The battle for the hearts and minds of University of Cincinnati students is intensifying as the administration and faculty head for a Jan. 3 strike date.

        In the past two months, the faculty union — the American Association of University Professors — has tried to make its case in classes, conversations, ads in the student newspaper and at a two-day forum sponsored by the student government.

        Administration representatives shared the midday forum before President Joseph A. Steger responded to student questions in letters to their homes.

        Addressing the possibility of a walkout on the first day of winter quarter, he assured students that “we are working to avoid a strike.” Then Dr. Steger summarized the UC position:

        “In spite of these trying economic times, the University has offered to raise faculty salaries 8 percent over the next three years. In addition, the university has made a benefits offer that is better than any package currently provided to other UC employees.

        “The average UC faculty member earns $65,600 for a nine-month appointment, benefits that include nearly cost-free health care, and tuition remission.

        “The university has raised faculty salaries above cost-of-living increases. Since 1995, faculty raises have totaled 23 percent, while inflation has increased 15 percent, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.”

        Dr. Steger explained that negotiations continue with a federal mediator, but “if the faculty union calls for a strike, UC will neither close nor cancel classes.”

        Freshman Meghan Latham, 18, of Gahanna, Ohio, said she was somewhat aware of the issues because her mother alerted her to the strike possibility.

        Ms. Latham learned about the administration position from Dr. Steger's letter. She fears a long strike might push the end of the quarter farther into the summer.

        The Dec. 3 News Record carried AAUP's latest ads.

        “The essence of a university is its students and faculty, growing together in an environment of learn, research and service,” one of the full page ads began.

        “Student interests are our concern; you are the reason that we are here. Like you, we believe that supporting the University's academic mission should be our administration's top priority.

        “But we are facing an administration whose goals often appear to be out of synch with those of students and faculty ... Our only recourse may be a strike.”

        AAUP, which represents 1,998 full-time teachers, contradicted Dr. Steger's assurance about classes during a strike: “If your class is being taught by a striking member of the faculty, your class will not meet.”

        Some classes will be taught by non-striking faculty or adjuncts and graduate assistants not covered by the contract, and students can attend them, but “we would certainly hope that they would not penalize you for supporting the faculty's strike effort by not attending class.”

        AAUP's second ad challenged students, “This is your education! Don't sit back. Get involved. Get informed!"

        In weeklong 1979 and 1993 walkouts, faculty and students made up missed classes without extending the quarter, so AAUP said “there is no reason ... to waste your time attending classes taught by strike-breakers who are not prepared to teach the classes.”

        Students will graduate on time if the strike is short, the AAUP said, but if they want to know about tuition refunds, contact Dr. Steger at joseph.steger@uc.edu.

        If students want to help resolve the situation, AAUP urged them to talk to Dr. Steger directly or contact him by e-mail. They can reach trustees at Board.Trustees@uc.edu.

        Students can reach the union at aaupuc1@email.uc.edu and daily strike updates will be on www.aaupuc.org or the hotline 221-6861.

        AAUP's three-year contract expired Aug. 31.

        Stop/start negotiations resumed in late November when federal mediator Louis Manchise agreed to help seek a settlement. He has mediated two previous AAUP/UC contracts and neither time was there a strike.

        Blaming cuts in state subsidies, UC says it lacks money to meet the faculty's proposal of 5, 7 and 8 percent raises over the three years of a new contract. The faculty says it needs the money to begin catching up for decades of substandard raises.

        UC is offering 2 and 3 percent raises.

        However, in its initial look at budget figures for the coming school year, UC assumed a 3 percent faculty raise.

        The next negotiation session with the mediator is scheduled Dec. 14.

Feds push for gentler use of police dogs
Runway debate has familiar sound for airport neighbors
Diversions account for most complaints
Renovated Basilica reopens
UC profs may walk Jan. 3
UC fixes, disputes fire code violations
Wehrung trial was attorney's first criminal case
BRONSON: Downtown: It's a riot
COOKLIS: A different world since 9/11
PULFER: Class reunion better virtual than real
Ringer trial postponed
Waagner treated self well during months on run
Good News: UC group brings warmth to OTR
Hundreds light the night in OTR's Washington Park
Jews in new home celebrate
Local Digest
Obituary: Dorothy Pompilio, restaurant owner
Obituary: Michael Burke, CEO, was leader
Tristate's Olympic torchbearers
Bird count helps parks monitor populations
Charity official plans new center for family care
Christmas tree ribbons raise money for flags
Cincy water coming to Mason
Miami tuition hike unlikely
Oxford police target meter-feeders
Rare coin auction nets school $1M
Casinos back before assembly
CROWLEY: Jail tax will haunt GOP
Garage meant to spur growth
UK basketball attendance falls again