Platform
This platform represents the NIA’s stance on key issues at the school. NIA members draft platform planks to reflect the thinking of our voting membership; the Board then votes to adopt them. We revise our positions as situations at the school change. Feedback from employees in every corner of the school is an integral part of this process. E-mails to board members with your thoughts on individual issues are welcome. Individual input is the key to our aggregate success.
Read the posts below for full position statements.
Employee Compensation
If NOLS is to continue to thrive until the end of the century and beyond, then it must take seriously the impacts to excellent student experiences caused by inadequate compensation, lack of job security, and a changing outdoor jobs market. The NIA calls on NOLS to set a goal of a living wage for all employees and a middle class income for senior faculty and managers to be realized by the end of the next strategic plan.
Employee Engagement
A fundamental part of the mission of the NIA is to help guide NOLS from the faculty perspective. We believe that instructors are the primary bearers of the NOLS mission through our direct work with students. From this unique role, working faculty have an essential perspective on school-wide decisions. Our goal is to further integrate this perspective into the work of the NOLS administration.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are increasingly visible and valued at NOLS. The NIA applauds the efforts NOLS has undertaken to provide more resources and training to students and staff in this area. Equity underlies many of the NIA’s advocacy efforts, in particular our advocacy for a living wage for all employees, and for an employee-focused voice at the highest levels of decision making at NOLS.