When will a strike occur?

The California Faculty Association (CFA), which represents instructional faculty, coaches, librarians and psychological counselors, have called for a five-day strike from Monday, January 22, to Friday, January 26, on every CSU campus in which they are encouraging their membership to withhold work – including canceling classes, not answering emails, and not attending other job functions such as committee work or research -- and join picket lines.

Will classes, athletic practices or events or counseling services be canceled while faculty are on strike?

The CSU has not canceled classes, but individual classes may be canceled by faculty members who choose to honor the strike. In addition, mental health counselors who decide to strike may cancel appointments. However, you should not assume that all your classes, athletic practices or events, or counseling services will be canceled, as not all faculty will strike.

You should stay in touch with each of your professors, coaches or counselors. You may also check your class portal and university email for notifications of any changes to your classes.

You can share any concerns about canceled classes, mental health counseling appointments, athletics practices or events and other student services via a link that will be sent to you via email and posted to Canvas. Through that link you may provide details about the class or service that was canceled.

I haven’t heard from my professor if we will have class this week. Who can I contact?

If a professor has not communicated with you that they have canceled class due to the strike, you should attend the class as normal. If you have not heard from your professor, you may follow up with provost@csumb.edu or hr@csumb.edu.

A strike should not affect your ability to complete your courses and earn full academic credit.

Will Cal State Monterey Bay extend the add/drop period during the CFA work stoppage?

The add/drop period will not be extended, however, for spring 2024, Cal State Monterey Bay has a temporary exemption to requiring instructor signatures during the second week of the add/drop period from Jan. 29-Feb. 5. This change is meant to ensure students can continue to make changes to their course schedule even with a planned CFA work stoppage from Jan. 22-26 that may lead to some individual faculty canceling classes. Our commitment is to ensure our students continue to make timely progress toward degrees and that their education stays on track. There will be no change to the process to add or drop extended education or open university courses as they are on a different cycle.

Will the campus remain open during a strike?

Yes, campus will be open and operational (e.g., library, food court, student union, advising offices and resource centers). Should there be any changes to hours and services or scheduled events, that information will be communicated via the campus website, Canvas, email or social media accounts.

Picketing at campus entrances may cause traffic delays. Plan extra time to get to campus, especially if you have class or other appointments.

Will picketers block access to campus? What if I don’t want to cross the picket line?

Individuals who are picketing may not block or otherwise obstruct the ability of students to access the campus, including classrooms, other facilities and buildings, or campus services. If you are not comfortable crossing a picket line, you should access campus via an alternative entrance, or contact provost@csumb.edu or hr@csumb.edu.

All my classes are online. Will they be affected?

We strongly encourage you to reach out to your professors and regularly check your student portal and email for messages from them. Any course may be affected regardless of the mode of instruction.

What about projects I’m working on that are led by faculty?

You should check with your professor regarding your work schedule on faculty-led research or projects.

Will internships, student teaching or other off-campus academic activities be affected?

If you are participating in off-campus activities such as student teaching, internships or service learning, you should continue to report to the sponsoring off-campus agency to continue your assignment as usual.

Can faculty require me to walk the picket lines or walk out of a class as part of an assignment or in exchange for a grade?

Faculty should never try to persuade you to support or oppose the strike. Nor can faculty require you to support the strike, walk the picket lines, stay away from campus or walk out of a class as part of a class assignment or in exchange for a grade.

I am a student employee. Can I work during a strike?

The strike does not involve student employees. However, strike activity may impact service hours. You should check with your manager about any scheduling changes.

I am an international student on an F1 Visa. How will a faculty strike affect me?

Missing classes that have been canceled due to strike action will not be considered non-engagement. We will work with international students to minimize any impact.

Am I allowed to speak out publicly about a strike without fear of retaliation?

 The university fully respects the free speech rights of our students, staff, and faculty. Retaliation from any member of the campus community for one’s opinion or position regarding the labor dispute is inappropriate and unlawful and should be reported immediately through our Report Concerning/Discriminating Behavior reporting tool. 

 What is the best way to stay informed?

 We will continue to provide updates on this page, so check periodically. We will also communicate directly with students, faculty, and staff as needed via email and social media accounts.