History

Explore the interactive timeline below.

Over thirty years ago, we part-timers had no organized avenue through which to improve our work situation collectively at USF. We had no recognized bargaining agent through which we could address issues of salary, benefits, and working conditions.

With the creation of the USF Faculty Association Part-time unit, American Federation of Teachers/California Federation of Teachers, Local 4269a (AFT/CFT Local 4269a) in 1983, we turned a crucial corner in our relationship with the administration at USF. In 2018, with a new AFT/CFT Local number, 6950, we renamed the union as the USF Part-Time Faculty Association (USF-PTFA).

Incrementally, we have successfully negotiated seniority rights for members of the Preferred Hiring Pool (PHP). Initially, admission to the PHP took years. Now, a typical adjunct professor can enter in as little as two years.

About twelve years ago, when we successfully negotiated medical benefits for members, the university agreed to pay only for the employee and only for PHP members. However, over the last decade the university agreed to add family members and through our latest renegotiated contract agreed to include non-PHP adjunct faculty under limited conditions.

While we wish we could get the university to address all of our concerns, we do recognize that Rome wasn't built in a day, so we remain constant and dedicated to improving our contract provisions. Salary increases, benefits such as retirement (10% in addition to salary once you are admitted to the PHP), attention to everyday conditions related to teaching, and a secure and respectful working environment are examples of the kinds of issues that the Faculty Association has worked diligently to achieve.

As a member of the association, you have the right to vote on issues that affect your working life at USF. You help keep us strong and, in partnership with the university, we will contribute significantly to the shared mission of making this university a great place for students to learn, grow, and prepare for meaningful lives in our community and our world.

Explore the interactive history timeline below, researched by Christy Newman, Sue Bae, Robert Bathrick, and Laurel Scotland-Stewart with support from USF Archivist, Deborah A. Malone.