To the Temple community:
 
This week, representatives of the university met twice with their counterparts from the Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP) for extended discussions. While there are certainly many issues on the table and many differences to resolve, it is clear that both sides are serious about this hard work.  
 
Our shared goal of a fair contract gives us confidence that the university and our outstanding faculty will be able to move forward and focus on our collective mission of providing the best possible education to our students. We believe the university and TAUP have been able to achieve this goal time and again for many years, and that this positive relationship should continue.
 
In the sessions this week, the university presented a number of proposals rooted in essential principles of institutional governance and fairness. For example, the university proposed ensuring that the collective bargaining agreement clearly directs those covered by the contract to the university’s extensive network of resources and processes for investigating and addressing discrimination and health/safety concerns. The university also made proposals aimed at clarifying the union’s independence from the university. TAUP presented items it feels are significant to its members.
 
We’re happy to report there was productive conversation, including tentative agreements and progress on several items.
 
We will keep you updated on the negotiations as they move forward.
 
As always, thank you for all that you do for the Temple University community.
 
Sincerely,
Richard M. Englert
President
 
JoAnne A. Epps
Executive Vice President and Provost