Dear OHIO Faculty,

Following our email earlier this week, Ohio University, the United Academics of Ohio University (UAOU) and the State Employment Relations Board (SERB) have each heard from numerous eligible OHIO faculty who had not yet received mail-in ballots.

As a result, OHIO and UAOU have shared concerns with SERB, which is solely responsible for managing and operating the election process, and have advocated for an extension to the voting period.

In order to ensure a fair, neutral process that provides all eligible faculty the opportunity and the time to appropriately share their voice, Ohio University, UAOU and SERB  have agreed to extend the voting period, and the final day for voters to place a ballot in the mail has been extended to March 11.   

SERB has also thanked all parties for their patience and reiterated that “employees’ right to vote, or not to vote, as they deem necessary, is of the utmost importance” to SERB.

In addition to the ongoing mail-in ballot process, SERB is also providing an in-person option for eligible faculty to pick up their ballot and cast their vote. Eligible faculty may visit the SERB office, located at 65 East State Street, Suite 1200, Columbus, OH 43215, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., anytime between Feb. 28 and March 11. After presenting a valid ID, they may receive a ballot, complete it and hand it back to SERB immediately.   

Those with questions or concerns regarding the SERB-led voting process and those who need to request a replacement ballot are encouraged to contact SERB's Labor Relations Administrator Daniel A. Sabol via email daniel.sabol@serb.ohio.gov or at 614-466-3569. Additionally, please notify Ohio University Director of Labor Relations Michael Courtney at courtnm2@ohio.edu.

Remember: Those who vote will decide your future at Ohio University. The winning outcome will be decided by the majority of those who vote. Often, individuals who are not fervently for or against a union or who are unsure what impact a union might have on their future opt out of voting altogether. Ohio University strongly encourages you to vote. Read our online FAQ for information that might inform your decision.

Remember to cast your vote no later than March 11!