After months of negotiations, part-time faculty at Otis College of Art and Design secured a tentative agreement yesterday, September 14th. The agreement includes major across the board gains for all part-time faculty including flat rate wage increases of 23% over the 3 year contract. Other economic gains for faculty include a course cancellation fee of $500, tuition remission for family members, $300 stipend for participation on a committee, and the creation of a professional development fund of $15,000 that faculty can access for up to $1,500.
In addition to economic improvements, faculty made substantial improvements to working conditions, including grievance and arbitration, progressive discipline, academic freedom protections, and the ability to take a creative leave and return back to their class in good standing.
Previously, faculty were employed on a semester-by-semester basis, but will now receive year long contracts if they have worked at the college for at least 4 semesters. Additionally, the school is now obligated to notify faculty in advance of non-reappointment.
The bargaining team also negotiated a strong Diversity Task Force side letter that ensures part-time faculty participation in a college-wide task force to tackle the school’s challenges promoting a diverse teaching force and student body. This task force was only created after the Otis bargaining team continued raising this critical issue at the bargaining table.
Other highlights include creation of a joint labor-management committee, access rights to the school, and strong agency fee language in line with other industry contracts.
MCAD Faculty Union Site 