Roosevelt University Adjuncts Sign Three-Year Contract

by P.D. Lesko ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY and a new union representing 310 of the university's part-time faculty members have agreed on a three-year contract that both sides agree, "will enhance the position of adjunct faculty at Roosevelt University. The Roosevelt Adjunct Faculty Organization (RAFO) won an election conducted among part-time faculty in March 2000. The two sides have been negotiating since last September. "Adjunct faculty members are critical to the mission and success of Roosevelt University," said Vinton Thompson, External Relations acting provost. "This collective bargaining agreement recognizes their contributions and sets the stage for a university culture in which adjunct faculty members play an even more vital and visible role in accomplishing our educational mission. Both sides can take pride in this accomplishment." The agreement provides for substantial salary increases, ranging from 15 percent in the first year of the contract for RAFO members relatively new to Roosevelt, to 79 percent in the third year of the contract for members with long Roosevelt experience. It also provides enhanced tuition benefits, compensation for cancelled courses, and compensation for attending mandatory in-service and orientation meetings. In addition, RAFO members will have access to a university-sponsored health insurance pool and current RAFO members will receive a one-time stipend. "The university is pleased that it has been able to provide a salary and benefits package within budget that is competitive and will markedly enhance the income and professional status of adjunct faculty members," Thompson said. The agreement includes changes that will further improve the working conditions and status of adjunct faculty members. Roosevelt will make assignments to adjunct faculty members earlier in the academic year, notify qualified adjuncts of full-time openings, and enhance the teaching evaluation system. Finally, the university has given part-time faculty members a direct voice in university affairs. Adjuncts will now be represented in the University Senate and on the councils of each of Roosevelt's five colleges. In addition, they will have a representative on the Senate Executive Committee. The status of part-time university and college faculty is a contentious national issue. Roosevelt University, which has a long history of progressive social engagement, is one of the first private universities to recognize and agree to terms with an adjunct faculty union.