KFA BOG Update on Budget and Academic Title

Dear Colleagues,

Thank you to all who joined us at the March 26th KPU Board meeting. Your presence, your voices, your work, and your collective resolve made an unmistakable impact. Thank you for all of your support, letters, voices, and solidarity.

While the Board ultimately passed the draft 2025–26 budget, the process revealed serious inconsistencies, unanswered questions, and a visibly divided Board. Confidence in the administration’s narrative has been shaken. The introduction of an unverified $100 million financial threat—announced publicly at the eleventh hour—shifted the discussion from budget oversight to institutional panic. This was a comment made by a non-Board member during a non-debatable motion. Once that claim entered the room, without documentation or scrutiny, the Board was effectively boxed in. What responsible Board member would risk delay with $100 million dollars on the line? But that is precisely why this maneuver raises concern: was it meant to inform—or to manipulate? The KFA does not believe $100 million dollars was on the line and we will be pursuing an investigation of this claim.

Last night, the factures within administration, and the tactics they use, did not go unnoticed—if anything, they revealed the visible signs that authority can falter under scrutiny.

Faculty did not leave defeated. In fact, we witnessed an institutional turning point: the Board’s defeat of the motion on the “Academic Title” policy—an initiative long championed by the President—marked a powerful reassertion of shared governance. Faculty advocacy was instrumental in that outcome. This was not a rejection of academic titles as a concept, but a rejection of process without appropriate consultation. It affirms the principle that significant changes to faculty working conditions must be negotiated, not imposed.

The KFA remains committed to ensuring these conversations are rooted in member consultation and data—not anecdote and administrative fiat. Any future discussions about titles must take place at the bargaining table, informed by proper surveys and full member engagement.

We also want to share a crucial development: at least three layoffs have already been rescinded or partially rescinded. This reversal is the result of direct collaboration between the union and the affected faculty members—proof that the Employer’s process is flawed, and that your collective voice and vigilance matter. We have five months before the September 1 implementation date. There is still time to correct errors, pressure the Employer for accountability, and fight for job preservation.

This week showed us something vital:

• Power can shift
• Administration can be challenged
• Faculty voices can be heard

As we move forward, the KFA will continue to:

• Support every member affected by these layoffs
• Pursue Employer accountability through every available channel
• Continue to challenge every faculty member layoff

We urge you to stay engaged. Connect with your colleagues. Share your insights and concerns.

Please stay tuned for a message to be sent out shortly by Kristie Dukewich to connect socially for a chance to debrief and build solidarity.

Best,

Mark Diotte