Faculty Negotiations: Information for Students

COCC is committed to providing clear, up-to-date information about what the ongoing mediation process with the Faculty Forum, which represents most COCC faculty, may mean for your classes and your experience as a student. Throughout mediation, the College is working toward an agreement that meaningfully invests in faculty while maintaining long-term financial stability and keeping a COCC education affordable for students.

Unless you receive different instructions directly from COCC, continue attending classes and completing your coursework as usual. If anything changes that affects your classes, COCC will communicate directly with you about what you need to know and do. We will also update the topics below as new information becomes available.

For more detailed information about the negotiations, including current proposals, salary history and financial information, visit the Faculty Forum Negotiations web page.

Faculty Negotiations: Questions & Answers

  • Does the strike notice mean there definitely will be a strike?

    No. The Faculty Forum has provided notice of its intent to strike beginning Oct. 5, but mediation may continue and the parties can still reach an agreement before that date.

  • Should I continue attending class?

    Yes. Until you receive different instructions directly from COCC, continue attending class and completing coursework as usual.

  • What happens if the strike begins Oct. 5?

    COCC is working to ensure as many classes as possible continue should a strike occur. If a strike begins, the College will communicate with you early that morning about your classes and next steps. You are also encouraged to check your email and Bobcat Web account frequently for updates.

  • Will my classes be canceled if a strike occurs?

    COCC is working to ensure as many classes as possible continue should a strike occur. If a strike begins, the College will communicate with you early that morning about your classes and next steps. You are also encouraged to check your email and Bobcat Web account frequently for updates.

  • Will COCC remain open?

    Yes. Unless otherwise notified, all College services will remain open.

  • Will I receive a refund if my class does not continue?

    Yes. COCC will automatically refund you if your class is canceled.

  • Can I withdraw from my class and receive a refund if my teacher changes?

    You will not automatically receive a refund if your instructor changes. However, you can petition for a refund through Admissions & Records if needed.

  • Will my financial aid be impacted by the strike?

    Depending on your enrollment status after any course cancellations, your financial aid may be impacted in future terms. If all your courses are canceled, a portion of your financial aid may need to be returned. If this affects you, COCC’s Office of Financial Aid will contact you with additional information.

  • I am a veteran. Will my veterans education benefits be impacted by the strike?

    If you use Veterans Education Benefits, you may experience impacts if courses are canceled. COCC is working closely with Veterans Services to provide guidance and support. COCC’s Office of Financial Aid or Veterans Benefits will contact you if you are impacted by canceled classes with additional information about your benefits and enrollment status.

  • Is mediation continuing?

    Yes. COCC remains committed to reaching an agreement, and mediation can continue before and during a strike.

  • What if I am a high school student taking courses at COCC?
    • College Now Courses: If you are enrolled in a College Now course taught at your high school, you will see little to no impact on your classes in the event of a faculty strike on October 5.
    • Concurrently Enrolled Students: If you are taking courses directly through COCC, you should continue attending class as scheduled and monitor your COCC student email closely for updates from the College.
    • High School Graduation Requirements: If you are taking a COCC course that is connected to your high school graduation requirements, continue attending as scheduled and monitor your COCC student email for updates. COCC will provide additional information if there are changes that may affect your course.
  • I am a Foundation scholarship recipient. Will my scholarship be affected?
    No. We will be flexible with the minimum credit requirements for the Fall term. You will not be required to repay your scholarship, even if your enrollment status changes as a result of a strike.