AB 2834: Public postsecondary education: part-time faculty.
- Session Year: 2023-2024
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2024-09-22
Current Status:
Passed
(2024-09-22: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 418, Statutes of 2024.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Enacted
Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as 2 of the public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Existing law provides for the employment and retention of faculty at these institutions.
Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, or temporary employee. Existing law authorizes the Trustees of the California State University to establish rules and regulations that allow academic teaching employees, librarians, counselors, and student affairs officers to reduce their workload from full-time to part-time duties, as specified.
Existing law expresses various policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty, including preferences related to advance notice of assignments, pay for the first week of an assignment, the listing of names in the schedule of classes, and other rights normally afforded to full-time faculty, as provided.
This bill would revise the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty to express the preference that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course. The bill also would express all of the community college part-time faculty preferences, as amended by the bill, with respect to part-time California State University faculty.
Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as 2 of the public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Existing law provides for the employment and retention of faculty at these institutions.
Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, or temporary employee. Existing law authorizes the Trustees of the California State University to establish rules and regulations that allow academic teaching employees, librarians, counselors, and student affairs officers to reduce their workload from full-time to part-time duties, as specified.
Existing law expresses various policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty, including preferences related to advance notice of assignments, pay for the first week of an assignment, the listing of names in the schedule of classes, and other rights normally afforded to full-time faculty, as provided.
This bill would revise the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty to express the preference that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course. The bill also would express all of the community college part-time faculty preferences, as amended by the bill, with respect to part-time California State University faculty.
Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as 2 of the public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Existing law provides for the employment and retention of faculty at these institutions.
Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, or temporary employee. Existing law authorizes the Trustees of the California State University to establish rules and regulations that allow academic teaching employees, librarians, counselors, and student affairs officers to reduce their workload from full-time to part-time duties, as specified.
Existing law expresses various policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty, including preferences related to advance notice of assignments, pay for the first week of an assignment, the listing of names in the schedule of classes, and other rights normally afforded to full-time faculty, as provided.
This bill would revise the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty to express the preference that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course. The bill also would express all of the community college part-time faculty preferences, as amended by the bill, with respect to part-time California State University faculty.
Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, which is administered by under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as 2 of the public segments of postsecondary education. education in the state. Existing law provides for the employment and retention of faculty at these institutions.
Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, or temporary employee. Existing law authorizes the Trustees of the California State University to establish rules and regulations that allow academic teaching employees, librarians, counselors, and student affairs officers to reduce their workload from full-time to part-time duties, as specified.
Existing law expresses various policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty, including preferences related to advance notice of assignments, pay for the first week of an assignment, the listing of names in the schedule of classes, and other rights normally afforded to full-time faculty, as provided.
This bill would revise the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time community college faculty to express the preference that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course. The bill also would express all of the community college part-time faculty preferences, as amended by the bill, with respect to part-time California State University faculty.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes in that community college district provision.Existing law establishes the California State University, under the administration of the Trustees of the California State University, and the California Community Colleges, which is administered by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as 2 of the public segments of postsecondary education. Existing law provides for the employment and retention of faculty at these institutions.
Existing law requires the governing board of a community college district to employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, or temporary employee.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes in that community college district provision.
Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
SEC. 2.Section 89516.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:89516.5.Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
SEC. 2.Section 89516.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:89516.5.Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the bulletin of classes offered, course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
SEC. 2.Section 89516.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:89516.5.Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the bulletin of classes offered, course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff. staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not necessarily limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mail boxes, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
SEC. 2.Section 89516.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:89516.5.Whenever possible:
(a)Part-time faculty should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
(b)Part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
(c)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(d)The names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, should be listed in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just described as staff or faculty.
(e)Part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
SECTION 1.Section 87604 of the Education Code is amended to read:87604.The governing board of a community college district shall employ each academic employee as a regular employee, contract employee, or temporary employee. REVISIONS: HeadingLine 2.The governing board of a community college district shall employ each academic employee as a contract employee, regular employee, contract employee, or temporary employee.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2024 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 418, Statutes of 2024. |
| Sep 22, 2024 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 13, 2024 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 31, 2024 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 77. Noes 0.). |
| Aug 30, 2024 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. |
| Aug 30, 2024 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0.). |
| Aug 26, 2024 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
| Aug 19, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 15, 2024 | Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading. |
| Aug 15, 2024 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 15). |
| Aug 5, 2024 | In committee: Referred to APPR suspense file. |
| Jun 26, 2024 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 5, 2024 | Referred to Coms. on ED. and APPR. |
| May 23, 2024 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 22, 2024 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 72. Noes 0. Page 5511.) |
| May 20, 2024 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| May 16, 2024 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 16). |
| May 1, 2024 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Apr 17, 2024 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (April 16). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 17, 2024 | Coauthors revised. |
| Mar 12, 2024 | Re-referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Mar 11, 2024 | Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED. |
| Mar 11, 2024 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on HIGHER ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 16, 2024 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 17. |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Read first time. To print. |
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Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2024 | AB 2834 Rendon Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 30, 2024 | Special Consent AB2834 Rendon et al. By Newman | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 15, 2024 | Do pass as amended | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Aug 5, 2024 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 26, 2024 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| May 22, 2024 | AB 2834 Rendon Assembly Third Reading | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 16, 2024 | Do pass. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 16, 2024 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Faculty Association | ** Support | |
| California Teachers Association | ** Support |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2834
Author:(Rendon)
As Amended Ver:August 15, 2024
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course.
Senate Amendments
Provide clarifying changes and specify that the names of part-time faculty would be listed on the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff rather than the bulletin of classes offered.
COMMENTS
Current process. With 116 campuses of the California Community Colleges (CCC), including the 100% online college, Calbright, and 23 campuses of the California State University (CSU), part-time faculty educate millions of students; and yet, due to the nature of these faculty members being part-time, it is not uncommon if a course is cancelled due to low enrollment numbers or budget changes, that the course part-time faculty teach are eliminated first (often without much warning to the part-time faculty or the students).
This measure seeks to pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester.
Currently, when students look at the schedule of classes or the bulletin of courses, for most campuses, students are met with "part-time faculty or instructor" and not the actual name of the individual teaching the course; which could be a challenge to students in not knowing who will teach their perspective courses.
This measure, whenever possible, asks the CCC and the CSU to specify the names of the part-time faculty or instructors who will teach courses.
This measure builds upon existing codified language surrounding CCC part-time faculty and aims to bring parity to CSU part-time faculty. Because the measure, consistent with existing codified language states, "whenever possible," It is not the intent of the author to usurp any collective bargaining agreements at the CCC or the CSU.
According to the Author
"California's higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren't even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials."
The author states that, "AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve."
Arguments in Support
According to the California Faculty Association (CFA), "our part-time faculty members are an integral part of the higher education landscape, significantly contributing to the educational mission of our institutions by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the classroom. Despite their crucial role, part-time faculty often face challenges that stem from variable employment terms and conditions compared to their full-time counterparts."
CFA states that, "AB 2834 addresses several critical areas that will improve the working conditions for part-time faculty, thereby enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to student learning and success:
- Visibility and Recognition: By ensuring that part-time faculty names are included in the schedule of classes once they are assigned to a course, the bill acknowledges their valuable contribution to the academic environment. This visibility not only enhances the sense of inclusion among part-time faculty but also aids students in identifying and connecting with their instructors.
- Consistency Across Public Postsecondary Education: Extending these policy preferences to include part-time faculty at the California State University system is a step towards uniformity in the treatment of part-time faculty across California's public higher education segments. This consistency is vital for the equitable treatment of faculty regardless of the system in which they serve.
- Enhancing Academic Environment: The measures proposed in AB 2834 will contribute to a more supportive and stable working environment for part-time faculty, which is supported and valued, they are better equipped to focus on providing high-quality education to their students."
Lastly, CFA believes that, "strengthening the working conditions for part-time faculty is not only a matter of fairness but also a critical component of maintaining the high standards of education that our institutions are known for. By supporting part-time faculty, we are investing in the quality and accessibility of education for all students across the state."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file.
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations:
- This bill could result in additional, unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures for CCC campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. There are 115 brick and mortar community college campuses statewide with nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
- The CCC Chancellor's Office estimates one-time General Fund workload costs of between $12,000 and $56,000 to issue guidance on the "bulletin of courses" since the term is not currently used within the system.
- Any costs to the CSU would be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
VOTES:
ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 11-0-0
YES: Mike Fong, Ta, Arambula, Boerner, Chen, Alanis, Irwin, Jackson, Addis, Muratsuchi, Quirk-Silva
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0
YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Ta, Villapudua
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0-8
YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
ABS, ABST OR NV: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Luz Rivas
UPDATED
VERSION: August 15, 2024
CONSULTANT: Jeanice Warden / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0004583
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 2834 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 2834
Author: Rendon (D), et al.
Amended: 8/15/24 in Senate
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/26/24
AYES: Newman, Ochoa Bogh, Cortese, Glazer, Gonzalez, Smallwood-Cuevas, Wilk
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/15/24
AYES: Caballero, Jones, Ashby, Becker, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/22/24 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Public postsecondary education: part-time faculty
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This bill adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes the mission and function of the California Community Colleges (CCCs), which, in part is to: (1) offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for both younger and older students, including those persons returning to school; (2) authorizes the CCC to grant the associate in arts and the associate in science degrees; (3) requires the CCC to offer English as a Second Language instruction, adult noncredit instruction, and support services which help students succeed at the postsecondary level; and, (4) advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous work force improvement. (Education Code (EC) § 66010.4)
- Establishes that the CCC, a postsecondary education system in this state, is under the administration of the Board of Governors (BOG); and, specifies that the CCC consist of community college districts. (EC § 70900)
- Requires the CCC BOG to provide leadership and direction in the continuing development of the CCC as an integral and effective element in the structure of public higher education in the state. The work of the BOG must at all times be directed to maintaining and continuing, to the maximum degree permissible, local authority and control in the administration of the CCC. (EC § 70901)
- Establishes the California State University (CSU) system, made of 23 campuses, and bestows upon the CSU Trustees, through the Board of Trustees, the power, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, and control of the CSU system. (EC § 66606 and 89030, et seq.)
- Defines any person who is employed to teach at a community college district (CCD) for not more than 67 percent of the hours per week considered a full-time assignment to be a part-time, temporary employee. (EC § 87482.5)
- Stipulates that whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty:
- Should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance;
- Should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week;
- The names of part-time faculty should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as “staff;” and,
- Should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not necessarily limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development. (EC §87482.8)
- Defines “faculty” as those employees of CCDs who are employed in academic positions that are not designated as supervisory or management, as specified. Faculty include, but are not limited to, instructors, librarians, counselors, community college health services professionals, handicapped student programs and services professionals, and extended opportunity programs and services professionals. (EC § 87003).
This bill adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff, once they are assigned to a course.
Comments
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “California’s higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials.”
The author states that, “AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve.”
- Current process. With 116 campuses of the CCC, including the online Calbright college, and 23 campuses of the CSU, part-time faculty educate millions of students; and yet, due to the nature of these faculty members being part-time, it is not uncommon if a course is canceled due to low enrollment numbers or budget changes, that the course part-time faculty teach are eliminated first (often without much warning to the part-time faculty or the students).
This bill seeks to pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester.
Currently, when students look at the schedule of classes or the bulletin of courses, for most campuses, students are met with “part-time faculty or instructor” and not the actual name of the individual teaching the course; which could be a challenge to students in not knowing who will teach their perspective courses.
This bill, whenever possible, asks the CCC and the CSU to specify the names of the part-time faculty or instructors who will teach courses.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:
- This bill could result in additional, unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures for community college campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. There are 115 community college campuses statewide with nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
- The California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office estimates one-time General Fund workload costs of between $12,000 and $56,000 to issue guidance on the “bulletin of courses” since the term is not currently used within the system.
- Any costs to the California State University would be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/16/24)
California Faculty Association
California Teachers Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/16/24)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 72-0, 5/22/24
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, Dixon, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lackey, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Rendon, Reyes, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Robert Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Calderon, Cervantes, Megan Dahle, Essayli, Friedman, Holden, Mathis, Luz Rivas
Prepared by: Ian Johnson / ED. / (916) 651-4105
8/19/24 10:55:53
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 2834 (Rendon) - Public postsecondary education: part-time faculty
Version: | Policy Vote: |
Urgency: | Mandate: |
Hearing Date: | Consultant: |
Bill Summary:
This bill adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course.
*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********
The following information is revised to reflect amendments
adopted by the committee on August 15, 2024
Fiscal Impact:
- This bill could result in additional, unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures for community college campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. There are 115 community college campuses statewide with nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
- The California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office estimates one-time General Fund workload costs of between $12,000 and $56,000 to issue guidance on the “bulletin of courses” since the term is not currently used within the system.
- Any costs to the California State University would be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
Author Amendments:
Make clarifying changes and specify that the names of part-time faculty would be listed on the course schedule provided to students, faculty, and staff rather than the bulleting of classes offered.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Anna Caballero, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular Session
AB 2834 (Rendon) - Public postsecondary education: part-time faculty
Version: March 11, 2024 | Policy Vote: ED. 7 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: No |
Hearing Date: August 5, 2024 | Consultant: Lenin Del Castillo |
Bill Summary:
This bill adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course.
Fiscal Impact:
- This bill could result in additional, unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures for community college campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. There are 115 community college campuses statewide with nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
- The California Community College (CCC) Chancellor’s Office estimates one-time General Fund workload costs of between $12,000 and $56,000 to issue guidance on the “bulletin of courses” since the term is not currently used within the system.
- Any costs to the California State University would be minor and absorbable within existing resources.
Background:
Existing law defines any person who is employed to teach at a community college district for not more than 67% of the hours per week considered a full-time assignment to be a part-time, temporary employee.
Existing law provides that whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty:
- Should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance;
- Should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week;
- The names of part-time faculty should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as “staff;” and,
- Should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not necessarily limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
The Board of Governors (BOG) of the California Community Colleges has had a longstanding policy (commonly referred to as “75/25”) that at least 75% of the hours of credit instruction in the community colleges, as a system, should be taught by full-time instructors. Existing law requires the BOG to adopt regulations regarding the percent of credit instruction taught by full-time faculty and authorizes districts with less than 75% full-time instructors to apply a portion of their “program improvement” funds toward reaching a 75% goal. However, the state has stopped providing program improvement funds and the BOG has since required community college districts to provide a portion of their growth funds to hiring more full-time faculty.
Existing law establishes the CSU system, made of 23 campuses, and bestows upon the CSU Trustees, through the Board of Trustees, the power, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, and control of the CSU system.
Proposed Law:
This bill provides that whenever possible, the CCCs and CSU shall list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, instead of just describing part-time faculty as “staff” or “faculty.” It also stipulates, that whenever possible, CCC and CSU list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just describing them as “staff” or “faculty.”
This bill provides that whenever possible, part-time faculty at both the CCC and the CSU should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance and part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
This bill stipulates that CSU part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including by not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
Related Legislation:
AB 2277 (Wallis, 2024) would increase the maximum amount of instructional hours that a part-time CCC faculty member may teach at any one community college district. This bill is pending in this Committee.
Staff Comments:
According to the author, “California’s higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials.” The author states that, “AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve.”
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Josh Newman, Chair
2023 - 2024 Regular
Bill No: Hearing Date: June 26, 2024
Author: | Rendon | ||
Version: |
| ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject: .
NOTE: This bill has been referred to the Committees on Education and Appropriations. A “do pass” motion should include referral to the Committee on Appropriations.
SUMMARY
This bill adds to the policy preferences of the Legislature that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course.
BACKGROUND
Existing law:
- Establishes the mission and function of the California Community Colleges (CCCs), which, in part is to: (1) offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for both younger and older students, including those persons returning to school; (2) authorizes the CCC to grant the associate in arts and the associate in science degrees; (3) requires the CCC to offer English as a Second Language instruction, adult noncredit instruction, and support services which help students succeed at the postsecondary level; and, (4) advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous work force improvement. (Education Code (EC) § 66010.4)
- Establishes that the CCC, a postsecondary education system in this state, is under the administration of the Board of Governors (BOG); and, specifies that the CCC consist of community college districts. (EC § 70900)
- Requires the CCC BOG to provide leadership and direction in the continuing development of the CCC as an integral and effective element in the structure of public higher education in the state. The work of the BOG must at all times be directed to maintaining and continuing, to the maximum degree permissible, local authority and control in the administration of the CCC. (EC § 70901)
- Establishes the California State University (CSU) system, made of 23 campuses, and bestows upon the CSU Trustees, through the Board of Trustees, the power, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, and control of the CSU system. (EC § 66606 and 89030, et seq.)
- Defines any person who is employed to teach at a community college district (CCD) for not more than 67 percent of the hours per week considered a full-time assignment to be a part-time, temporary employee. (EC § 87482.5)
- Stipulates that whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty:
- Should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance;
- Should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week;
- The names of part-time faculty should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as “staff;” and,
- Should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not necessarily limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development. (EC §87482.8)
- Defines “faculty” as those employees of CCDs who are employed in academic positions that are not designated as supervisory or management, as specified. Faculty include, but are not limited to, instructors, librarians, counselors, community college health services professionals, handicapped student programs and services professionals, and extended opportunity programs and services professionals. (EC § 87003).
ANALYSIS
This bill:
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, the CCCs and CSU list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, instead of just describing part-time faculty as “staff” or “faculty.”
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, CCC and CSU list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just describing them as “staff” or “faculty.”
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, part-time faculty at both the CCC and the CSU should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance and part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
- Stipulates that CSU part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including by not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
- Makes clarifying and technical changes.
STAFF COMMENTS
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “California’s higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials.”
The author states that, “AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve.”
- Current process. With 116 campuses of the CCC, including the online Calbright college, and 23 campuses of the CSU, part-time faculty educate millions of students; and yet, due to the nature of these faculty members being part-time, it is not uncommon if a course is canceled due to low enrollment numbers or budget changes, that the course part-time faculty teach are eliminated first (often without much warning to the part-time faculty or the students).
This measure seeks to pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is canceled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester.
Currently, when students look at the schedule of classes or the bulletin of courses, for most campuses, students are met with “part-time faculty or instructor” and not the actual name of the individual teaching the course; which could be a challenge to students in not knowing who will teach their perspective courses.
This measure, whenever possible, asks the CCC and the CSU to specify the names of the part-time faculty or instructors who will teach courses.
- Arguments in support. The California Faculty Association writes, “Our part-time faculty members are an integral part of the higher education landscape, significantly contributing to the educational mission of our institutions by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the classroom. Despite their crucial role, part-time faculty often face challenges that stem from variable employment terms and conditions compared to their full-time counterparts.”
“The California Faculty Association believes that strengthening the working conditions for part-time faculty is not only a matter of fairness but also a critical component of maintaining the high standards of education that our institutions are known for. By supporting part-time faculty, we are investing in the quality and accessibility of education for all students across the state.”
SUPPORT
California Faculty Association
OPPOSITION
None received
-- END --
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:AB 2834
Author:(Rendon)
As Amended Ver:March 11, 2024
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Revises the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time college faculty to express preferences that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course.
Major Provisions
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, California Community Colleges (CCC) and California State University (CSU) list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, instead of just describing part-time faculty as "staff" or "faculty."
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, CCC and CSU list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just describing them as "staff" or "faculty."
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, part-time faculty at both the CCC and the CSU should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance and part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
- Stipulates that CSU part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including by not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
- Makes clarifying and technical changes.
COMMENTS
Current process. With 116 campuses of the CCC, including the 100% online college, Calbright, and 23 campuses of the CSU, part-time faculty educate millions of students; and yet, due to the nature of these faculty members being part-time, it is not uncommon if a course is cancelled due to low enrollment numbers or budget changes, that the course part-time faculty teach are eliminated first (often without much warning to the part-time faculty or the students).
This measure seeks to pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester.
Currently, when students look at the schedule of classes or the bulletin of courses, for most campuses, students are met with "part-time faculty or instructor" and not the actual name of the individual teaching the course; which could be a challenge to students in not knowing who will teach their perspective courses.
This measure, whenever possible, asks the CCC and the CSU to specify the names of the part-time faculty or instructors who will teach courses.
This measure builds upon existing codified language surrounding CCC part-time faculty and aims to bring parity to CSU part-time faculty. Because the measure, consistent with existing codified language states, "whenever possible," It is not the intent of the author to usurp any collective bargaining agreements at the CCC or the CSU.
According to the Author
"California's higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials."
The author states that, "AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve."
Arguments in Support
According to the California Faculty Association (CFA), "our part-time faculty members are an integral part of the higher education landscape, significantly contributing to the educational mission of our institutions by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to the classroom. Despite their crucial role, part-time faculty often face challenges that stem from variable employment terms and conditions compared to their full-time counterparts."
CFA states that, "AB 2834 addresses several critical areas that will improve the working conditions for part-time faculty, thereby enhancing their ability to contribute effectively to student learning and success:
- Visibility and Recognition: By ensuring that part-time faculty names are included in the schedule of classes once they are assigned to a course, the bill acknowledges their valuable contribution to the academic environment. This visibility not only enhances the sense of inclusion among part-time faculty but also aids students in identifying and connecting with their instructors.
- Consistency Across Public Postsecondary Education: Extending these policy preferences to include part-time faculty at the California State University system is a step towards uniformity in the treatment of part-time faculty across California's public higher education segments. This consistency is vital for the equitable treatment of faculty regardless of the system in which they serve.
- Enhancing Academic Environment: The measures proposed in AB 2834 will contribute to a more supportive and stable working environment for part-time faculty, which is supported and valued, they are better equipped to focus on providing high-quality education to their students."
Lastly, CFA believes that, "strengthening the working conditions for part-time faculty is not only a matter of fairness but also a critical component of maintaining the high standards of education that our institutions are known for. By supporting part-time faculty, we are investing in the quality and accessibility of education for all students across the state."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file.
FISCAL COMMENTS
According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations:
- Unknown General Fund cost pressures to CSU campuses to a) pay faculty for time above the existing collective bargaining agreement that addresses faculty pay when classes are cancelled and b) list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. According to CSU, courses and enrollments frequently change, which could make this requirement difficult to implement. CSU has 23 campuses and about 14,000 part-time faculty.
- Unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures to CCC campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. CCC has 115 campuses and nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
VOTES
ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 11-0-0
YES: Mike Fong, Ta, Arambula, Boerner, Chen, Alanis, Irwin, Jackson, Addis, Muratsuchi, Quirk-Silva
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0
YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Jim Patterson, Pellerin, Ta, Villapudua
UPDATED
VERSION: March 11, 2024
CONSULTANT: Jeanice Warden / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0003255
Date of Hearing: May 1, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2834
Author:(Rendon) – As Amended Ver:March 11, 2024
Policy Committee: | Higher Education | Vote: | 11 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill states the policy preferences of the Legislature that California State Universities (CSU) take various steps with relation to part-time faculty. The bill also expands the policy preferences of the Legislature with regard to part-time faculty at California Community Colleges (CCC).
Specifically, this bill, whenever possible, states CSUs should:
- Inform part-time faculty of assignments at least six weeks in advance.
- Pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
- List the names of part-time faculty in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once the faculty is assigned to a course.
- Consider part-time faculty to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
The bill further expands the policy preference of the Legislature that CCC list the names of part-time CCC faculty in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once the faculty is assigned to a course.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- Unknown General Fund cost pressures to CSU campuses to (a) pay faculty for time above the existing collective bargaining agreement that addresses faculty pay when classes are cancelled and (b) list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. According to CSU, courses and enrollments frequently change, which could make this requirement difficult to implement. CSU has 23 campuses and about 14,000 part-time faculty.
- Unknown Proposition 98 General Fund cost pressures to CCC campuses to list faculty names on the class schedule and bulletin. CCC has 115 campuses and nearly 37,000 part-time faculty.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
California’s higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials. AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve.
- Background. AB 654 (Goldberg), Chapter 882, Statutes of 2003, states that, whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty be compensated and extended certain professional privileges. This bill mirrors these privileges for CSU part-time faculty, and adds that both CCCs and CSUs should list the names of part-time faculty in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once the faculty is assigned to a course.
- Related Legislation. AB 2277 (Wallis), in part, increases the maximum amount of instructional hours that a part-time CCC faculty member may teach at any one community college district. The bill is pending in this committee.
Analysis Prepared by: Natasha Collins / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 16, 2024
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
Mike Fong, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2834 (
Author:Rendon) – As Amended Ver:March 11, 2024
SUBJECT: Public postsecondary education: part-time faculty
SUMMARY: Revises the policy preferences of the Legislature with respect to part-time college faculty to express preferences that the names of part-time faculty be listed in the schedule of classes and the bulletin of classes offered once they are assigned to a course. Specifically, this bill:
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, California Community Colleges (CCC) and California State University (CSU) list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, instead of just describing part-time faculty as “staff” or “faculty.”
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, CCC and CSU list the names of part-time faculty, once they are assigned to a course, in the bulletin of classes offered, rather than just describing them as “staff” or “faculty.”
- Stipulates, that whenever possible, part-time faculty at both the CCC and the CSU should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance and part-time faculty should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week.
- Stipulates that CSU part-time faculty should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including by not limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mailboxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development.
- Makes clarifying and technical changes.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the mission and function of the CCC, which, in part is to: 1) offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for both younger and older students, including those persons returning to school; 2) authorizes the CCC to grant the associate in arts and the associate in science degrees; 3) requires the CCC to offer English as a Second Language instruction, adult noncredit instruction, and support services which help students succeed at the postsecondary level; and, 4) advance California’s economic growth and global competitiveness through education, training, and services that contribute to continuous work force improvement (Education Code (EC) Section 66010.4).
- Establishes that the CCC, a postsecondary education system in this state, is under the administration of the Board of Governors (BOG); and, specifies that the CCC consist of community college districts (EC Section 70900).
- Requires the CCC BOG to provide leadership and direction in the continuing development of the California Community Colleges as an integral and effective element in the structure of public higher education in the state. The work of the BOG must at all times be directed to maintaining and continuing, to the maximum degree permissible, local authority and control in the administration of the CCC (EC Section 70901).
- Establishes the CSU system, made of 23 campuses, and bestows upon the CSU Trustees, through the Board of Trustees, the power, duties, and functions with respect to the management, administration, and control of the CSU system (EC Section 66606 and 89030, et seq.).
- Defines any person who is employed to teach at a CCD for not more than 67% of the hours per week considered a full-time assignment to be a part-time, temporary employee (EC Section 87482.5).
- Stipulates that whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty:
- Should be informed of assignments at least six weeks in advance;
- Should be paid for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. If a class meets more than once per week, part-time faculty should be paid for all classes that were scheduled for that week;
- The names of part-time faculty should be listed in the schedule of classes rather than just described as “staff;” and,
- Should be considered to be an integral part of their departments and given all the rights normally afforded to full-time faculty in the areas of book selection, participation in department activities, and the use of college resources, including, but not necessarily limited to, telephones, copy machines, supplies, office space, mail boxes, clerical staff, library, and professional development (EC Section 87482.8).
- Defines “faculty” as those employees of community college districts who are employed in academic positions that are not designated as supervisory or management, as specified. Faculty include, but are not limited to, instructors, librarians, counselors, community college health services professionals, handicapped student programs and services professionals, and extended opportunity programs and services professionals (EC Section 87003).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This measure has been keyed non-fiscal by the Legislative Counsel Office.
COMMENTS: Purpose of this measure. According to the author, “California’s higher education systems are built on the outstanding work of our adjunct faculty. These part-time professors teach the majority of college and university courses, but often aren’t even identified by name on the schedule of classes or other course materials.”
The author states that, “AB 2834 will ensure that the proper names of adjunct faculty will be identified in schedules of classes for the CSU and CCC, in order to help create greater transparency for students, and provide the dignity and recognition that faculty members deserve.”
Current process. With 116 campuses of the CCC, including the 100% online college, Calbright, and 23 campuses of the CSU, part-time faculty educate millions of students; and yet, due to the nature of these faculty members being part-time, it is not uncommon if a course is cancelled due to low enrollment numbers or budget changes, that the course part-time faculty teach are eliminated first (often without much warning to the part-time faculty or the students).
This measure seeks to pay part-time faculty for the first week of an assignment when class is cancelled less than two weeks before the beginning of a semester. However, there are a few campuses that are the quarter system.
Moving forward, the author may wish to ensure that should part-time faculty teach at a campus that is on the quarter system, part-time faculty will be adequately compensated should a course be cancelled within two weeks of the beginning of the course.
Currently, when students look at the schedule of classes or the bulletin of courses, for most campuses, students are met with “part-time faculty or instructor” and not the actual name of the individual teaching the course; which could be a challenge to students in not knowing who will teach their perspective courses.
This measure, whenever possible, asks the CCC and the CSU to specify the names of the part-time faculty or instructors who will teach courses.
Committee comments. This measure builds upon existing codified language surrounding CCC part-time faculty and aims to bring parity to CSU part-time faculty. Because the measure, consistent with existing codified language states, “whenever possible,” Committee Staff understands that it is not the intent of the author to usurp any collective bargaining agreements at the CCC or the CSU.
Related legislation. AB 2277 (Wallis), which will be heard by this Committee on April 16, 2024, in part, increases the maximum amount of instructional hours that a part-time CCC faculty member may teach at any one community college district.
Prior legislation. AB 654 (Goldberg), Chapter 882, Statutes of 2003, states that, whenever possible, CCC part-time faculty be compensated and extended certain professional privileges, as specified.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file.
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Jeanice Warden / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960
Discussed in Hearing
32SEC
Assembly Floor
34SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
1MIN
Assembly Floor
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
