Members of Carleton’s university senate voted to postpone a motion that would grant students academic amnesty in the event of a strike Oct. 29.
The emergency motion was brought before the senate by Sam Heaton, vice-president (student services) of Carleton University Students' Association (CUSA).
The motion to support academic amnesty would mean in the event of a strike, students would not be penalized for not attending classes and would be granted extensions on assignment and tests.
Three of Carleton’s unions, collectively representing more than 4,000 faculty and staff, have approved strike mandates.
The senate will discuss the issue at the next senate meeting on Nov. 26.
Carleton President Roseann Runte said the senate needs at least 10 days notice before a motion can be addressed and must be brought up prior to, or at the beginning of, the meeting.
Heaton said he first brought up the motion at the start of the meeting, but it was recommended that he wait until the issue was brought up later in the meeting.
"[This motion] cannot be delayed because we do not know when a possible labour disruption could take place and it's a matter of great importance," Heaton said.
Heaton said the problem developed after the date of submission because it was after the date that CUSA and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) voted in favour of the motion to provide students with academic amnesty.
"This does not increase or decrease the legitimacy of a strike," Heaton said.
Brian Mortimer, senate clerk, said in the event of a strike there is an academic emergency response committee that has been established.
According to Runte, it would be relatively easy for an emergency meeting of the Senate to be held.