Why Gail Chooses AUFA
Athabasca University is proposing carving 67% of members out of the faculty association. This testimonial is one of a series wherein AUFA members explain why membership in the faculty association is important to them.
We Choose AUFA! I am proud to be a professional member of AUFA. Belonging to the Athabasca University Faculty Association is extremely important to me and to my role at the University. We are a fairly small institution in the Canadian research landscape and I operate as an office of one here in research ethics.
In order to fully participate in the emerging work and profession of research ethics across the country, holding this professional designation is particularly significant. It gives me a stronger voice in the development of policy and practice that ensures we meet our obligations to the Tri-Council funders and to those who choose to participate in research undertaken by our faculty, students and staff. Being a member of AUFA has afforded me access to ongoing professional development opportunities and tools to enhance my knowledge and increase my effectiveness to AU.
Professional staff play a unique and integral role in the work of AU and in the educational journey of our students, and this unique role has long been recognized by virtue of our equal standing with our academic colleagues within AUFA. Belonging to the same bargaining unit ensures that we have a greater ability to advocate and push for what is best for this institution, and our students.