The change to a compressed calendar that is proposed for the
2003-2004 presents many questions and uncertainties for part
time faculty. Other colleges have moved to a compressed calendar,
but those moves have negative impact on part time faculty. Before
approving any new calendar, which is a responsibility of CTA,
the membership the following potential problems for part time
faculty:
- The compressed calendar will probably result in an initial
reduction of sections of many classes. This results from a
shortage of classroom space combined with the expanded meeting
time of compressed classes. Other colleges have experienced
as much as 10% reduction on available classes. A loss of classes
will result in a loss of jobs for part time faculty.
- Some districts have signaled that they will consider the
winter inter-session as counting toward a part-time faculty
member's 60% limit on teaching in any academic year. Such
a ruling prevent many part time faculty from teaching in the
winter inter-session and would dramatically limit the advantages
of a compressed calendar for part time faculty.
- A compressed calendar offering a wintter and a summer inter-session
encourages full time faculty overloads. A full time faculty
member can teach in both winter and summer session as well
as in the regular fall and spring semesters. This will reduce
the number of sections available to part time faculty.
Overall, the compressed calendar presents many uncertainties
for the part time faculty. Because the Union membership has
to approve the Academic calendar, part time faculty can have
a significant voice in shaping this new calendar. It is more
important that ever that part time faculty members join the
Union so they can vote on this and other issues of importance
to them.
Preston Rose, Director, CTA
