President’s Update

By Mary Gross, FA President

So much has happened these last couple months, closing the loop on some final issues and reaching set goals as my role as FA President comes to an end.

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Most notably, we successfully concluded negotiations on completely new contractual language for both Academic Freedom and Intellectual Property. We now have solid language in the contract that affords us clear rights in both these areas, and because they are now embedded in the contract, the language can only be changed through bi-lateral negotiations between the District and the FA. Having this language in the contract vs. simply an AP or BP also gives us stronger protections that we can challenge through grievances and/or a PERB claim should the need ever arise. Highlights of both Articles as well as the complete language were sent to all faculty through CBA Tips #27 and #28 sent in April. Additionally, we had an agreement with the MCCAAF (Associate Faculty Union) and the District that any language the FA negotiated in these areas would also be extended and codified in the MCCAAF Contract. So these were extremely impactful negotiations, ensuring the rights of faculty are extended to all, whether full or part time.

We also resolved the Grievance with the District over the NonContractual Assignments: Full Time Faculty Overload selection. As you may recall, in last year’s negotiations, we removed language that previously mandated that any Reassigned Time be part of base load, thus pushing any remaining teaching assignment into overload which is capped at Step 10. Reversing this resulted in a strong gain for faculty so now any RT will be moved (as applicable) to an Overload Assignment, and overload RT is paid at the full non-contractual rate (not capped). This benefits 98% of full time faculty, but a limited 2% might have a small benefit from putting a classroom assignment as overload. After considering both the FA’s and District’s positions, the intent of moving all classroom assignments in-load for teaching faculty, and considering the costs and potential outcomes to continue the Grievance, the FA and District agreed to the following: The District will pay the small differential for AY 2025/2026 for the handful of impacted faculty members; in turn, the FA agreed to include clarifying language regarding classroom load being first in-load and any additional reassigned time to overload in the contract moving forward. 

The FA also agreed to support a request from the Associate Faculty Union brought to us by the District to initiate a “best practice” training for full time faculty who conduct Associate Faculty evaluations. As detailed in CBA Tip #29, a paid one-hour, self paced training will be in place beginning Fall 2027 with a paid three-year retraining requirement. We think this training will ensure more equitable evaluations for our associate faculty colleagues moving forward.

The FA Council also voted to become a Contract District with FACCC starting July 1, 2026. This allows the FA to have a seat on FACCC’s Governing Board, and as an organization, we will receive many other benefits. Be sure to read Luke’s article in this newsletter which provides more insights. All FA members will now have their FACCC dues paid through their FA dues, so this is one more benefit of FA membership.

One of my last official orders of business as your FA President will be to see these and other contractual clean up language through to the finish line via a Ratification Vote. From May 11-14, FA members will receive a ballot in which they will select YES or NO to Ratify the updated CBA as presented. I, and your entire FA Exec Team, fully support and strongly encourage your YES vote!

It has truly been the honor and privilege of my nearly 40 year career in higher education to serve as your FA President these past four years. Together we have accomplished much, and I want to thank my FA Exec Team- dara, Annie, Billy, Luke, and Michelle- as well as the full FA Council for their ongoing support, encouragement, and dedication to doing this difficult and impactful work. The tough decisions, sleepless nights, and strategy sessions were all done with YOU in mind, knowing that the results of our work impacts the personal and professional lives of all full-time faculty and thus the students we are all here to serve. Know that we always have the collective faculty interests at heart whether we worked to resolve a PERB challenge, managed a full CBA Negotiation, and represented many individual faculty encountering challenges. My hope is that you all feel supported and that the FA has done its best by you and the collective, and you are enjoying the fruits of this labor. As always, if you are not already, we invite you to become fully enfranchised members of the Faculty Assembly by becoming a dues-paying member. Together, we can accomplish anything.

I will have a support role on the FA Exec for AY 2026-2027 as Immediate Past President to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership team and take on a variety of roles and tasks as needed or assigned. I can’t imagine a better way to conclude my service before moving into retirement next May.  

Thank you again for entrusting me with the FA Presidency these past four years and allowing me to represent you in all working condition matters.

Mary