We have met with a number of faculty groups that have been involved in some preliminary discussions in their departments about the 14 week semester, and summer rotation. At this time it isn’t clear that all areas will have changes to the traditional annual leave period of July/August. There also seems to be a lack of consistency about rotation schedules. Some areas are proposing 2 years, while other areas are contemplating a 3, or even 4 year rotation. At first glance, it appears that the college is using seniority when assigning teaching rotations. It’s also been reported to us that coordinators in certain areas will be treated differently, and will not be assigned the extra weeks of teaching.
Here are some questions that you should be putting to your manager before your “cluster” meetings:
1) Are coordinators being treated differently in terms of the extra 7 week assignment?
2) Does seniority reset every academic year for preference of annual leave?
3) Will all faculty in your area be assigned 35 weeks of teaching?
4) What is the proposed rotation schedule? Two years? Three years? Four years?
Once you have met to review the default model prepared by your chair, you’ll need to report back about whether you, as a group, were able to come up with your own plan, and whether you have reached a consensus. If you have any questions about the process, or require any assistance before, at, or after your meeting, please contact the union office at ext. 7716.
Pat Kennedy,
President, Local 415