Information on questions of unionization

Dear Members of the Skidmore Community, 

As our spring semester draws to a close and summer approaches, we anticipate continued discussion in the coming weeks about possible unionization among the College’s non-tenure-track faculty. Union representation elections can become highly emotional, polarizing, divisive events. I sincerely hope we can avoid this at Skidmore. 

I want to state unequivocally the College’s respect for and support of our non-tenure-track faculty colleagues. They are partners in our teaching mission and they make key contributions to our students’ growth, academic development, and success. Our community is united in the view that they enrich the life of the college. Some non-tenure track-faculty have said they believe a union would better represent their interests. Others have said they disagree. But the choice of whether a union would serve the best interests of our non-tenure-track colleagues is theirs to make and theirs alone. It is not a choice for Skidmore to make. We will respect our employees’ choice, whatever it may be, and we will protect their right to make this choice of their own free will and will protect their rights to organize. That means the college will certainly not engage in any form of harassment or intimidation, nor will we tolerate harassment and intimidation of our employees by others — to me, that is a fundamental commitment we will uphold. Our employees have a right to a secret-ballot election on whether to join a union, and a fair, impartial vote overseen by federal officials. We will abide by and respect this process every step of the way. The goal is to have as wide-ranging and open an educational process as possible for our whole community, so we can all understand all the implications of these questions. 

It is likely that, in the coming weeks, we will hear criticism of Skidmore College — some perhaps valid, some perhaps not. I expect some of our colleagues and union representatives will issue public statements about Skidmore. Skidmore’s stance will be to answer questions and provide information in as objective a manner as possible, so our employees are well informed on this complex issue. We will always do so in a fair and respectful manner.  

For ease of reference, we have created a webpage that includes timely information and FAQs about the questions of unionization.

My greatest hope is that we at Skidmore can avoid the antagonism, acrimony, and polarization that characterizes so much of American political and civic discourse right now. Any differences that may exist among us are far less significant than our areas of common interest and shared purpose. I hope we can build on our common goal of elevating the Skidmore experience for all — mindful always that we are a community of colleagues and friends bound by mutual respect and consideration with a commitment to serving our students and the world. 

Sincerely, 

Marc Conner
President