By Aislinn Keely

The University and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) reached a tentative agreement at the close of last week. Both the University and the SEIU have decided not to make details of the agreement public until the contract is ratified by the SEIU and the Board of Trustees.

Diane George, an adjunct professor of anthropology, said the union is currently holding information sessions for union members.

“Informed members are key,” said George.

A decision could be made as early as next month, with ratification following a democratic process according to union guidelines.

Scheduled negotiations occurred throughout the semester, with a goal of completing a tentative agreement by the end of June. In previous months, some members of the union said they were unsure if such a timeline would be feasible, but that they would be pleased with an early resolution.

George said she is excited to have reached a tentative agreement that will begin the process of treating non-tenure track faculty more fairly.

“We’re pleased that we were able to reach an agreement so quickly and we’re hopeful this is the beginning of the end for the exploitative model of contingency,” she said.

Stephen Freedman, provost, announced the progress through a university-wide email on Friday. The correspondence said there would be more details made available in the future.