LMU's Commitment to Continuity of Instruction

October 3, 2025

Dear LMU Students, 

You may be aware that SEIU Local 721 announced a call for faculty strike on campus. Because LMU lawfully invoked its religious exemption on September 12, SEIU no longer has a standing at the university. While we do not recognize SEIU, and we remain uncertain a strike will take place, we are sharing this information for your awareness.

Freedom of expression—including disagreement and protest—is central to LMU’s identity; however, that expression must always go hand in hand with our responsibility to safeguard your learning. Please know that LMU’s top priority is you—your coursework, your progress toward your degree, and your overall experience. We believe that faculty can voice their concerns without striking or missing scheduled class sessions, which jeopardize student learning and academic progress. We have asked all faculty to continue putting you, our students, first by honoring their teaching commitments. 

You may be wondering why this is all happening on our campus. In 2024, some of our faculty organized with SEIU Local 721 in hopes that a union would help address their needs. Instead, SEIU caused conflict within our community, made sensational claims about the university, and started interfering with the university in areas beyond faculty issues. The university realized that the best path forward is to work directly with faculty to address their priorities with concrete actions. Unlike SEIU’s demands-- which would have resulted in 18% tuition hikes, mass layoffs, and program cuts--the university’s approach provides real solutions without these consequences. We have already increased faculty compensation, are expanding access to full-time roles, are working to strengthen their job stability, and are investing in their professional development. We are committed to continuing this progress, including through collaboration with the Faculty Senate. 

Additional information about LMU’s commitments to faculty and shared governance, as well as information about LMU’s financial stewardship and budget transparency is posted on The Path Forward website.

If any adjustments to your courses become necessary, you will be notified promptly. In the meantime, if you have questions, you may contact your college or school Dean’s office or your professors directly with course-specific or college/school-specific questions.

LMU remains committed to walking alongside you in your academic journey and to ensuring you continue to receive the high-quality education you expect and deserve.

Sincerely,

Kat Weaver, Ph.D.
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
Vice Provost for Faculty, Research, and Strategy