This web page provides information from leadership about student life and our HAs. Some HAs have expressed a desire to engage with leadership through union representatives. Reed understands the right of the HAs to organize in this fashion and respects the union-organizing process.
As we always have, we will continue to respond to HAs’ concerns. You will find information throughout this process on this page, including information about the HAs’ job descriptions, compensation, GPA requirements, and safety during rounds.
HA Union Timeline
Friday, October 27, 2023
Election held at Reed College and conducted by the National Labor Relations Board. Among the 44 House Advisers, 36 voted to be represented by the OPEIU Local 11 union and 2 voted not to be represented by that union, with all votes taking place via secret ballot. The election is determined by a majority of the ballots cast.
Monday, November 6, 2023
National Labor Relations Board certifies OPEIU Local 11 as the collective bargaining representation for House Advisers.
Monday, December 18, 2023
OPEIU Local 11 contacts Reed College to begin contract negotiations.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
First bargaining session between Reed College and OPEIU Local 11. Since then, the Union and the College have met seven times for several hours each time. We are happy to share that we have reached tentative agreement on 14 different items and will continue to meet to negotiate in good faith and towards our goal of a first contract. The College is also deeply committed to ensuring that House Advisers understand how their economic proposals will impact financial aid awards and even had a representative from the Financial Aid Office attend bargaining.
Communications
October 27, 2023
Dear Reed students, faculty, and staff,
Reed’s House Advisers completed their vote on Friday, October 27. Among the 44 House Advisers, 36 voted to be represented by the OPEIU Local 11 union and 2 voted not to be represented by that union, with all votes taking place via secret ballot. The election is determined by a majority of the ballots cast.
The next step in the process is a five-business-day period where Reed or the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 11 can submit any election objections. If no objections are filed, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will certify the vote. Based on our knowledge at this time, Reed College does not plan to file any objection to the vote.
Once the election results are certified by the NLRB, we look forward to working with union representatives as we meet to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement in good faith. We appreciate everyone’s time and efforts in participating in this important voting process.
Best,
Karnell McConnell-Black, EdD
Vice President for Student Life
October 11, 2023
Dear Reed Community,
The House Adviser (HA) role holds a special place within Reed College, offering an understanding and supportive point of contact for all residential students. Some HAs have expressed a desire to engage with leadership through union representatives. Reed understands the right of the HAs to organize in this fashion and respects the union-organizing process.
We recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of HAs toward fostering a sense of community and belonging among their peers. In past years, residential students have reported feeling isolated or alone and wanting peer support. The HA role is fundamental in assuring our residents that they are part of a community of care. Furthermore, we acknowledge the pivotal role HAs play in ensuring that residential students have access to essential campus resources and support, particularly during times of vulnerability.
We have carefully considered the request to voluntarily recognize the Union of Reed College House Advisers (URCHA). We ask that every HA have the opportunity to vote so that they can participate in this decision. It is important that each HA is able to freely express their desire to join a union or not in an election conducted by secret ballot.
As we always have, we will continue to respond to HAs’ concerns. You will find information throughout this process on this page, www.reed.edu/ha-union-information.html, including information about the HAs’ job descriptions, compensation, GPA requirements, and safety during rounds.
Regards,
Dr. K
Karnell McConnell-Black, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life
House Advisers
In response to concerns raised by House Advisers, Reed wanted to share the following information about the House Adviser role.
Job Description & Compensation
As with all positions at Reed, the college outlined responsibilities for the HA role in a job description. Current HAs were given these job descriptions before they accepted their role in the spring of 2023; those descriptions have not changed since then. This job description included new responsibilities, different from those prior to the spring of 2023. During HA training in August 2023, the Student Life team listened and made operational changes based on the feedback of HAs in order for them to be more successful in executing their job responsibilities.
House Advisers receive compensation for their work. Consequently, employment laws apply to these positions, and the college is obligated to follow these regulations. Following past practice at Reed and practices of similar colleges, HA compensation is tied to the cost of room and board. In compliance with IRS regulations and similar to all other jobs on campus, HA compensation will include required deductions for federal, state, and local taxes. Deductions are determined by how the HA completes their W4 form.
Reed does not treat HA wages as financial aid. In fact, Reed removes HA wages from the calculation used to determine grant aid. Reed grants and total grant aid are never reduced due to HA wages. No other campus work earnings are treated in this manner. It always has been incredibly important to Reed to be very thoughtful in its student compensation and financial aid structure.
At-will employment is the common practice for the vast majority of jobs in the United States.
GPA Requirements
Has’ first role remains to complete their planned curriculum of academic work. Requiring HAs to maintain a 2.4 GPA is both reasonable and critical to their ability to fulfill their HA responsibilities. If an HA faces difficulties in achieving academic success, Student Life will work with them to redirect their focus toward their academic pursuits. In some cases, maintaining satisfactory academic progress may require a student to discontinue their work as an HA. In such a case, Student Life would focus on all the ways an HA might need support to remain at the college. Reed offers numerous less-demanding, on-campus job opportunities that can help students meet their financial commitments. Additionally, Student Life collaborates closely with the financial aid office to explore further need-based financial assistance.
Rounds
Rounds are a fundamental part of the HA role to ensure that our residential students have regular and intentional interaction with their HAs. The purpose of these rounds goes beyond simply ensuring building safety; it serves as a means to actively connect with the community and maintain a visible presence.
We have been discussing rounds with the Union at the bargaining table and understand this is an important subject for many. We look forward to working with the Union to ensure that Rounds continue to support our community while also addressing some of the great questions and feedback we have received from the Union.