We’ve received numerous questions this week about Summer Quarter and the recent arbitration decision regarding the SFR and Universal U-Pass fees. As you’ll recall, a neutral 3rd party arbitrator ruled in May that the University had violated our collective bargaining agreement when it imposed the cost of the Student Facilities Renovation Fee (SFR) and the Universal U-Pass Fee on 50% ASEs in Fall quarter 2011. He also ordered the University to reimburse – with interest – those ASEs with 50% appointments who had inappropriately been charged these fees in 2011/12. The arbitrator has retained jurisdiction over this matter for 90 days in case there are any disputes arising from the computation and payment of monetary damages due to ASEs.
Although we expect the University to comply with this decision, as it is final and binding on all parties per our collective bargaining agreement, they continue to charge these fees to ASEs who are working and enrolled this Summer quarter.
We are in the process of setting up further meetings to work with the University and ensure a fair system of reimbursement be enacted as quickly as possible. In the meantime we advise that any 50% ASE who is enrolled in Summer Quarter should pay mandatory tuition/fees in order to avoid late fees or other adverse consequences. Keep in mind that the arbitrator’s ruling makes the University responsible for reimbursing the cost of damages plus interest.
Several of you have asked what to do about the U-Pass. If you find yourself being required to purchase the U-Pass in Summer quarter but don’t use it after your purchase, you’d be eligible for reimbursement plus interest when the University implements the decision. Again, the arbitrator’s decision does nothing to change our position that the Universal U-Pass program can remain in place, even while 50% ASEs can have the option of choosing to be exempt.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further, and stay tuned for further updates.