Bill Text: NJ SCR185 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Urges New Jersey institutions of higher education to take action on ensuring rights for contingent faculty.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-01-13 - Filed with Secretary of State [SCR185 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-SCR185-Introduced.html

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SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 185

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED DECEMBER 9, 2019

 

 

Sponsored by:

Senator  SANDRA B. CUNNINGHAM

District 31 (Hudson)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Urges New Jersey institutions of higher education to take action on ensuring rights for contingent faculty.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

A Concurrent Resolution urging institutions of higher education in the State to take action on ensuring rights for contingent faculty.

 

Whereas, Institutions of higher education have become increasingly reliant on contingent faculty, which include both part- and full-time non-tenure-track appointments.  This includes positions that may be classified by the institution as adjunct professors, part-time lecturers, and non-tenured faculty; and 

Whereas, Contingent faculty are professionals who hold a minimum of a master's degree, with many having acquired the terminal degree in their field and years of valuable academic and professional experience; and

Whereas, Contingent faculty now account for over 70 percent of all instructional staff appointments in American higher education.  The excessive use of, and inadequate compensation and professional support for, faculty in contingent positions exploits these colleagues; and

Whereas, Many institutions have invested heavily in facilities and technology while cutting instructional spending; and

Whereas, Contingent faculty are typically excluded from curricular and department planning, even though the knowledge they have of their students would benefit these objectives; and

Whereas, Although contingent faculty are both qualified and dedicated, faculty who are teaching in these positions are hobbled in the performance of their duties by a lack of professional treatment and support.  Many lack access to such basics as offices, computer support, and photocopying services, and they typically receive little or no evaluation, mentoring, or professional development opportunities; now, therefore;

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

 

     1.  The Legislature recognizes the need for and urges each institution of higher education in the State to take action on ensuring certain rights for contingent faculty including the right of contingent faculty to:

     a.  equal pay for equal work;

     b.  the same academic freedoms provided to tenured faculty;

     c.  professional support such as office accommodations and technical support and supplies;

     d.  an orientation to the institution and department, or a comprehensive handbook specifying the duties and rights of contingent faculty at the institution;

     e.  be included in the shared governance of the institution, and to hold voting rights;

     f.  be included in department meetings and events;

     g.  professional development opportunities;

     h.  attend appropriate academic conferences without penalty;

     i.  audit tuition-free classes at the institution, when space permits; and

     j.  access unemployment benefits.  

 

     2.  Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Secretary of Higher Education and to the president and governing board of each institution of higher education in the State. 

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This concurrent resolution recognizes the need for and urges each institution of higher education in the State to take action on ensuring certain rights for contingent faculty including the right of contingent faculty to:

·        equal pay for equal work;

·        the same academic freedoms provided to tenured faculty;

·        professional support such as office accommodations and technical support and supplies;

·        an orientation to the institution and department, or a comprehensive handbook specifying the duties and rights of contingent faculty at the institution;

·        be included in the shared governance of the institution, and to hold voting rights;

·        be included in department meetings and events;

·        professional development opportunities;

·        attend appropriate academic conferences without penalty;

·        audit tuition-free classes at the institution, when space permits; and

·        access unemployment benefits.