Adjunct Coordinator Kim Ng Southard addresses newly hired adjunct faculty at the August 24 adjunct orientation, explaining basic policies as well as union benefits. (photo by Dante Morelli)

Greetings to all!

This update celebrates adjunct longevity and promotions, welcomes new adjunct members and covers adjunct promotion workshops, professional development and important dates.

Adjunct longevity recognition

I am beyond excited to report that we recognize longevity milestones for our adjunct colleagues in this issue of The WORD. The FA thanks these peers for their years of service at the college and the work they do to create a high-quality environment for student learning. Congratulations to all!

We worked relentlessly over the summer to attain the adjunct longevity data from the college with the help of Chris Gherardi, James Werner and Angelica Rivera. Kevin McCoy and Pete DiGregorio then analyzed the data to create this incredible list. Thank you to all involved.

Adjunct promotions

Let’s also congratulate the adjuncts promoted in fall 2022 and spring 2023. We celebrate and thank them for their semesters earned, professional development and meritorious work at the college. Please take a moment to read the list of our newly promoted adjuncts in Courtney Brewer’s promotion article. These promoted adjuncts should see raises in their checks this semester.

New adjunct orientation

I had the pleasure of meeting and welcoming 20+ new adjunct hires at the August 24 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 their benefit programs.
• Joining the FA shows solidarity with your peers.

FA President Dante Morelli emphasized that to vote on proposed stipulations of agreement (contracts) and in FA elections, you must be a member to voice your stance. You have no voice if you are not a member.

The union representation and LRS/arbitration benefits may be crucial during hearings and disciplinary investigations that may 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.

Adjunct promotion workshops

The FA hosted two adjunct promotion workshops last week that covered requirements, process and strategies for attaining your next promotion. Even if you are not eligible for promotion this semester, we always urge adjuncts to prepare for the process. You can contact me any time if you have questions about your promotion status.

Professional development fund

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.

Important Dates

• October 6 — Certification requests due
• October 10 — Adjunct promotion forms due
• October 16 — NORA forms available for winter & spring 2024
• November 3 — NORA forms due
• November 22 — Adjunct observations for promotion due

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. Without your correct information, we are not able to contact you.

Please contact me at kimn@fascc.org if you have questions regarding the above or any other union-related issues.

I wish you all a fantastic fall 2023 semester.

Kim