As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, the IFO has been working very hard to advocate for all faculty, while respecting our shared obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of our campus communities, and especially our students. We have been in regular communication with the System Office, including the Chancellor, the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, and Labor Relations, in an effort to represent faculty’s voice and concerns in these quickly evolving circumstances. We are ever mindful of what gains the IFO has made over nearly 50 years of collective bargaining for a strong contract, and we stand firmly in protection of that contract. From this solid footing, we are anticipating and discussing developments such as the Governor’s Executive Order 20-07 and the new COVID-19 Paid Leave Policy, as well as how emerging contingencies should be addressed. The IFO values the utmost transparency in providing timely and comprehensive reports to you. As always, we welcome your questions and concerns and ask that you express them to your Faculty Association or by contacting us at advocacy@ifo.org.

In order to provide timely and relevant information for faculty, the IFO has developed a list of answers to FAQ’s from faculty. Please click here to find answers to the questions we have encountered as faculty work through the pandemic. The IFO COVID-19 informational page will be updated as more information is available. Please check back on a regular basis.

The Chancellor and MinnState Labor Relations have made it clear the IFO Collective Bargaining Agreement will remain in effect. The Governor’s executive order was intended specifically for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and authorizes only the Commissioner of Management & Budget to temporarily suspend any contract provision. Administrators have no such authority.

As you take steps to protect your health and that of others, keep in mind that we are fighting a virus, not members of our communities. Discrimination, stereotypes, xenophobia, and racism remain as harmful to our campus and local communities as before the emergence of COVID-19.

The MinnState System Office has had to take drastic but appropriate measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The IFO is thankful for their collaboration with us and other stakeholders as we navigate the challenges emerging in these times of risk to health and safety.

IFO statewide leadership will continue to work closely with the System Office and your Faculty Associations to ensure that campus administrations provide the flexibility needed to respond to the pandemic with intelligence, compassion, and respect.

As always, the safety of faculty, staff, and students remains our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at advocacy@ifo.org.