Laid off workers will be sent off in style tomorrow as the Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) and the Nipissing University Faculty Association (NUFA) are co-sponsoring an “Appreciation Day” for all limited term faculty, administrative staff, and support staff whose positions have been terminated.
“Appreciation Day” for Limited Term Faculty, Administrative Staff, and Support Staff Cut at Nipissing University will take place at The Wall beginning at 4:30 pm.
On February 4, the Faculty Association learned that 22 faculty positions had been cut for 2015-2016.
In a news release the association says it " was profoundly saddened and dismayed by this news: our faculty colleagues are extremely well-established research scholars as well as accomplished and beloved teachers and the loss of their knowledge, commitment to students, and skills will be devastating to the University community as well as the wider North Bay community which has been their home.
"To lose so many of our friends all at once, some of whom have been here for over 10 years, is very difficult to accept. Nipissing students are also extremely concerned over the loss of well-respected faculty and the loss of critical courses as a result."
In addition the University has terminated 16 administrative positions, largely middle management, and has notified the support staff union OPSEU that 12 of their members will be let go.
To recognize the contributions of support staff, administrative staff, and faculty who have been part of the University community for many years, but who have been let go, and as a gesture of support to all precarious labour at Nipissing, NUSU and NUFA have invited all staff, students, and faculty to this day of appreciation.
