Article 16 Workload
Section 1
The University maintains the right to define academic expectations and degree requirements. This Agreement should not in any way be construed as imposing a limit on the amount of this work necessary for a student to make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. The parties agree that it is in the interest of the University and the student worker to define a SW’s workload to be commensurate with the SW’s appointment, title/classification, and compensation as well as their ability to make academic progress required by their program. Such workload is outlined below.
Section 2
Salaried / stipended appointments. For all such appointments, the University will not require more than an average of twenty (20) hours per week of effort for students in their roles as student workers over the course of their employment appointment period where the appointment period is a traditional semester (fall/spring), academic year, or calendar year.
The time spent by a student worker on their academic efforts associated with degree requirements and academic expectations are not part of this collective bargaining agreement.
Teaching Fellows or other salaried SWs with instructional assignments shall not be required to take on a workload of more than two course sections per semester. Minimum compensation rates for such work are set out in Article 20, Compensation. As noted in that Article, each School may increase compensation beyond minimum teaching rates depending on, among other things: degree of difficulty of the course or section; class size; degree of independence and accountability for the SW; frequency of meetings; attendant course advising; and any oversight responsibilities.
Section 3
For purposes of this Agreement, the workload of salaried/stipended Research Assistants (RA1 and RA2 in Article 2, Titles and Classifications), are the efforts they are expected to make to contribute toward support of general functions and activities within a research lab or program. These students are also expected to engage in course work, teaching, and/or research that will contribute to degree requirements, all of which are academic efforts that are not part of this collective bargaining agreement. The combination of these efforts generally reflects a full-time commitment.
Section 4
Hourly SWs. SWs who are working on an hourly basis may have a variable number of hours of work that may be assigned during all or part of their appointment period, but in no event shall any SW be required to work more than an average of twenty (20) hours per week over the course of their employment appointment period where the appointment period is a traditional semester (fall/spring), academic year, or calendar year. When possible, such hours should be memorialized in writing by the supervisor when the assignment is made. When an appointment letter for an hourly SW sets the number of hours, such SWs will not be required to work more hours than may be specified in the appointment letter. Hourly SWs will not be required to work any hours for which they are not paid. Hourly SWs will be paid for all hours worked.
Section 5
Workload assigned to any graduate SW under this Article is separate from the academic requirements associated with thesis and dissertation research that is expected pursuant to 300-level course work or its equivalents in other Schools. As previously stated, the University maintains the right to define academic expectations and degree requirements.
Section 6
While the parties recognize that the content of work assigned to SWs may vary from week to week, SWs shall not be assigned job duties that cannot be reasonably performed within the workload average in Section 2, Section 3 or Section 4 of this Article. Additionally, the University shall provide SWs with a reasonable amount of time in which to complete job duties, taking into consideration the relevant surrounding circumstances. The workload must align with the levels of compensation presented in Article 20, Compensation, and Article 2, Titles and Classifications.
Section 7
A SW who anticipates that their workload will exceed the twenty (20) hour average stated in Section 2 or a SW who otherwise has concerns about the nature or amount of their employment workload may bring such concerns to their immediate supervisor. The supervisor shall discuss any such concerns with the SW and, as warranted, may make adjustments to workload requirements or compensation. If the SW is not satisfied with such discussions, or if they believe they have been misclassified or that their job duties are not commensurate with their employment appointment letter, they may file a grievance under Article 6, Grievance and Arbitration, over such matters.
Section 8
Other appointment periods.
- Intersession and other similar shortened periods. The parties recognize that, in addition to the more typical appointments of a traditional semester (fall/spring), academic year, or calendar year, a SW may be offered an appointment to work during an intersession or other similar shortened period. By design, such appointments may involve a more intense workload each week than typically associated with semester-long appointments. Therefore, the twenty (20) hour average in Section 2 and Section 3 shall not apply to such appointments. Rather, the University will not require more effort for students in their roles as student workers than is specified in the job posting and/or appointment letter.
- Summer. The parties recognize that summer appointments are also different than the more typical appointments of a traditional semester (fall/spring), academic year or calendar year. Therefore, the twenty (20) hour average in Section 2 and Section 3 shall not apply to summer appointments. Rather, the University will not require more effort for students in their roles as student workers than is specified in the job posting and/or appointment letter.
Section 9
Any work assignment, required training, orientation, required meetings, required conferences, required office hours shall be included in the total workload for the appointment period. Hourly employees who participate in any job training or work orientation will be paid for their time at their normal hourly rate. Hours spent on individually assigned special preparation for teaching sections shall also be included in the total workload for the appointment period.
Section 10
Required meetings will be held during the normal work hours at the SW’s workplace, or at another location on campus with advance notice, or at another appropriate location with advanced notice to the SW.
Section 11
In the case of a change of a SW’s job assignment, any work completed in the original assignment will count toward the workload for the semester.
