Ifo Master Agreement Mnscu

The IFO Master Agreement: Understanding Its Importance in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System

The Inter Faculty Organization (IFO) Master Agreement is a key agreement that governs the employment conditions and rights of faculty within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. This agreement covers over 4,000 faculty members across 30 institutions, ranging from community colleges to state universities. In this article, we will explore the key provisions of the IFO Master Agreement and its impact on the academic community.

Scope and Coverage

The IFO Master Agreement covers all faculty within the MnSCU system who are members of the IFO. This includes tenured and tenure-track faculty, as well as non-tenure-track faculty such as adjuncts and part-timers. The agreement also covers the terms and conditions of employment, including salary and benefits, workload, intellectual property, and academic freedom.

Salary and Benefits

One of the most important aspects of the IFO Master Agreement is its provisions on salary and benefits. The agreement provides for a competitive salary structure that is negotiated every two years. The salary structure includes minimum salaries for each faculty rank, as well as annual increases based on merit and performance. In addition, the agreement also provides for comprehensive health insurance, retirement benefits, and other benefits such as professional development and leaves of absence.

Workload

The IFO Master Agreement also includes provisions on workload, which is defined as the amount and type of work that faculty are expected to perform. The agreement provides for a workload that is reasonable and equitable, taking into account the nature of the faculty member`s duties and responsibilities. The agreement also provides for workload adjustments for faculty members with unique circumstances, such as those with disabilities or those with significant research or service responsibilities.

Intellectual Property

The IFO Master Agreement provides for the ownership and use of intellectual property created by faculty members. This includes copyrightable works such as books, articles, and software, as well as patents and trademarks. The agreement provides for faculty ownership of their intellectual property, with certain exceptions such as works created with substantial university resources or works commissioned by the university.

Academic Freedom

Academic freedom is a key principle of higher education, and the IFO Master Agreement recognizes and protects this principle. The agreement provides for academic freedom for faculty members in teaching, research, and service. This includes the freedom to select course materials, to pursue research and scholarship, and to participate in public discourse.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IFO Master Agreement is a crucial agreement that governs the employment conditions and rights of faculty within the MnSCU system. The agreement provides for competitive salary and benefits, reasonable workload, ownership of intellectual property, and academic freedom. As such, it is a crucial tool for ensuring that faculty members are able to perform their roles effectively and that the interests of the academic community as a whole are protected.