Cape Breton University hiring more faculty as it looks to grow enrolment

Cape Breton University plans to add new staff as part of aplan to boost its studentpopulation.

University president David Dingwall said 58 faculty members will be hired following an initial review of the school'sprograms and enrolment.

"It became clear that immediate investments in faculty hires are required in some program areas to ensure we maintain a quality student experience and meet program demand," Dingwall said Monday in a video posted on the university's website.

CBU is expected to hire for positions leading to tenure, along with work terms lasting at least 12 months.

The university's Shannon School of Business will add 22 positions, while its nursing program will get 10 additional faculty members. The other new positions will be spread over the departments of science, arts, education and health.

Union says consultation lacking

Calvin Howley, president of theCape Breton University Faculty Association,said he learned about thenew positions while watching Dingwall's end-of-term addressonline.

Howley said new employees are welcomed, although the union was disappointed in how the news was delivered.

"The faculty association learns about these things after the fact, after they've been decided," Howley said. "And as far as running a university, I feel that's probably not the best way."

It is unclearwhen the new positions will be filled. Dingwalldeclined an interview request by CBC News.

Howley said the union has been trying to discuss hiring practices with CBU administration, but there haven't been any "meaningful engagements with the faculty association on that."

"I'm going under the assumption that the employer is probably planning on discussing, I guess, this topic in the next round of collective bargaining, which will start in the summer," said Howley.

COVID-19 case on campus

During Monday's announcement, Dingwallalso said a positive COVID-19 case was identified at the CBU campus on Dec. 7.

Meetings will now bemoved online, unless considered absolutely necessary to be held in person.

Previously scheduled CBU events arecancelled, as well as any holiday gatherings on or off campus. The university has also cancelled in-person exams.

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