![The university and the American Association of University Professors Kent chapter utilized a fact finder's assistance in coming to a contract agreement. [KENT STATE UNIVERSITY]](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/02553b5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1010x400+0+0/resize/840x332!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Fnpr%2F2019%2F06%2F736403289_2131288698.jpg)
After more than a year of negotiations, a new contract is now in place for members of the Kent State faculty union.
The University Board of Trustees unanimously approved the contract Wednesday. The faculty union ratified it earlier in June.
University President-elect Todd Diacon, who takes over Monday, welcomed the decision.
The university approved a contract with the faculty union
“And we know that the source of our strength as an institution is the quality of our faculty. And for that reason, we’re especially thankful that we have our new contract.”
The new agreement grants the faculty union retroactive salary increases of 2 percent and across-the-board increases between 2 percent and 2.5 percent in the coming academic years.
Ninety-six percent of faculty approved the agreement.
The board also approved tuition rates for the upcoming 2019-20 academic year, including a four-year tuition guarantee for the incoming in-state freshman class. Proposed rates for incoming in-state freshmen will increase by approximately $185 per semester, an average of about 3.5 percent annually. Under Kent State’s Tuition Guarantee, tuition, room and board for these students will remain constant for the next four years. Tuition for students who are not part of the Tuition Guarantee program will increase 2 percent. The rates are pending authorization from the Ohio General Assembly and Gov. Mike DeWine's (R) approval of the state budget.
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