Bill > S940

This bill establishes a comprehensive set of protections and benefits for part-time and adjunct faculty at public higher education institutions in Massachusetts. The legislation creates a Faculty Restoration and Equity Fund to ensure that at least 75% of undergraduate courses are taught by full-time faculty and that 75% of support staff are full-time employees. The bill expands retirement system eligibility for part-time faculty who teach at least two three-credit courses per semester or four three-credit courses per year, allowing them to earn creditable service and be included in the state employees' retirement system. Additionally, the bill mandates that part-time and adjunct faculty receive equal pay on a pro-rata basis through collective bargaining, and requires public higher education institutions to establish processes that provide job security, priority consideration for teaching assignments, and fair opportunities for transitioning to tenure-track positions. The legislation also ensures that part-time faculty can receive retirement contributions and health benefits similar to full-time employees, while explicitly protecting any existing salaries, benefits, or hiring rights currently in place. The overall aim is to improve working conditions, compensation, and professional opportunities for non-tenure track faculty in the Massachusetts public higher education system.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S940