Bumping Policy

Bumping Policy for PHP Course Assignments

One question frequently asked of PTFA leadership by adjuncts and chairs/directors is what is the process to follow when accommodating the seniority of a PHP faculty member whose course is cancelled or under-enrolled?

Based on adjunct concerns and several inquiries related to the CBA ratified in April 2019, the PTFA started working with Management to establish policies and processes agreed to by both Management and the Union. But, as the PTFA has seen far too often, Management withdrew from the discussion process rather than issue a joint statement on bumping.

This means there will undoubtedly be adjunct grievances filed in the future for chairs and directors following the orders from College/School Management that violate the CBA. Management has shared no policy or recommended practice on bumping with the PTFA.

So, below is the PTFA's recommended process for "Bumping in Course Assignments for Part Time Faculty."

Questions: Contact officers@usfptfa.org

Bumping in Course Assignments for Part Time Faculty

1. Bumping is allowed up to the time the cancellation compensation kicks in, which is different for each semester: 25 days for fall, 14 for spring, 7 days for summer, as per section 11.5 of the CBA.

2. Bumping is particularly flexible during the enrollment period the previous semester, and immediately after the enrollment period ends. So, adjuncts with PHP seniority in a course should be pro-active about course assignments during this period.

1. For spring semester, this is early to mid December,

before end of semester.

2. See recommended message to send to chair or director, below.

3. After enrollment, as the schedule becomes more firm, bumping may start with adjuncts with no PHP seniority in a course. If bumping of PHP faculty is necessary, PHP seniority dates will apply. The process hopes to avoid a ripple of changes that would occur if the most senior then bumped the next senior for a course, and down the list.

  1. Suggested letter for pro-active adjuncts to send to chair or director. with copies to Associate Dean and PTFA officers ( officers@usfptfa.org ):

    1. "Dear ____, I reviewed my schedule and have concerns about the course enrollment in __________. Do you have any projections regarding additional students in the course? My preference is not to teach an R.E.C. I'm available to teach on ______ and _______. I am grateful for any recommendations you might have."

    2. And, if you're going to be away from email, include:

    3. "Specifically, I will be traveling/away from email/whatever from ______ to _________."