After bringing in an impartial third party to negotiations, the American Association of University Professors – Kent State University (AAUP-KSU) and Kent State University reached a tentative agreement Monday, coming to a consensus for the time-being over issues including health benefits and salary.

The agreement is set to last three years, where the tenured and tenure-track faculty will receive health care benefits for their spouses if they are eligible, and will receive a two percent raise each year for the next three years, upon other findings.

The contention began in September when AAUP-KSU sent their bargaining unit to the university’s bargaining unit, and in November brought in a fact finder, or third party mediator. As the findings came out, the union’s bargaining unit accepted them unanimously. Now it’s up to all the members of AAUP-KSU to accept the terms.

Taking lead from the findings, we can find peace. Especially since the university and union has, at least for the time being. And for now, with a ratified agreement possibly being on the horizon, there will be no strike, no worried faculty and no picketing.

Overall, in this case, it shows us what can come from the university working together with the union. We won’t have to worry about any faculty striking with the tentative agreement, which means academics can go on as normal and with a happier outlook on the tensions that have arisen.