Frequently Asked Questions for Administrative, Professional and Technical members
First Nations University of Canada and University of Regina APT members, these FAQs will help you discover some lesser-known aspects of your collective agreements. Learn about work schedules, temporary assignments of duties, and personal or discretionary leaves.
We recommend opening another browser tab so you can find additional details for these topics in your collective agreement.
- First Nations University of Canada Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees 2021 – 2026 Collective Agreement
- University of Regina Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees 2021 – 2026 Collective Agreement
If you have any questions, send us an email and we’ll be happy to connect with you.
Can I choose my hours of work or are work hours fixed?
If you are a member of the First Nations University of Canada Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 13.5 in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement outlines information about your hours of work.
Key points from Article 13.5:
- Normally, your work hours mirror those of the university, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for a total of 35 hours per week.
- If your position requires some flexibility in hours of work, you can speak with your director or equivalent to determine a mutually agreed upon schedule.
- If your personal circumstances require some flexibility, you can speak with your director or equivalent to request a temporary adjustment to your schedule. (Visit 13.5.1 to learn more about variable hours.)
If you are a member of the University of Regina Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 10.3 in your 2017 – 2021 outlines your options for determining your hours of work.
Key points from Article 10.3:
- Work schedules are determined by mutual agreement between you and your supervisor. The schedules accommodate both your right to a reasonable and flexible work schedule and the university’s operational needs.
- The average number of hours you will work in a week is 36.25 hours. The out-of-scope head or out-of-scope designate will ensure that work schedules are consistent with this number of hours.
- If you work more than an average of 36.25 hours per week over a four-week period, you are entitled to time off in lieu earned at straight time rates. (Visit Article 10.3 to learn more about time in lieu.)
Can my supervisor ask me to take on additional duties that are not within the scope of my position?
If you are a member of the First Nations University of Canada Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 13.4 in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement outlines information about how a temporary assignment of duties works.
Key points from Article 13.4:
- Your agreement is required in order to take on another position or a large number of duties from another position.
- If you agree, the maximum time frame for taking on a temporary assignment of duties is nine months. This may be extended to up to twelve months with agreement from you, URFA and the university.
- Before you begin any additional or different duties, you should receive a written document outlining the assignment details to help you determine if you’d like to accept the assignment.
- If the temporary assignment of duties is longer than 15 working days and the duties of the position have different functions, your salary is eligible for adjustment. (View Article 13.4 to learn more about the adjustment considerations.)
If you are a member of the University of Regina Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 10.6 in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement outlines information about how a temporary assignment of duties works.
Key points from Article 10.6:
- Your agreement is required in order to take on another position or a large number of duties from another position.
- If you agree, the maximum time frame for taking on a temporary assignment of duties is six months. With your agreement, this may be extended more than six months but will not be longer than a year except in unusual circumstances as agreed to by you and the university.
- Before you begin any additional or different duties, you should receive a written document outlining the assignment details to help you determine if you’d like to accept the assignment.
- If the temporary assignment of duties is longer than 28 consecutive calendar days and the duties of the position have different functions, your salary is eligible for adjustment. (View Article 10.6 to learn more about the adjustment considerations.)
Can I take a leave to address an urgent situation that’s come up in my family?
If you are a member of the First Nations University of Canada Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 27.2 in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement provides information about taking a discretionary leave.
Key points from Article 27.2:
- The appropriate Vice-President, upon the recommendation of the director or equivalent, may approve or extend a discretionary leave for an employee.
- Discretionary leaves may be with pay, with partial pay or without pay.
- These leaves will not be unreasonably withheld.
If you are a member of the University of Regina Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Article 28.1 in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement provides information about taking a personal leave.
Key points from Article 28.1:
- A personal leave of absence may be approved with pay for up to five working days by the appropriate out-of-scope head or out-of-scope designate.
- Some examples of urgent personal situations are grave illness or bereavement in the family, birth or adoption in the family, crisis involving care of a sick child when no alternative care is available.
- To seek a personal leave, send your out-of-scope head or out-of-scope designate a written request. In an emergency, a verbal request may be made and confirmed in writing.
I’m facing barriers or challenges in the workplace. How do I seek a workplace accommodation?
View our resource on seeking a workplace accommodation.
Are there any funds available to support my professional expenses?
Yes! Funds are available in your Accountable Professional Expense Account (APEA).
If you are a member of the First Nations University of Canada Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Appendix A in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement provides information about your APEA.
If you are a member of the University of Regina Administrative, Professional and Technical Employees Bargaining Unit, Appendix A in your 2017 – 2021 Collective Agreement provides information about your APEA.