Don't forget to submit your NORA form by November 5 to better ensure a winter or spring 2022 assignment and avoid landing on the wait list. (calendar image by Cynthia Eaton)

I hope that this update finds you well and your semester is running smoothly.

NORA forms

Adjunct faculty complete the online Notice of Reasonable Assurance (NORA) form each semester to identify their availability for the upcoming term. The days/times and campus preferences, along with the number of offered sections, certifications and seniority, affect which assignments may be offered to you.

The FA recommends that you give your full availability on the NORA for the best chance to receive an assignment for the upcoming semester. NORA forms are available and due on November 5—and I can't stress enough the importance of submitting your NORA on time.

If you do not submit the NORA by the due date, your name will not appear on the preference list and this will result in not receiving an assignment for the spring semester. You may submit the NORA late and request to be put on the late list with adjunct services, but you will go to end of the B list. So, submit your NORA on time and remember to print your confirmation for proof of submission.

Promotion process

Adjunct Services sent out notification to those adjunct members eligible for promotion in rank on September 20, and those members now can submit the A1 form to request consideration for promotion. This form asks for background information, credentials and the member's statement in support of their promotion in rank. To be eligible for promotion to the following ranks, these guidelines apply:

Please note: Educational requirements for promotion are found in Appendix I of the contract, but the requirements were updated in the 2005-2011 Memo of Agreement. 
Adjuncts with special credentials or professional experiences may also apply for a waiver of the educational requirements in order to be eligible for promotion to Adjunct Assistant Professor only. For more information, check the Adjunct Educational Criteria Waiver Form.

Remember that it is your responsibility to update your file with the official transcripts of the educational requirements you have completed.

Observations

There have been several questions regarding observations this semester. In keeping with the FA contract, your chair or area supervisor has the right to observe your class/duties, limited to a reasonable number per year. Also, new hires are observed in their first semester. You have the right to ask an FA peer observer to witness your observation. You also have the right to respond to your chair's or supervisor's comments and recommendations on the B1 form.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Please join us to support Team FA for the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on October 30 at 10 am. You can donate and/or walk with us! It's a great cause, great exercise and an FA event that brings members together. I would love to see you there. Contact Joan Cook for more information.

Important dates to know

October 29 — Adjunct certification requests due
October 30 — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk
November 5 — Adjunct NORA forms due: winter/spring
November 24-28 — Thanksgiving Recess
December 1 — Adjunct assignments posted for winter and spring
December 17 — Adjunct accept/decline for winter and spring

Contact me at kimn@fascc.org or 631-451-4151 if you have any questions or if I can further assist you.