On July 17, we continued contract negotiations with Columbia\u2019s bargaining team. We resumed discussions about COVID-19, testing,and the University\u2019s plans for reopening, especially regarding international student workers.<\/p>\n
Can students who are returning to work get COVID-19 tests outside of Morningside? <\/strong>Columbia stated that it was New York Presbyterian\u2019s (NYP) decision to stop testing at CUIMC. Currently, tests are only offered at and being accepted from the CU-Morningside facilities for all workers (faculty and staff included) due to issues around the accuracy of tests available outside of NYP. The Columbia representatives at the table said the University is looking for ways to implement testing again at the uptown campus before the start of the Fall semester in order to prevent crowding when more people are supposed to return to campus.<\/p>\n Do the adjustments made due to the ICE guidelines (hybrid model and electronic I-20s) still apply?<\/strong> Columbia is still planning to issue both electronic and physical I-20s for students who need them. To the extent possible, CU schools will still maintain a hybrid model of learning in case any other unexpected changes or directives impact international students. Columbia also cited the most recent FAQ published by ICE<\/a>, which stated that students who were not already in the country during the COVID-19 outbreak should remain in their home country. The University said that it is not yet clear how this may impact students moving forward.<\/p>\n Have the announcements to the incoming international students been made yet in regards to how they can be funded? <\/strong>Columbia is awaiting results of a consultation with the Office of General Council and ISSO to clarify the legal basis on allowing students to carry out TA\/RA work remotely if they have not held an appointment previously.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bargaining Updates<\/strong><\/p>\n During this session, our discussions focused on Grievance and Arbitration and International Student Workers\u2019 Rights. We are still expecting responses to our Job Posting, Leaves of Absence, and Vacation proposals from the July 10 session.<\/p>\n\n