GEO Negotiations

Student & Parent FAQs & Resources

On March 8, 2018, the University and the Graduate Employees’ Organization signed a tentative successor employment agreement that resolved the outstanding matters of the agreement. The GEO informed the University on March 9, 2018 that the GEO members voted to ratify the agreement. This agreement ended the GEO’s strike that started on February 26, 2018.

In an effort to minimize the impact to students as they transition back to standard academic operation, please find below resources that may help guide students and/or parents.

• • • Frequently Asked Questions

      ⇒ What is the University’s response to the strike?

      The University remains ready to negotiate with the GEO.

      Timeline:

      • 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25 – The University gave the GEO a generous settlement package proposal that was intended to alleviate the need for a strike. The GEO rejected the proposal.
      • 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25 – The GEO informed the University bargaining team of their intent to strike the next day.
      • 10:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25 – The University communicated to the GEO the University’s willingness to continue bargaining and to avert a strike.
      • Tuesday, February 27 – The University contacted the federal mediators to check their availability to continue negotiations. The University learned the mediators had not been contacted by the GEO.
      • Thursday, March 1 – The University and federal mediators communicated again to confirm the continued availability of the University’s bargaining team.
      • Sunday, March 4 – The University and GEO reconvened for a new bargaining session with the mediators that did not result in a new agreement, but showed progress and ended with another session scheduled for Wednesday, March 7.
      • 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 7 – The University and GEO began a new bargaining session. That session continued through the night and was still ongoing as of 9:00 a.m. Thursday, March 8.
      • 11:15 a.m. Thursday, March 8 – The University and GEO announced that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new five year contract that will be recommended for ratification by the full GEO membership. The GEO has suspended protest activities until that vote is completed.
      • 10:00 p.m., Friday, March 9 – The GEO informed the University that GEO members voted to ratify the agreement. With the achievement of a new contract, negotiations ended and standard academics operations resumed.

      ⇒ Where can I find information regarding the negotiations?

      For detailed information regarding the ongoing negotiations, click here.

      ⇒ Who do I contact to find out if a class has been canceled or moved?

      Please contact the department offering the course. Specific contact information can be found in the Class Schedule by selecting the course Subject.

      ⇒ What should I do if I go to class and the instructor is not there?

      If this happens, or if you have any other questions about class access or scheduling, contact the department that offers the class. Again, specific contact information can be found in the Class Schedule by selecting the course Subject.

      ⇒ Should I be doing the assignments I have due next week?

      Yes, faculty and non-GEO staff are expected to perform their job duties as usual.  Students and parents who have paid tuition in order to receive a quality education have reason to expect that the objectives of courses will be fulfilled.

      ⇒ What does the University intend to do to ensure that any classes missed because of a work stoppage are made up?  

      Responses to missed classes will be handled at the departmental level. While it is impossible to predict exactly what will happen and describe all possible responses, the campus has made a concerted effort to plan for a variety of contingencies.

      ⇒ How will grades be assigned?

      Units and the supervising faculty must determine the most appropriate solution for each course.  Departments need to be able to access grades in the event of a strike. It is possible that grades could be assigned based on the work already completed at the time a strike occurs.

      ⇒ Would a delay of grades have a negative impact on my academic progress or graduation status?

      We do not anticipate any change in the schedule for faculty submitting grades, or for the Registrar or College offices following through with routine activities of academic progress audits and clearance for graduation.

      While the official end of term is the end of exams (Friday, May 13, 2018), the College actually works on academic progress reviews and graduation clearance through early to mid-June. Also, administrative delays are never allowed to hold up the awarding of a student’s degree at the appropriate time, the calculation of distinction or honors, etc.

      ⇒ If I am a parent, can I receive the campus-level messages shared with my student?

      Yes, parents can opt-in by subscribing to the Illini Union Parent and Family Programs Office listserv.

  • • • Resources

        College Offices and Academic Advisors

        • College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (ACES)
        • College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS)
        • College of Business
        • College of Education
        • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS)
        • College of Media
        • Division of General Studies (DGS)
        • College of Engineering
        • College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA)
        • School of Social Work

        Dean of Students

        The Community of Care – Campus Resources for Students and Parents

        Student Assistance Center

        Dean on Duty
        

        During business hours, there is a Dean on Duty who is available to see students who walk in, call, or email our office. If you want to connect with the Student Assistance Center, please stop by, call, or email – no appointment is necessary.

        Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm
        Location: 3^rd floor, Turner Student Services Building
        Phone: (217) 333-0050
        Email: helpdean@illinois.edu

      • Campus-wide Communications

        Links to Massmails

        • 3/13/18 – Transition to Standard Academic Operations – Sent to Members of the Illinois Community
        • 3/9/18 – Undergraduate course registration deadlines extended to March 16: Sent to Undergraduate Students
        • 3/8/18 – Announcing a tentative agreement with the Graduate Employee Organization – Sent to All Members of the Campus Community
        • 3/2/18 – Update on the GEO strike – Sent to Undergraduate Students
        • 2/25/18 – University information regarding GEO strike – Sent to Undergraduate Students
        • 2/25/18 – UPDATED: University information regarding GEO strike – Sent to Graduate Students
        • 2/24/18 – University information regarding GEO strike – Sent to Graduate Students
        • 2/9/18 – Update on GEO Negotiations – Sent to Undergraduate Students
        • 2/9/18 – Update on GEO Negotiations – Sent to Graduate Students
        • 1/29/18 – GEO Negotiation Update – Sent to Graduate Students

Updated 3/14/2018