To: Wellesley College Community
From: Courtney Coile, Provost and Lia Gelin Poorvu ’56 Dean of the College, and Carolyn Slaboden, Chief Human Resources Officer
Re: College and WOAW-UAW agree to enter mediation
Date: May 2, 2025
The College and WOAW-UAW, the union representing Wellesley’s non-tenure track (NTT) faculty, have mutually agreed to enter mediation as they work toward a first union contract.
Mary Ellen Shea, an accomplished mediator and arbitrator who is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators and former co-chair of its New England regional chapter, will serve as the mediator. The union recommended Ms. Shea, and the College accepted their suggestion. Ms. Shea has extensive knowledge of applicable labor and employment laws and experience in resolving the full range of labor and employment disputes.
The College has long believed that mediation is needed to bring the parties together to reach agreement on a fair and competitive contract that serves our NTT faculty, our students, and the entire College community. It is important to remember that a mediator is a neutral party who does not make decisions, issue any reports or rulings, or take public positions on anything in dispute. The entire process is confidential, and both parties are ultimately responsible for approving all aspects of a final contract.
The parties will begin the mediation process on May 15 with a preliminary meeting with Ms. Shea.