retention of a dedicated and diverse faculty.
Ensure the sustained and substantial commitment of university resources to OU’s core mission of teaching and research.
Realize, in partnership with Faculty Senate, the true potential of shared governance, administrative transparency, and due process.
Defend academic freedom, the key to an open and unfettered society.
The University’s Delay Tactics Won’t Stop Us!
We’re thrilled to announce that as of May 7, 2025, the Ohio State Employment Relations Board (SERB) has officially certified United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) as the exclusive bargaining representative for faculty.
SERB’s decision confirms what we’ve known: a clear majority of faculty voted for a union, and management’s challenges were unfounded. This is a major win for academic workers and a powerful affirmation of our collective voice.
Alas, the university’s administration has decided to reject SERB’s unambigous decision and to object, yet another time, to the election outcome (this happened on May 23).
We are undeterred and move forward with the bargaining preparations. Pay close attention to our weekly emails to learn more about the next steps (and regarding the administration’s legal maneuvers).
Why Unionize
Individually, we faculty have little control over our working lives, but together, we have the power to create a better Ohio University. As a union, you and your colleagues would have the legal right to negotiate with the university on the terms and conditions of your employment, including
Practicing real shared governance that actively includes faculty in university decision-making
Creating transparent workload expectations and preventing exploitation by enforcing existing workload policy
Ensuring adequate and fair compensation for all faculty
Clarifying expectations around promotion and tenure
Increasing job security for Instructional Faculty
The benefits are clear, both for yourself and for your colleagues and community!
“Unions support faculty so faculty can support students.”
— Angela Sprunger, Art & Design