MT. PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University's Faculty Association president says the school's faculty and administration are closer to a new contract for professors.

The revelation came moments after President George Ross delivered his annual 'State of the University' address inside Warriner Hall.

"Just because you disagree, doesn't mean you can't be civil," said Dr. Ross, who later mentioned that the on-going labor dispute has gripped the Mt. Pleasant campus for months now.

"We have displayed ourselves in total civility, total respect. We are exercising our first amendment rights," responded Dr. Laura Frey, outside of Warriner Hall following Dr. Ross's 40 minute speech.

The administration's bargaining team has tabled agreements on five issues between the two sides.

CMU's faculty has been without a contract since the end of June.

One student we spoke with on campus feels that its time for the administration to listen to the faculty's demands.

"We're all here for an education and the teachers are what allow us to get that education," said Jake Simmons, a junior in CMU's secondary education program.

Dr. Frey says a lot of negotiating between the two sides must still take place, before a complete contract resolution is finished.