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.  

 

            The Faculty Union recommends that all part time faculty apply for unemployment benefits immediately after the last day of the semester for Spring 2009 semester (the last day of final exams).  You can apply online at www.edd.ca.gov , or by phone at (800) 300-5616, though applicants have been having little success getting through by phone.

 

            Before applying, we recommend you visit the California Part Time Faculty Association’s website <www.cpfa.org>.and read , “Unemployment Benefits – Your rights and responsibilities.”   For a more comprehensive discussion of unemployment, on the same page,  under the ”Reports” section, see the “Community College Part Time Faculty Unemployment Compensation Handbook”.

 

            Unemployment benefits are your right, but you must be persistent in your initial application..  If you have questions, please call our office at 626-585-7261. 

 

Preston Rose, Adjunct, Vice President, Faculty Association