Introduction to the Collective Agreement & LOUs
Updated April 8, 2026
What's new? LOU to Eliminate Course Reviews and Replace with Continuing Learning Activities
Regular faculty and librarians are unionized under the BC Labour Relations Code and are represented by the UVic Faculty Association. On behalf of its members, the Faculty Association negotiates terms and conditions of employment which are set out in the Collective Agreement (CA) for faculty and librarians.
In British Columbia, the government determines the bargaining schedule and monetary mandate for the public sector (including universities).
Letters of Understanding (LOUs)
LOUs applicable to the 2025-2028 Agreement
Please note that collective bargaining is underway for the 2025-2028 agreement.
Negotiated agreement to Eliminate Course Reviews and Replace with Continuous Learning Activities (April 7, 2026)
Guidance for academic leaders: Continuous Learning Requirement
LOUs applicable to the 2022-2025 Agreement
From time to time, the Collective Agreement (CA) may be amended through temporary Letters of Understanding (LOU) which are negotiated and posted at the beginning of the Collective Agreement. They are in effect until the re-negotiation of the Collective Agreement.
LOU concerning Study Leaves for Teaching Stream Faculty.
LOU concerning the Salary Evaluation Process for 2021-25.
LOU regarding units/programs to be treated as an Academic Unit/Department/School.
LOU concerning Acting Chair appointments when the sitting Chair is asked to serve for up to six months.
MOU concerning vacation entitlements for Librarians
Settlement agreement concerning Appendix H LOU: Conversion to Teaching Stream
LOUs applicable to the 2020-2023 COVID-19 pandemic
Please also refer to Appendix G of the Collective Agreement.
LOU concerning CA deadlines; use of CES; extensions for Reappointment, Continuing Appointment and Tenure; study leave deferrals/cancellations.
LOU concerning COVID consideration for Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure/Continuing Appointment assessment.
Faculty Relations
The Collective Agreement is primarily administered for the university by Faculty Relations and Academic Administration (FRAA), a unit that operates within the office of and reports to the Vice-President Academic and Provost (VPAC).
Contact our team via 250-721-7114 or facultyrelations@uvic.ca, or reach out to a team member directly. Faculty and librarians with questions on the operation of the Collective Agreement should direct them initially to their chair's office/dean's office.
Letter of Appointment
Your letter of appointment is the first part of your contract with the University. It outlines the terms and conditions of your employment and refers to documents which incorporate other terms and conditions.
It is important that you are familiar with the contents of your letter of appointment and referenced documents so that you understand your rights and responsibilities in the work relationship.
Quick reference guide
- Conflict of Interest and Reasonable Apprehension of Bias (Article 49)
- Intellectual Property (Appendix B)
- Conflict of Interest in Student-Faculty Relationships (Appendix C)
- Scholarly Integrity Policy (Appendix D)