Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to join the union?
A: If you are newly hired in the 2016-17 academic year or later, or rehired after a break in service, you must sign an authorization for dues deduction. You do not have to join AU. If you prefer you can pay the Agency Fee, which is equal to dues. We encourage everyone to become a full member of AU, since our members bring us strength. Note that we represent all Part-Time Faculty on campus, regardless of their membership status.
Q: Why do I have to join the union?
A: Running a union costs money! There are expenses involved in negotiating & enforcing Agreements, as well as advocating for all Part-Time Faculty, regardless of membership status. These expenses should be shared among all those who benefit. That way we can keep our dues low. Membership also empowers the union to represent the entire bargaining unit and shows solidarity with those caught up in unfair labor practices often experienced by contingent academic laborers.
Q: What are my union dues used for?
A: A large part of union dues are affiliate fees paid to the AFT and NYSUT. Adjuncts United also uses dues to support its college scholarship offering, pay a portion of an NEA funded President’s Release Time Grant, pay office expenses, as well as cover organizing costs and conference participation and travel expenses for its leaders and members.
Q: I’m having a problem with my department head, and think that I am being treated wrongly or unfairly; is that something the union can help me navigate?
A: Absolutely! Contact someone on our Executive Committee via email and describe your problem. We will listen, offer experienced advice, attend meetings with you, and advocate on your behalf.
Q: I heard that I have access to Professional Development Funds — how do I access these funds, and what kinds of things can I use them for?
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for contributions to my TIAA noncontributory 401(K) fund? Someone else who works as an adjunct gets the equivalent of ten percent of her salary contributed to this fund by S.U., and I’m not sure why I don’t get this benefit.
A: Eligibility for this contribution is determined by Human Resources and you should absolutely contact them at hrservice@syr.edu. However, this benefit is generally limited to individuals who do not have regular full time employment outside the university and teach 12+ credit hours in the spring and fall semesters of a single calendar year. We recommend you contact HR for clarity on qualification, including the time it takes to realize benefits payout.
Q: I just found out that my department will not need me to teach next semester, and need to go on unemployment. When am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
A: Unemployment benefits are something you should look into if:
You are at the end of your appointment
You believe you will lose sections or any work at all
Your work for the University is your main employment (or you do not have one full time position elsewhere)
See these Guidelines from United University Professors for unemployment options for contingent faculty.
Q: I think my paycheck or my raise might have been figured incorrectly, and I am not getting proper compensation; is that something the union can help me figure out?
A: Contact our Treasurer, Kari Shaw (keshaw@syr.edu). She monitors pay rates and enforces pay raises.
Q: I need health care! How can I qualify for benefits, modified or standard?
A: Benefits are offered by the university at levels associated with probationary status, the number of credit hours being taught, and the length of a bargaining unit member’s teaching appointment. See Article XI Specific information on Modified Benefits is found here. Specific qualifying information for Benefits Eligible Employees relating to Standard Benefits is found here.
Q: It looks like I am losing a section I have been teaching for awhile, what are my rights in regard to seniority?
A: Unfortunately, at times sections formerly taught by part time faculty are reassigned to full time faculty, TAs or others- this is allowed under the management rights provisions outlined in Article III. Sections cannot, however, be reassigned to another part time faculty member unless for documented disciplinary reasons. As these issues are often complicated by curriculum revisions or other topics it is best to contact an executive committee member with details of the situation for clearest assistance and guidance. Article VII has detailed information on Seniority issues.
Q: I have been contacted by my department concerning disciplinary issues, or by the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services (EOIRS) about a Title IX complaint, what are my options for assistance and representation?
A: Generally if bargaining unit members are contacted by EOIRS for any reason, they are given contact information for the AU president and advised to contact that individual, but doing so is at their sole discretion. AU can offer that strict confidentiality is maintained in regard to any and all communication, representation and interactions surrounding any Title IX situation and recommend that unit members do contact their union representative. For other department level disciplinary, evaluative or similar situations you may or may not be directed to contact a union representative, but it is absolutely your right to have representation at any meetings with program coordinators, chairs or other agents of your employer.