Article 18: Part-Time Faculty Responsibilities and Student Success

18.1

The parties recognize part-time faculty as professional exempt employees whose primary role is to provide instruction to CNM’s students. Because part-time faculty have contributions to make to the College, they may in accordance with the provisions of Article 13.2 continue to be allowed compensated opportunities for collaborative involvement with their department deans or designee and colleagues in order to improve instruction.

18.2

The parties also recognize that faculty are committed to CNM’s mission and goals, with the College’s primary focus being on student success. To that end, CNM’s objectives are to:

1. increase student retention,
2. improve graduation rates, and
3. strengthen academic performance. 

18.3

The parties recognize the importance of these goals. Faculty will develop strategies consistent with achieving the above objectives and in accordance with the principles outlined in sub-articles 13.2 and 18.1.

18.3.1

In that capacity, the parties acknowledge the importance of faculty to pedagogy and all aspects of classroom instruction. In recognition of that importance, faculty may continue to serve on hiring committees for deans and associate deans.

18.3.2

The parties recognize the expectation of academic integrity and rigor of content in accordance with the full exercise of academic freedom or alignment with industry standards. The commitment of the college to student success applies to all faculty.

18.4

Faculty are subject matter experts in their respective disciplines who are responsible for teaching and learning. As content experts, the College relies on faculty to address the needs of students and appreciates the efforts put forth by faculty in doing so. As subject matter/content experts the Faculty Senate reports to and makes recommendations to the Vice President for Education and Learning on pedagogical and curricular issues. However, the parties recognize CNMEU as the sole representative of the faculty on all matters covered in this agreement pertaining to wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

18.5

Faculty shall effectively prepare, teach, grade, and assess student learning outcomes in assigned courses, in accordance with the prerogatives, rights, and responsibilities contained in Article 13 on Academic Freedom. This responsibility confers the authority for faculty to participate in the development and review of course and program outcomes and to participate in the development, updating and revision of curriculum.

18.6

The parties support the College’s Strategic Objective related to student success currently entitled the Framework for Supporting Quality Education for CNM Students. The parties recognize that objective as a blueprint for improving student outcomes. The parties also recognize that faculty are committed to CNM’s mission and goals, with the College’s primary focus being on student success. To that end, CNM’s objective is as follows:

a) to increase student retention,

b) improve graduation rates, and

c) strengthen academic performance. 

18.7

The parties recognize the importance of these goals and expect faculty to work collaboratively with their dean or designees to develop strategies for their classrooms that are consistent with achieving the above objectives. This includes developing plans for improvement whenever a class or group of classes are not meeting goals as they pertain to student success. The parties acknowledge that the Next Level Success for Students Report is an indicator when assessing student success.  Faculty shall have access to this report and other measures of student success.

18.8

The parties agree to develop and implement a Faculty Information Hub as a pilot program, to serve as a depository for information and data that will assist faculty with their instructional responsibilities. 

18.8.1

The parties recognize that the Faculty Information Hub is managed by the CNM Faculty Senate but this in no way authorizes the CNM Faculty Senate to make any determination on or approval of any information that impacts the terms and conditions of employment for employees. CNMEU is the sole representative on all matters contained in this agreement that impact the terms and conditions of employment for faculty at CNM.

18.9

The parties agree that it is the sole responsibility of a part-time faculty member contemplating retirement to exercise due diligence in all aspects of the process of retirement. CNM’s Human Resources (HR) and Payroll departments will provide all necessary forms and undertake all required tasks to fulfill the college’s part of the process, but neither HR nor Payroll can provide financial advice to the employee. The employee has every right to make as many requests as necessary for guidance, but the college cannot provide advice or direction about the outcome for the employee. Part-time faculty contemplating retirement are encouraged to communicate with CNM-HR, CNM’s Payroll Department, and the State of New Mexico’s Educational Retirement Board to ensure a smooth retirement experience.