New insights into troubled faculty contract negotiations at the University of Cincinnati were revealed this week.

        Stalled talks resumed for the first time with federal mediator Louis J. Manchise and both sides outlined where they hoped their proposals would take them, faculty chief negotiator John K. Brackett said.

        Mr. Manchise would not comment, but it went so well that he agreed to mediate five more meetings, starting on Dec. 3 and including a last-minute bargaining session on Jan. 2 if necessary.

        That's the day before the strike called by the American Association of University Professors for the start of winter quarter.

        “I can't put my finger on it exactly,” said Dr. Brackett, a professor of mathematics, “but I'm very pleased. Lou said he thought there was a deal out there and he was willing to help us get there.”

        That was a shift for Mr. Manchise, who initially promised to help at a couple of meetings.

        This is the third time he has mediated faculty union contract negotiations at UC. AAUP has struck twice — 1979 and 1993 — but not when Mr. Manchise was involved.

        “What went right?” asked Stephanie R. Echols, executive director of UC human resources and a member of the school's negotiating team. “I think that bringing the parties together with someone who could hear what the issues are generally and determine if there were room for a settlement within that framework.”

        Dr. Brackett said UC and the AAUP will meet on Dec. 3. Both sides will do their best to further educate Mr. Manchise on their issues and proposals. Other sessions are set for Dec. 14, 21, 27, and 28.

        Dr. Brackett said a strike would be avoided if AAUP's board endorses a proposed contract before Jan. 3.

        A vote could come after that deadline, Dr. Brackett, said, and AAUP members never have rejected a contract recommended by negotiators and the board.

        AAUP represents 1,988 full-time faculty in UC's 17 colleges and five campuses. Only the 720 paid-up members may vote on a contract.

        Ms. Echols and fellow negotiator Mark Stepaniak, an attorney retained by UC, have been briefing administrators and trustees so there should be no surprises when they bring in a tentative contract. After that, it's up to UC's board of trustees whether to approve it.

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