Bill > S2880

This bill establishes two key initiatives to improve working conditions for adjunct faculty in Massachusetts public higher education: first, a Full-Time Faculty Pilot Program and second, a special commission to develop benefits for part-time faculty. The Pilot Program creates a dedicated fund to provide competitive grants to public colleges and universities for creating new full-time faculty positions, with at least one grant awarded in each higher education segment (University of Massachusetts, state universities, and community colleges). Grant recipients must report on their hiring process, including how the new position impacts existing adjunct faculty. The special commission, comprising representatives from various educational and administrative bodies, will investigate current adjunct faculty utilization, compensation, and benefits, and develop recommendations for providing state benefits to adjunct faculty who work half-time or more. The commission will specifically explore pathways for adjunct faculty to access retirement systems, employee benefits, and professional development opportunities, and will submit a comprehensive report with implementation recommendations within 12 months of the act's enactment. The bill aims to address the ongoing challenges of part-time faculty employment in public higher education by providing pathways to more stable, comprehensive employment.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Higher Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2880