Employee/Labor Relations

Employee Relations works with managers and employees to enhance the working environment for Kent State employees. This includes change management, turnover reduction and improved employee relations.  Employee Relations can also assist in coaching, mentoring and training supervisors and managers in the area of employee management, performance reviews and disciplinary actions. 

Labor Relations oversees all aspects of labor relations activities for AFSCME-represented employees at Kent State. This office oversees pre-disciplinary hearings for classified, unrepresented university employees. The goal of the office is to create and sustain a collaborative work environment for collective bargaining members, unrepresented classified employees and the professional leadership. For more information, contact:

  • Karen Watson, Employee and Labor Relations Director, at 330-672-4636 or kswatson@kent.edu
  • Linda Leising,  Employee and Labor Relations Coordinator, at 330-672-2901 or lleising@kent.edu
  • Janine Bogden, Administrative Assistant, at 330-672-8526 or jbogden@kent.edu
  • Norma Karam, Administrative Clerk, at 330-672-8334 or nkaram@kent.edu