Since the lockout, some colleagues have reported trying to get their academic units (Departments, Schools, Colleges, Programs, Faculties) to vote on non-confidence motions regarding the Board and senior administrators’ ability to uphold the academic mission of the university. They were being told by Deans/Directors/Chairs that this is beyond their scope and the motions cannot be added to meeting agendas. These instructions come from the University’s legal counsel.

What faculty should know:

1. A non-confidence motion can still be proposed ‘from the floor’ (i.e., by anyone attending the meeting).
2. Even if the chair claims it is ‘not in order,’ the mover can refuse to withdraw the motion, as it does not conflict with the bylaws of Dalhousie; if need be, a majority vote can overturn the chair’s ruling and put the motion on the table.
3. If someone moves from the floor, the chair must ask if there is a seconder (good idea to have one lined up in advance!).
4. If the motion is seconded, a discussion must be opened followed by a call for a confidential vote.
5. If a vote occurs, the outcome should get recorded in the minutes. Make sure it does.

A vote like this is symbolic, but makes faculty perceptions clear – it is a public statement of disapproval. Concerns about possible repercussions have been voiced by some of our colleagues. If multiple Faculty Councils express no-confidence, the risk of retaliation against any one Faculty diminishes.