The FA's brand new adjunct task force met for the first time on November 11 and were welcomed by FA President Dante Morelli (bottom row, left). Chaired by EC rep Kerry Spooner (top row, right), the team already has over a dozen members and growing. The next meeting is in early January; contact Kerry to join.

Despite the many challenges this semester, adjunct colleagues from all three campuses and across disciplines established the FA adjunct task force.

To say we’re off to a strong start would be an understatement. Task force members have already met several times to begin working on our mission. To that end, the task force is creating an adjunct survey—to help measure adjunct priorities, sentiment and background—for distribution in April 2021. Joan Rogers-Harrington of NYSUT's Research and Educational Services Department attended our December 3 meeting, as she will assist the committee with the survey's development, distribution and analysis.

We hope all adjuncts will complete this survey so we have the most up-to-date and comprehensive information and feedback possible as the FA moves forward in advocating for this largest constituency within our membership. Survey distribution will be announced both via email and in The WORD. Keep an eye out for it! We need to hear all of your voices.

In addition, the task force is conducting industry-wide, regional and institution-specific research to learn about solutions and best practices that address inequities in working conditions of adjuncts. The work of the task force aims to inform the next round of contract negotiations.

If you are an adjunct who works in science labs, in nursing or as a specialist, the task force can use your experience and knowledge. If you are not in one of those disciplines and still would like to participate, please email me.

We plan to meet next in early January. Until then, happy holidays and a happy new year!