This month's column focuses on communicating about your NORA availabilities, adjunct dues and unemployment insurance as well as professional development funding and tuition reimbursement.

Adjuncts and NORA forms

Now that our adjunct members have submitted their NORA forms by October 27, here are a few notes about the process.

• Adjuncts who seek teaching and PA assignments should communicate their preference for one or the other directly to their chair or area supervisor in writing. Tell your supervisor, for example, that you want a PA assignment if you don’t get a teaching assignment.
  
  
• Adjuncts should also notify their academic chair or area supervisor in writing of any major changes to the availabilities you entered into your NORA form. Sometimes you might find after October 27 that you're suddenly available at times you weren't able to enter before October 27. You should always communicate these issues to your chairs or supervisors. Please note, though, that while they might be able to accommodate your changes (and many supervisors do try), the college is under no formal obligation to do so.

Adjunct dues and unemployment insurance

NYSUT is currently working on two major adjunct initiatives.  Last spring, the FA introduced a resolution at the NYSUT Representative Assembly which asked NYSUT to form a task force to look at the dues structure for adjuncts who work at multiple NYSUT institutions. The resolution passed, and the task force has been formed. The task force is gathering statistics on how many NYSUT members are paying dues at more than one institution. Once this information is gathered, the task force will make a recommendation to the NYSUT board.

The other adjunct issue that NYSUT has been trying to resolve is how the New York State Department of Labor determines if an adjunct is eligible for unemployment insurance. The current rules and regulations are confusing and are not being applied consistently throughout the state. Last year NYSUT introduced a bill to the New York State Legislature that would codify when an adjunct was able to receive benefits. After investigation, it was determined that the bill was in conflict with federal unemployment insurance law. NYSUT is currently working with the Department of Labor and legislators to create a bill that will comply with federal law and make it easier for adjuncts to apply for unemployment insurance.

Professional development funds and tuition reimbursement 

Adjunct FA members are eligible to apply for professional development funds to attend workshops or conferences after working three semesters at SCCC. With $10,000 available in the fall semester and $10,000 available in the spring, these funds are dedicated for adjunct faculty who are working at least two credit hours the semester they apply. Awards are capped at $750, and funds are available on a first come first served basis. The earlier you submit your application, the more likely you will receive funding. Click here to download the form.

Adjunct faculty who have served more than two semesters may be admitted under a tuition reimbursement plan to any two courses offered at SCCC per semester, provided the faculty member secures prior approval from the dean of faculty and successfully completes the course. You must complete the Application for Faculty/Guild Member Tuition Reimbursement and submit to your campus executive dean before registering for the course.

The spouse and dependent children of adjunct faculty who have been employed at SCCC eight out of the last twelve semesters may be admitted to SCCC courses, with a maximum of eighteen credits per year. This reimbursement is subject to registration and enrollment requirements as well as successful completion of the course. You must complete and submit the Application for Faculty/Guild Member Dependent Reimbursement Form before registering for the course.