Contingent faculty members at Wells College, represented by SEIU Local 200United, have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the college with the National Labor Relations Board. The charge comes after the college’s administration allegedly refused to provide critical financial information needed for ongoing negotiations, further intensifying the fallout from the institution’s abrupt closure.
The faculty union has been negotiating with Wells College over the impact of its sudden closure, which was announced just before the final week of classes. Despite two meetings with President Susan Henking, union members claim that the college’s remaining administrators have largely dismissed their proposals, including requests for modest severance packages. The administration’s refusal, union leaders argue, contradicts their claim that it is not due to an inability to pay.
Faculty members have expressed deep frustration and betrayal, citing the administration’s failure to be transparent about the college’s financial troubles. “By hiding the severity of the financial crisis until the last moment, Wells College’s leaders have irreparably harmed our careers,” said Leslie Schumacher, a visiting assistant professor in the history department. Schumacher urged the administration to honor their moral obligations to those who dedicated themselves to the institution.
The union’s grievances also include accusations of deliberate misrepresentation by the college’s administration. Andrew Hunt, a visiting assistant professor in the theater department, noted that faculty contracts were renewed just before the spring semester, despite the administration’s knowledge of the impending closure. “This act of deceit trapped faculty members who could have sought other opportunities,” Hunt said. He added that attempts to obtain clear financial information from the administration were repeatedly ignored.
Laura Campbell, a music professor with over 20 years at Wells College, highlighted the administration’s violation of the college’s core values. Campbell pointed to the Wells Honor Code, which emphasizes integrity, accountability, and respect—values she believes were disregarded by the college’s leadership. “The sudden and unexpected closure announcement has had devastating effects on the entire community,” she said.
The union is now calling on Wells College to engage in good faith negotiations, provide severance packages, and work with former faculty and alumni to preserve the legacy of the institution. Faculty members insist that the administration must take responsibility for the harm caused and adhere to the principles that have guided Wells College for generations.
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