Welcome to the Tenured/Tenure-Track Negotiations 2025 web page. Here you will find all the important information regarding ongoing negotiations between the Kent State United Faculty Association (KSUFA) and Kent State University. Below you will find links to all communications sent by KSUFA to the bargaining unit members and the status of each Collective Bargaining Agreement article that has been opened by either or both parties.
KSUFA Communications
With the passage of SB 1 into law, Kent State's faculty will face new challenges in education our students in a way consistent with the mission of values of Kent State. KSUFA is committed to helping faculty navigate those challenges and to being a space where all faculty are heard, cared and advocated for.
While the searchable syllabus requirement will not go into effect until AY 26/27, various other provisions of the law will go into effect on or about June 26, 2025. Guidance is required from the Chancellor before the requirements of some elements of the law will become clear. Other provisions will no doubt be challenged through the courts. We will try to keep you informed as our understanding of the law changes over time.
Recently, the Ohio Department of Higher Education posted some information on its website about how the Chancellor is interpreting SB 1. The FAQ has specific questions about different aspects of the bill including three student evaluation questions listed in the "Faculty Evaluation" section. Many of the implementation dates are at the end of the calendar year.
In the meantime, there are several important things to keep in mind:
- Nothing that you currently teach will become illegal to teach once the law takes effect. However, we do understand that teaching subjects that might be deemed "controversial beliefs or policies" under the law will become significantly more challenging.
- KSUFA will defend your academic freedom and keep pressure on the University to do the same.
- As an independent organization, KSUFA's ability to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not curtailed by this legislation. We are committed to being a vocal advocate for and providing support to minoritized faculty and faculty who teach in areas targeted by the bill.
The University now has a webpage dedicated to SB 1 compliance. This webpage includes information and resources about what the University is doing to comply with SB 1. KSUFA has developed additional detailed information and advice to faculty concerning elements of the law in the links below. (Disclaimer: we at KSUFA are not lawyers and none of this information is intended as legal advice.) We will be revising this information as our understanding of the law changes and as we develop new strategies for navigating the challenges of SB 1.
Promoting Intellectual Diversity While Preserving Academic Freedom
Know Your Rights! Academic Freedom
What to do if a student threatens to file a formal complaint or sue
The Searchable Syllabus Requirement and How to Protect Yourself and Your Colleagues [coming soon]
Student Evaluations and Annual Performance Reviews [coming soon]
KSUFA's Diversity Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Advocacy
If you are interested in working with us to develop new strategies or have suggestions for how to revise any of our current materials, please contact KSUFA (
Dear Kent State faculty,
Despite its current name, the Kent State faculty union is not a chapter of AAUP in the way in which that notion is commonly understood. Our union is an independent entity that voluntarily affiliates with AAUP rather than a dependent, local unit that owes its very existence to AAUP. From time to time over our history, the leadership of Kent State’s faculty union has questioned whether continuing the affiliation with AAUP is in the best interest of our union. We once again find ourselves in such a time.
As you will have seen on the news, the autoworkers are on strike. Here are a few ways that you can help UAW members:
- Sign the "All In with UAW" petition and share it on social media;
- Call 1-318-300-1249 to leave a message for the CEOs of Ford, GM, and Stellantis and tell them that UAW members deserve the same 40% raise the CEOs received over the past four years;
- Join an active picket line (not during times where you have class, office hours, etc.);
- Organize a Community Canvas at a Big Three auto dealership.
