Term Contracts
Academic Staff
(Article XX)

Length: A term appointment is an employment contract for a specified period of time. Usually, the initial term appointment will be for one year. The collective bargaining agreement stipulates that subsequent renewal term appointments “under normal circumstances” must be for multiple years. This is a frequent issue in some departments where, for whatever reasons (management turnover or inattention, among others), administrators seek to renew term appointments for one year only. In such cases, the union notifies the administrator of the contract violation and the mistake is usually rectified without a grievance.

Annual Review: Any bargaining unit member holding a term appointment should receive an annual review. Once faculty and academic staff obtain tenure or ESS, annual reviews under this provision cease. This process is outlined in Article XX.C of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Click here for more information.

Notice of Non-Renewal:

For ESS-track/tenure track, written notice of non-renewal has to be provided in advance of the expiration of a term appointment, according to the following timetable:

• During the first two years of employment, notice is required at least three months prior to expiration of a term appointment.
  
  
• During the third and fourth years of employment, notice is required at least six months prior to expiration of a term appointment.
  
  
• In all subsequent years, notice is required at least twelve months prior to expiration of a term appointment.
  

For non-ESS track academic staff on subsidy-conditioned appointment, written notice of non renewal shall be provided at least three months prior to expiration of each appointment or reappointment or, if the subsidy is discontinued, at least one month notice before termination. For academic staff (renewal contract), written notice of non renewal shall be provided at least three months prior to expiration of each appointment or reappointment.

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AAUP-AFT, Local 6075 - 5057 Woodward Avenue - Suite 3301 - Detroit, Michigan 48202-4050 - Phone: (313) 577-1750 / Fax: (313) 577-8159