Bill > H1434

This bill establishes a public higher education contingent faculty reform pilot program designed to improve working conditions and career pathways for part-time, non-tenure-track instructors at Massachusetts public colleges. The program will select three institutions (one community college, one state university, and one University of Massachusetts campus) to test specific reforms, including creating two career advancement tiers for contingent faculty with clear progression criteria, providing professional development opportunities, offering internal pathways to full-time positions, and improving working conditions like earlier course assignments and access to departmental resources. A diverse oversight committee will monitor the program, evaluating metrics such as faculty retention, administrative efficiency, and educational continuity, and will submit annual reports with recommendations. The program will be funded through an initial allocation of up to $2 million annually, with participating institutions required to provide matching funds of at least 25%. Pilot institutions must participate in program evaluation and share implementation findings. The pilot program will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, with preliminary reports due by July 1, 2026, and final recommendations due by December 31, 2027, ultimately aiming to create a potential model for improving contingent faculty experiences in public higher education.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1434