In each newsletter we answer common questions. In this issue we focus on volunteer and unclear work assignments.

Article XVIII of our contract lists payment amounts each year for work listed as “Other Academic Duties.” Other Academic Duties are performed as directed by the University, School, or Department Chair, including but not limited to, Evaluations; Auditions; Advisement, Portfolio Reviews; Mandatory Meetings; University, School, or Department Trainings; Learning New Educational, Teaching Platforms and/or Technologies; and Similar/Like Assignments. Some of these are paid on an hourly basis and others are not, but minimum rates apply. 

Additionally, the contract lists payment amounts for course development and course conversion. Course development is defined as the development of or building of new content for a credit or non-credit course that has not been previously offered by the University in any format. Course conversion is defined as the conversion by an adjunct of a course taught by the adjunct in an in-person format to an on-line format, at the direction and/or approval of the University.

It has come to our attention that adjuncts are being asked to perform volunteer or other unclear work assignments. When approached by your school/department to do work that is outside the scope of the contract, or by a student to work with you on an independent study or supervise a project, you should always ask your school/department for clarification regarding payment for this work. Before agreeing to anything, be sure to get the agreement in writing signed by both parties (i.e. yourself and the school/department). Failure to do so may result in you not being paid for your work.

Agreeing to do work for the University that is not paid is bad for you and bad for the work that we are doing as a union. As adjuncts, we bring our experience, expertise, and professionalism to the work that we do for the university. We recognize the financial struggles that come with being an adjunct, but when we work for free, not only do we undervalue ourselves and what we bring to the table, but we also undermine the contract and our strength to negotiate a better contract in the future. 

If you are asked to do work and you are unsure how it is covered in the contract, feel free to reach out to the adjunct representatives and we will help guide you as to how to proceed.