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Mt. San Jacinto College Faculty Association

Salary Advancement Committee
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     Introduction—Scope and Membership.  The only committee at the college created and run by the Faculty Association, the Salary Advancement Committee reviews and approves all full-time faculty applications for salary advancement (usually course approvals), initial placement on the salary scale, and sabbaticals.  Composed of two faculty members (both members of the association) and two representatives from the college administration, the four-member Salary Advancement Committee meets monthly and votes on all the items that come before it.   This is an unusual arrangement, one that depends on close cooperation between faculty and administration.  At most other colleges, course approval and other promotional concerns often depend on the signature of a dean or an administrator.  At present, the committee includes Jim Davis (faculty--chair), Suzanne Uhl (faculty), Robin Steinback (administration), and Jon Tyler (administration).
     Tips--How to Speed Things Through the Committee.  We have found that following some basic procedures will help you gain salary advancement approval more easily.
  • Know the Rules and Procedures and Follow Them. In the interests of building consensus and efficiency, the committee follows the criteria in the contract closely and consistently.  Be sure to read Article VII carefully.  VIIA offers some useful, working definitions.  VIIB discusses initial salary placement.  VIIC covers promotions for those already serving on the full-time faculty.
  • Learn Ahead of Time Which Courses Count Toward Promotion and Which do not. Read Section VIIC4 for guidance about which courses are acceptable and which are not.  The trend in recent years has been to add some restrictions onto the types of courses that gain approval.
  • Be Aware of the Deadlines.  Paperwork must be completed on or before June 1 for an advance in salary for the next fiscal year.
  • Include Documentation with Your Application.  The committee often wants to read a documentary description of your program.  Please attach photocopies for this purpose.
  • Get Your Courses Approved Before You Take Them.  Although the committee can and does approve courses after they have been completed, a unanimous vote is required (Article VIID).  Also, prior approval protects you and ensures that the courses you are taking will apply toward your promotion.
  • Use the Right Forms. Salary Advancement forms are available in the instruction offices at both campuses.  Also, be sure that you have the right signatures before submitting your forms and that you have included photocopies of documentation (usually course and program descriptions).
  • Be Aware of Deadlines and Procedures for Sabbatical Leaves. Article XIIC discusses sabbatical leaves in detail.  Each year the district sets aside funds for faculty sabbaticals (for up to 10% of the faculty).  Taking a sabbatical can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career.  A faculty member becomes eligible after seven years of service, and pay is described in detail in XIIC1c of the contract.  Deadlines for filing sabbatical petitions appear in Article XIIC1d(7).
       Promotions and Sabbaticals--Some Afterthoughts.  Promotion at Mt. San Jacinto College is built almost exclusively on coursework. 

       Advanced course work and sabbaticals invigorate a faculty and raise the overall level of instructional performance.  Above all, please take advantage of the promotional and sabbatical opportunities offered in Articles VII and XIIC of the contract.