General PTI FAQs

Owned by Peter Skomsky
Last updated: Jul 08, 2024
3 min read

  • Are PTI letters only for part-time faculty covered by the Union contract?

    • Answer:  No, we also issue letters to part-time faculty in positions not covered by the union contract.

 

  • Can a PTI have 2 appointments in the same semester that are union and non-union?
    Answer: Yes. For example, a PTI can have an appointment to teach a 2U course - which is non-union, and also have an appointment to teach a course that falls within the union parameters.

 

  • If I have a PTI who is being given 2 appointments from the same school, but one appointment is union and one is 2U (non-union), do I have to do 2 separate database entries for them?
    Answer: Yes. Each appointment should be assigned a separate PIN. The appointment that falls under the union contract should be given a PIN and Job Code that reflects being part of the Union. The appointment that is non-union should be given a PIN and Job Code that does not reflect being part of the Union.

 

  • Why do I need to do this? And what happens if I don’t?
    Answer: Union dues are calculated based on how much a PTI earns performing union-related duties. If a PTI’s pay from both their union and non-union appointments is combined, they will be charged more in union dues than what is appropriate.

 

  • The appointment letter should have compensation information including the per credit rate. Can a PTI who is teaching more than one class have more than one applicable per credit rate?
    Answer: Yes. For example, a PTI could be paid a certain per credit for a lower-level class and a higher per-credit rate for a graduate-level class, or for teaching a large lecture class.

 

  • If the PTI is being appointed to a position covered by the union contract, do I have to pay them the minimum per credit rate listed on the rate schedule?
    Answer: You just cannot pay less. You may pay more than the minimum listed per credit rate.

 

  • What if the PTI is appointed to a non-union position such as a 2U course – do they have to be paid the rate minimums set by the AU contract?
    Answer: No. You are entitled to pay them based on what you deem appropriate for the work being done. However, we would strongly discourage you from going below the minimum set in the union contract and instead look to market comparators to determine a reasonable rate.

 

  • What if a PTI who worked this past semester has been placed on the “Do not rehire” list – can they ever be rehired?
    Answer: If they do not take the steps required to correct their delinquency, they may never be rehired for union work unless they are placed on the list of 75. There are only 75 exclusions overall for the entire university, so we must carefully review those exclusions. Additionally, the HR Labor Relations Team will have you review your proposed list each year to determine whether the exclusions remain valid.

 

  • Graduate Assistants are not in Adjuncts United, but what if they continue to teach classes when they are no longer GA’s – is there anything I need to do to show that change? Do they then have to join Adjuncts United?
    Answer: Yes. Once a part-time instructor is no longer in graduate assistant status, you must take steps to reflect that change in the system. A PTI appointment letter needs to be coded appropriately.