CHAPARRAL

PART-TIMERS BENEFIT FROM NEW CONTRACT

There have been many recent changes in our Guild contract that part-timers should know about. Many part-timers are unaware of benefits that have accrued to them in the past few years. Although the Guild does its best to inform its members of the outcome of negotiations, some areas of dispute are not resolved until well after the contract is voted on and signed and some smaller agreements are reached in between a major contract year (such as the one we had last year).

GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE BUY-IN
One of the long awaited benefits that the district has recently provided to part-timers is a buy-in program for group medical coverage. The only provider that is currently available is Blue Shield HMO. A part-timer who has no other source of insurance and has worked for the district for either two consecutive semesters or one semester and two intersessions is eligible for this insurance buy-in. The part-timer must also be carrying a 40 percent community college teaching load in any combination of districts. The very positive nature of this benefit is twofold. Firstly the district, with the help of the state government, pays an up-front 50 percent rebate on the cost of the group premium so that the part-timer is only paying half the real cost of the premiums.

Secondly, because this is a group plan all pre-conditions are waived and there is no denial of coverage allowed. The next open enrollment period will be in March 2002.

CONFERENCING HOURS
The Guild has recently negotiated conferencing hours for credit part-timers. Those teaching more than 6 hours per week (that includes passing time) are required to provide office hours to their students. The exact number of conferencing hours that are required should be provided to you by your division chairperson and your students need to be informed of your accessibility. Additionally, meeting areas have now been made available to those who have requested but not found office space within their division. The Information Technology (IT) Operations Center has computers available on the first floor of the Library (LB113) as well as meeting places for students and teachers. An Adjunct Annex has also been set up in the foyer of the San Gabriel building. This rotating office space has a phone, a scantron and computers for the use of part-timers. To gain access to either the IT meeting area or the Adjunct Annex please contact Instructional Services (AD145/x5143).

DIRECT DEPOSIT
Direct deposit of your paycheck into your bank account is now available through the payroll office at the college. Contact Menchie for more information and the necessary forms.

ATTENDING CONFERENCES
Part-timers have been eligible for some time to be paid for registration, expenses and teaching hours missed when attending a conference or seminar relating to subject matter. In the past, however, many divisions hesitated to allow their allotted conference funds to be used by part-timers.

Because the Guild recently negotiated a higher funding formula that included hours taught by part-timers, divisions now have more funds to pay for conferences and should allow part-timers equal access to those funds. A word of warning however, conference funds are usually allocated early on in the school year, so if you wish to apply for funding a request form must be submitted to your division expeditiously.

COLUMN IV
Part-timers may now apply for the new column on our pay schedule. Those adjuncts teaching in instructional fields that require a master's degree need to show proof of a bachelor's degree plus 44 semester units (including the master’s degree) to be eligible for placement in the column. Those part-timers who teach in a vocational/occupational area not requiring a master’s degree must show twelve years of approved work experience outside of employment in the district. Keep in mind that many professional activities can be translated into "units." Major leadership positions (such as an elected officer) in a professional organization related to college responsibilities can be used to attain "units." Public performances, faculty lecture series, presentation of a paper at a conference, or publication of an article are a few other examples of professional growth activities that can be used to advance one's pay on the salary scale. For further information please contact Barbara Stepp in Human Resources.

All of the above-mentioned benefits and many others are outlined in the latest Guild contract, which can be found online at www.glendale.cc.ca.us/guild. The Guild is currently reviewing this document to be sure that a clear, correct and up to date version is produced in print in the very near future. For any comments or questions regarding this article please contact Phyllis Eckler, GCC Guild 2nd V.P. at x5646.