What is the AFA? The AFA stands for the Adjunct Faculty Association. It represents all part-time faculty in the bargaining unit (see below) at Oakton College. The AFA is affiliated with the IEA/NEA (Illinois Education Association/National Education Association).

What is the bargaining unit?  Who is included?  The bargaining unit consists of all part-time faculty currently teaching 6 or more hours as well as those who are teaching 3 or more hours but have taught 6 or more hours in either of the previous 2 Fall or Spring semesters.

What about other part-time faculty? Part-time faculty who don’t join as members of the AFA do not receive all the benefits provided by the IEA. Many of the benefits won in contract negotiations, including salary increases, are extended to all part-time faculty teaching credit courses. For additional information, please see Request for Union Representation.

How do I join? Learn more about AFA membership and how to join.

Governance: The leadership of the AFA consists of four executive officers elected by the membership for 3-year terms. Officers may receive released time to perform their duties. In addition to the executive officers, there are several members of the Board are appointed by a vote of the executive committee.

History and Purpose: The AFA was the first bargaining unit for part-time faculty in the State of Illinois and was formed over 25 years ago. As a bargaining unit it represents the part-time faculty in negotiations to improve salary, working conditions, and benefits at Oakton. It is also committed to facilitating the on-going professionalization of part-timers through attendance at workshops and conferences.

What has the AFA accomplished?

• Annual pay increases as well as increases for years of service. According to data compiled by the Illinois Community College Board, Oakton part-timers are among the best paid in the state. Prior to the first contract, Oakton part-timers had not received a pay increase in 7 years.

In addition, bargaining unit faculty are entitled to:

• Tuition reimbursement for up to 4 classes a year for part-timers or any members of their immediate family
• A stipend for preparation time if a part-timer’s class is cancelled or they are bumped within 5 days of the beginning of the semester
• Recognition of seniority in assignment of classes
• Bumping rights after 5 years of service
• Payment for service on college-wide committees
• A grievance/problem-solving procedure

How do I know what the AFA is doing? The AFA has a newsletter. The AFA Board meets once a month and all meetings are open to members. Once each Fall and Spring semester AFA holds a membership meeting.

What happens if, after I join, I drop out of the bargaining unit? Most people continue their membership. However, if you prefer, you can email oaktonafa@gmail.com and we will make sure that payroll no longer collects dues.