MARQUETTE -- For what may be the first time ever, Northern Michigan University professors have rejected a proposed contract.  Members of the NMU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors say the university is not putting enough resources into reducing the teacher-to-student ratio.

They want the school to reduce teaching loads and hire more instructors.

"We have a high student-to-teacher ratio and it’s continuing to grow,” said Ron Sundell, the union president, “and that's another concern; with that continued growth of that ratio, that faculty are not being able to do the best for the students in giving them a quality education they need."

Sundell says Northern has the highest student-faculty ratio for all Michigan public universities.  NMU’s ratio is nearly 21 students per instructor.  The state average student-faculty ratio is just over 17.  Also, Northern's purchase of property on Presque Isle Avenue is an indicator, according to faculty, that the administration is straying from its core goal of academics.

Administrators believe they're working hard on improving academics and reducing the student-faculty ratio.  But NMU Communications Director Cindy Paavola says it's a challenging time for universities, and they're disappointed in the faculty's vote.

"At the same time you're trying to balance the budgets, trying to keep tuition costs low for the students, so there's an amazingly large amount of factors that go into operating a university," said Paavola.

The contract, which calls for a two percent salary increase in the first year for professors, will go back to the bargaining table.  Both sides are optimistic they'll reach a deal with no plans for faculty to strike any time soon.

Click here to read the full release from the AAUP of NMU. 

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