Dalhousie Faculty Association Vote Shows 71% Lack Confidence in University Leadership
A non-binding vote by the Dalhousie Faculty Association revealed that 71% of participating members lack confidence in university leadership, citing concerns over a recent lockout, government funding agreements, and hiring freezes.
The Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) has conducted a non-binding vote at its annual general meeting, revealing significant dissatisfaction with the university's leadership. The results indicate that 71% of participating members lack confidence in the administration for the period spanning July 2024 to June 2026.
The vote saw a participation rate of just over 52% from the association’s total membership of 592 faculty members. Among those who cast ballots, 71% expressed a lack of confidence, while 15% stated they had confidence in the leadership. Nearly 13% of voters abstained.
Several key issues drove the negative sentiment among faculty members. The DFA cited concerns regarding the previous year's lockout, which disrupted the start of the academic year. Additionally, members pointed to perceived government overreach through Schedule H program reviews and bilateral funding agreements, which critics argue erode institutional autonomy. Other cited grievances included partnerships on subsurface energy research and a hiring freeze that the association claims is inconsistent with the collective agreement, potentially hurting academic quality and threatening the viability of smaller programs.
The results were formally presented via letter to Dalhousie President Kim Brooks, Provost Brenda Merritt, and Cheryl Fraser, chair of the board of governors.
In response to the findings, Michael Fleury, senior manager of strategic communications for Dalhousie University, acknowledged that while the vote is non-binding, it indicates continued concern among some community members. The university expressed a commitment to rebuilding relationships and engaging further with the DFA to address these issues.