Do hourly faculty have to join the Faculty Association?

All faculty must pay a fair share fee to the Faculty Association. To join the Faculty Association and become a voting member, all faculty must fill out a membership enrollment form. Forms are available in the Faculty Association office, Liberal Arts 140, or call Janet Kretschmer, x4394.

Are hourly faculty allowed to participate in the Faculty Association?

Yes. All members have the right to vote in Association elections, run for Association office, sit on Association committees and participate in Association work.

What is the contract?

The "contract" is officially known as the collective bargaining agreement between the SMCC District and the SMC Faculty Association. This contract governs the salaries and working conditions of faculty at SMC. It also includes enforcement (grievance and arbitration) procedures. The contract is available on the Association website (www.smcfa.org). Printed copies are available upon request.

Do hourly faculty have medical benefits?

After working three of the last six semesters at five hours per week or more, hourly faculty may choose from one of the following: single party Kaiser medical, a dental plan, or a vision plan. The District pays the full cost of the plans.

Do hourly faculty earn sick leave?

Yes. Article 17.2.8 of the contract states that hourly faculty earn sick leave at the rate of 6 hours for every 100 hours of teaching service.

Do hourly faculty have a retirement plan?

Yes. Pursuant to federal law, hourly faculty have two choices. Upon employment, they are automatically entered into a defined contribution plan administered by MetLife. Hourly faculty have the option of joining STRS (State Teachers Retirement System), a defined benefit plan. Hourly faculty cannot simultaneously belong to both plans. Please contact MetLife or STRS for plan details.

Do hourly faculty have access to SMC email?

Yes. When hourly faculty are hired, they are put into the college email system. More information about the email system is found on SMC's website (www.smc.edu).

Do hourly faculty have access to voice mail?

Yes. Simply put in a request to the department secretary.

Do hourly faculty have the right to a parking space on campus?

Purchasing a parking permit gives all faculty a hunting license for a campus parking space.

Do hourly faculty get an office?

That policy varies from department to department. Check with the department chair.

Are hourly faculty required to hold office hours?

Hourly faculty who teach English composition classes and have a 40% or more load are required to hold one office hour per week. They are compensated at the same rate as their classroom time. All other hourly faculty are not required to hold office hours and are not compensated if they do.

What if I have other questions about the Faculty Association?

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