UHPA is concerned about letters or verbal information that faculty members are receiving regarding the non-renewal of their contracts. In some cases there are contractual violations or improper notification. Letters of non-renewal must be specific to the individual faculty member and from an administrator not department chair. It is also unclear whether proper criteria have been used in selecting faculty for non-renewal.

To date UHPA has received information on such letters from UH-Manoa and UH-West Oahu. It appears that the Community Colleges and UH-Hilo have not taken such action.

The Board of Regents has not initiated a reduction in force. Without a final state budget many of the notification actions are premature and adding to significant tension within departments and colleges.

Do not stand on your rights. While temporary non-tenure track faculty are the most at risk for job loss with budget cutbacks, there are circumstances whereby an order of non-renewal of faculty is required. Look to Article XIII, Faculty Appointments not Eligible for Tenure in the UHPA contract.

Call UHPA for assistance in these matters. A grievance to protect your rights may be needed. A grievance must be filed within 20 calendar days of a potential contractual violation.