As noted on the Adjunct Welcome page, for decades the FA has bargained for adjuncts and was among the first unions to have an officer, the Adjunct Coordinator, dedicated to adjunct issues and concerns. We urge all adjuncts to become voting members of the FA. All that is needed to become a member is to complete a NYSUT application form, which will be sent to you by contacting the FA office by email or by phone (631-451-4151). Membership entitles you to have a voice in your union and to vote on our contracts as well as for officers and representatives who provide the union's leadership and governance.

The FA has negotiated hard over the years to ensure SCCC adjunct faculty enjoy the following benefits—many of which we know are not available to adjunct or contingent faculty at numerous other colleges. Some details are provided below this list: 

• Representation by experienced unionists when being questioned by administration/disciplinary meetings
• Seniority rights in course assignments
• Fair and competitive compensation
• Assistance with promotion process
• Faculty peer during observations
• Sick days and bereavement days
• Legal services (living will, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, consultation)
• Ability to join NYS Teachers Retirement System
• Equal access (same as full-time faculty) to distance education course training and assignments
• Class size limits
• Guaranteed interview during full-time searches
• Dedicated professional development fund (designated for adjunct faculty)
• Tuition reimbursement for SCCC courses for you and your dependents
• Inclusion in department meetings
• NYSUT Member Benefits, AFT Member Benefits, and NEA Member Benefits 
  
   

Tuition Reimbursement

Adjuncts who have worked more than two semesters are eligible for tuition reimbursement for up to two SCCC courses per semester.

In addition, spouses/domestic partners and dependents of adjuncts who have worked 8 of the last 12 semesters are eligible for a total of 18 credits per year (reimbursement for related fees for SCCC courses are for the employee only). Tuition reimbursement forms must be filled out and approved before the course begins.

Whether you're seeking reimbursement for yourself or for a spouse/domestic partner or dependent, be sure to follow the college procedure!

Health Insurance and COBRA

Any adjunct member who has worked for two prior semesters and has earned more than $2000 in the prior academic year is eligible to join the county's health insurance plan, the Employee Medical Health Plan of Suffolk County (EMHP), or one of the approved HMO health plan options. Adjunct members are charged the fund rate, not the plan rate, for coverage. For more information, contact Human Resources at 631-451-4200.

Adjuncts who are no longer eligible to participate in the county's health insurance program may continue coverage under COBRA by maintaining the premium payment plus the administrative charge as required under the law provided no other coverage exists. Contact Human Resources at 631-451-4200 for additional information.

Legal Services

The FA Benefit Fund, 631-732-6500, provides adjuncts and in certain instances eligible dependents legal services, including the drafting of a will, at no charge or at a reduced fee by an attorney from the Fund's panel law firm, Mirkin & Gordon, P.C.

Legal services include general consultation, document review, will benefit, personal injury (negligence), living will/health care proxy, planning for the elderly, estates, and administration.

Dental Benefits

Adjuncts and their spouses and dependents are eligible to obtain dental services at reduced rates from dentists who have agreed to accept the FA Benefit Fund's Schedule of Fees as payment in full for the applicable covered services. Contact the FA Benefit Fund at 631-732-6500 for information.

Pensions & Annuities

Adjuncts may join the NYS Teachers Retirement System and participate in the tax deferred annuity programs at the college. Contact Human Resources at 631-451-4200 for more information.