Adjunct Coorindator Kim Ng Southard explains the benefits of joining the union to newly hired adjuncts during the August 25 adjunct orientation. (photo by Dante Morelli)

Welcome to fall 2022! We have an exciting fall semester ahead.

Contract negotiations

Our contract expired on August 31, but there is no need to worry because the existing contract stays in place until we ratify a new agreement.
The negotiations team met this summer and formed committees to address the needs of specific groups. The adjunct committee identified negotiable items that would benefit adjuncts and presented them to the entire team for review. We continue to work hard to address the needs of our adjuncts during negotiations.

Brightspace

Take advantage of the Brightspace help available to you. Cynthia Eaton posted some Brightspace Basics files on the FA website, and you can review her June WORD article on distance ed for more ideas. Contact us if you need help.

New adjunct orientation

I had the pleasure of meeting and welcoming new adjunct hires at the August 25 adjunct orientation. I introduced the FA and outlined the following benefits that adjuncts gain by joining our union:

• FA members can attend union events and meetings.
• Only FA members may vote in union elections and on our proposed contract.
• FA members are guaranteed union representation at observations, disciplinary hearings and Title IX investigations.
• FA members gain access to our NYSUT labor relations specialist as well as no-cost arbitration.
• FA members are automatically members of NYSUT, AFT, NEA and AFL-CIO and thus entitled to all of their benefit programs.
• Joining the FA shows solidarity with your peers.

The union representation and LRS/arbitration benefits may be crucial during hearings and disciplinary investigations that threaten your employment. If you are not an FA member, I urge you to call the FA office at 631-451-4151 to obtain a membership form.

Professional development fund

We encourage you to take advantage of the adjunct faculty development fund and apply for funding for both in-person and virtual conferences. Of the $50,000 fund, no more than $25,000 will be awarded in the fall semester, and adjuncts can apply for up to $750 for conference registration and travel each academic year.

Submit your forms to the Office of Faculty and Professional Advancement before this first-come, first-served funding runs out.

New! Adjunct-only workshops

In response to adjunct feedback on our negotiations surveys, I’ve developed and will host an adjunct-only workshop on October 14 at 10 a.m. on the assignments process.

And next spring, our Executive Vice President Courtney Brewer will offer an adjunct-only workshop on the promotion process.

Important Dates

Other items to know

FA wall calendars are available in the adjunct offices on each campus.

We ask that you update your contact information with the FA (anita@fascc.org or 631-451-4151), and we prefer to communicate with members using non-SCCC email.
Please contact me at kimn@fascc.org if you have questions regarding union issues.

I wish you a great fall semester!