SCR185 —

SCR185 AAP Statement 01/09/20 ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE   STATEMENT TO   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No.

185   STATE OF NEW JERSEY 218th LEGISLATURE   INTRODUCEDDATED: DECEMBER 9, 2019     Sponsored by:

Senator  JANUARY SANDRA9, B.2020         The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably a Senate Concurrent Resolution No.

CUNNINGHAM185. District 31 (Hudson) Assemblywoman  MILA M.

JASEY District 27 (Essex and Morris) Assemblyman  RAJ MUKHERJI District 33 (Hudson) Assemblywoman  JOANN DOWNEY District 11 (Monmouth)         SYNOPSIS      UrgesSenate NewConcurrent JerseyResolution institutionsNo. of higher education to take action on ensuring rights for contingent faculty.

 185 CURRENTrecognizes VERSIONthe OFneed TEXTfor     and Asurges introduced.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 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:

     As reported, this concurrent resolution is identical to Assembly Concurrent Resolution No.

254, which was also reported by the committee.

  FISCAL IMPACT:

      This concurrent resolution is not certified as requiring a fiscal note.