Faculty Association Pasadena City College

PCCFA Meeting May 21st—A Storm of Protest!

Whew!  What a meeting!  PCCFA called for staff and students to attend our regularly scheduled monthly meeting last Thursday, May 21st.  The main topic was to be the budget, and PCCFA Leadership Board hoped to address the college’s plan to cut 12% of its program and lay off scores of faculty, staff, and student workers.

Over 80 people attended and expressed outrage that the college was cutting so drastically despite having significant funds in reserve to weather the Sacramento budget storm.   Upon hearing the facts, students in particular were very angry that the college would act in such a cavalier manner, insensitive to increased educational needs during this time of economic crisis.  Who said, “Students are apathetic?”  Indeed, as faculty suggested a petition and possible demonstration at the June 3rd, Board of Trustees meeting, students wholeheartedly endorsed the plan.   Thus a new Faculty /Staff/Student Alliance has emerged to challenge the college’s educational irresponsibility!

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PART TIME FACULTY

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FOR PART TIME FACULTY

            This is a reminder from the Faculty Association that Part Time Faculty can receive unemployment benefits from the Employment Development Department (EDD) between semesters.  California Courts have ruled that part time faculty working at community colleges qualify to receive unemployment benefits because, even if they have an assignment for the next semester, they have no “reasonable assurance” that they will be working.  As all part time faculty know, they can be bumped from a class because of budget cutbacks, low enrollment, or scheduling conflicts with full time faculty.  Part time classes are even more uncertain given the deepening financial crisis in California.  Unemployment benefits are available for the period between the end of spring semester and the beginning of the fall semester fall and between fall semester and winter intersession or spring semester.  (more…)