Becoming an Associate Faculty

Q: There is a new process. Why was the process changed?

A: Both RFT and Management wanted better recognition and reward to those adjunct faculty who wish to contribute to the college instructionally and institutionally. The old language simply gave recognition in name to adjunct faculty who continued to be employed by the college for the stipulated period of time. Current Associate faculty and New Associate Faculty will be placed on Step 2 of the Adjunct Faculty Salary Schedule, when they complete the new requirements for Associate Faculty Status.

Q: What are the new requirements?

A: New Associate faculty must maintain at least 66% of a full-time load during 9 of 12 quarters, excluding summer. In addition, the faculty member shall compile a portfolio of activities in Canvas that demonstrates continuous improvement as well as engagement with the College over the course of the 9 to 12 quarters. Specifically, the portfolio shall include:

• The candidate’s Teaching Philosophy (TP)

• Example syllabi, assignments, and assessment strategies

• Documentation of three (3) Professional Development Activities within three (3) years, according to the professional development plan that identifies priorities for professional growth

• A minimum of three (3) supervisor evaluations in accordance with Article 8, Section 4.C.

Current Associate Faculty may participate in an expedited process to achieve this new status within the next 12 months. Associate Faculty shall inform their dean in writing of their intent to apply prior to May 15, 2019. The dean will schedule a meeting with the faculty member within two weeks of receiving the request. The dean and the faculty member will work collaboratively to develop the professional development plan that identifies priorities for growth.

By the end of the 12-month period, the faculty member shall submit a portfolio of activities to the dean that includes the following documents:

• The candidate’s Teaching Philosophy

• Example syllabi, assignments, and assessment strategies

• Documentation of at least two (2) Professional Development Activities within the current year, according to the professional development plan that identifies priorities for professional growth

• A minimum of two (2) supervisor evaluations in accordance with Article 8, Section 4.C

Q: What about the work I’ve already completed or performed?

A: We recognize that some associate faculty have amassed a body of work above and beyond their teaching requirements. That’s one of the reasons why this new and improved process was important to include in the contract so that there can be a consistent and recognized process. We don’t have an answer yet about what previous work will be counted, but remember, this is a prospective change that recognizes continued excellence, contribution and professional growth. Administration and RFT will continue to collaborate on this process.

Q: Who approves the Associate Faculty status?

A: The dean will determine whether to grant or deny status. For new Associate Faculty, status would take effect at the start of the fall quarter following the 9 to 12-quarter process. For current Associate Faculty who go through the expedited process, status would remain in effect and the faculty member would move to Step 2 of the adjunct faculty salary scale the following quarter after completing the new requirements.

If status is denied, the faculty member can choose to improve performance over the course of a year by repeating the activities, appeal the decision to the appropriate Vice President, or simply end the process and continue to instruct as an adjunct.

Q; Who will maintain the list?

A: The Office of Instruction will maintain the master list of Associate Faculty and each dean will maintain the respective list for their areas of study. Each Associate Faculty member will be assigned a Canvas shell, which will be created through the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning upon request by the dean. Human Resources will be provided notification of the changed status so that the pay is adjusted timely (see above, “Who approves”)

Q: Once I achieve Associate Faculty (AF), am I good?

A: New Associate Faculty receive a quarterly contract that includes required professional activities on non-instructional days in addition to the primary instructional functions. To maintain status, Associate Faculty are responsible for performing the following activities (documentation will be required):

• Participate in program and/or department related meetings, committees, and activities

• Participate in all-staff meetings, Commencement and major college events as scheduled

• Participate in at least two shared governance activities per academic year

• Participate in professional development, training and workshops related, but not limited to adult education practices and culturally responsive instruction