Collective Bargaining at KU
All faculty and academic staff, with limited exceptions, are represented by United Academics of KU (UAKU). In the collective bargaining process, the University and UAKU are required to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment for the bargaining unit.
On April 20, 2026, the first Collective Bargaining agreement between the University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU (UAKU) was ratified and recognized by the Kansas Board of Regents. Per the terms of the agreement, both parties meet and confer on contract terms regularly. This page provides updates and resources related to collective bargaining for faculty and staff.
Policy Alignment Support
Policy Development Grants
The Office of Faculty Affairs is offering Policy Development Grants of up to $4,000 to support the alignment of unit-level policy with the UAKU collective bargaining agreement, once ratified and approved. These grants aim to support the creation and revision of policy within academic departments and research centers across the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Priority will be given to proposals submitted by May 1. After this date, proposals may be considered on a rolling basis, contingent upon the availability of funds.
Additional Policy Resources
Additional resources, including university guidance on faculty-related policy and resources from KU's Policy Administration Office.
Policy Alignment Resources
The Policy Alignment Resources page offers resources for those working on policy revision, including policy submission steps, a suggested policy timeline, guidance documents, checklists, and templates for revising policy to align with the collective bargaining contract.
Overview and Timeline
Spring 2024
Union vote and recognition
- Of the 1,551 eligible KU faculty, 982 cast ballots, of which 850 voted to unionize and be represented by United Academics of Kansas University (UAKU).
Early Fall 2024
Interim agreement
- In August 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for Lawrence and Edwards faculty and academic staff, for FY 25 wage increases.
- On August 16, the Office of the Provost notified KU employees of the MOU, outlining the details of the promotion wage adjustments.
Fall 2024 through Today
Negotiation sessions
- Negotiations began on Sept. 4, 2024, and have been ongoing until a final contract is agreed upon.
KU and UAKU agreement
- 60 negotiation sessions between UAKU and KU Administration have led to a tentative agreement on all 37 articles of the collective bargaining agreement on March 5, 2026.