Oakland University cancels classes until further notice

Press Release

Contact: Ted Montgomery
(248) 370-4346
tmontgom@oakland.edu


For Immediate Release
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009


Oakland University cancels classes until further notice

Rochester, Mich. – Officials at Oakland University have canceled classes effective immediately and until further notice as a result of a strike called by the Oakland University chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Classes were scheduled to begin on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The university is working with a state appointed mediator who offered the faculty an option to continue teaching while negotiations proceed. The faculty rejected that option and chose to strike.

As a result, university administrators are canceling classes as a consideration to students who travel to campus and might otherwise find that their instructors are not present to conduct class. Students should be assured that they will receive a full course of instruction for the fall semester.

The university regrets that it has not been able to reach a contract agreement with the faculty and that the resulting strike will be disruptive to students and the entire university community. The university hopes to reach a feasible and equitable settlement shortly. The difficult economic circumstances we face, however, necessitate the university be extremely prudent.

The highest priority at Oakland University is to continue offering students a distinctive and highly valued educational experience. The university is confident that concern for the future of our students and laying the groundwork for an economic recovery in Michigan will lead to an amicable resolution.
Regardless of the status of negotiations, all university offices will be open to serve students and all campus activities, including Welcome Week activities, will proceed as planned.

For the most current information on the contract situation, visit the OU homepage or call the bargaining status hotline at (248) 370-2000.

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