A 2021 California law requires all California Community Colleges use a common course numbering system for equivalent courses. It helps students transfer more easily by ensuring consistency in course numbers and titles across colleges.
A California state law mandating that community colleges maximize student access to transfer-level math and English. It restricts the use of remedial or pre-transfer level coursework and requires colleges to support all students in achieving college level coursework within one year.
A California law enacted in 2017 that requires community colleges to maximize the probability that students will enter and complete transfer level coursework in English and math within a one-year timeframe. The law prohibits the use of the placement tests for English and math and emphasizes high school coursework, GPA, and grades as primary placement criteria. AB 705 significantly limited the use of remedial courses, ensuring more equitable access to transfer level classes.
The official schedule of instruction and key academic dates approved by the 4CD Governing Board. It includes the start and end of fall, spring, and summer terms, holidays, breaks, FLEX days, and finals.
The faculty body at each 4CD college (CCC, DVC, LMC) that represents faculty in academic and professional matters like curriculum, grading, and program review. Senate makes recommendations to college and district leadership and coordinate through the Faculty Senates Coordinating Council (FSCC).
The period in which the primary instructional terms occur—typically fall and spring semesters. At 4CD, the academic year runs from July 1 to June 30, aligning with the fiscal year, but instruction usually begins in August and ends in May, with summer considered a separate term.
Full-time faculty with a regular annual assignment. They typically carry a 100% load.
Full-time faculty teaching beyond 100% load (overload) are paid differently for the additional load assigned.
The statewide body that represents all community college faculty in academic and professional matters at the state level. ASCCC provides guidance to local academic senates, recommends policy to the Board of Governors and helps shape statewide curriculum, equity and governance initiatives. Academic Senate for California Community Colleges
The way California Community Colleges receive most of their state funding. Colleges are funded based on student enrollment and attendance, measured by FTES and other performance factors.
The fixed amount a faculty member earns based on their step and column placement on the salary schedule, excluding overloads or stipends.
The group of employees represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. At 4CD, this includes full-time and part-time faculty represented by United Faculty.
A regional coalition of community college faculty unions and associations in the Bay Area and beyond. BFA focuses on regional collaboration, information sharing, and advocacy on issues affecting Bay Area faculty. United Faculty (UF) is part of this coalition.
The elected Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the Contra Costa Community College District. The board sets district policies, approves budgets and contracts, hires the Chancellor, and makes final decisions on major administrative and academic matters.
California’s open meeting laws that require public access and transparency for meeting of legislative and governance bodies, including Academic Senate and Governing Board meetings.
The pension system for public school and community college educators in California. Faculty contribute to CalSTRS throughout their employment and receive benefits when they retire. www.calstrs.com
State or federally funded programs with money set aside for specific purposes or student populations. These funds are restricted and must be used as outlined by the program (e.g., EOPS, DSPS, CalWORKs, Student Equity & Achievement).
Part-time faculty. All part-time classroom faculty are paid by load at an 80% parity rate for fall and spring, and 75% for summer beginning 2025.
A coalition of independent faculty unions from California community colleges. CCCI advocates at the state level for collective bargaining rights, funding and legislation affecting faculty. United Faculty (UF) is a member of CCCI. www.ccciunions.org
The state agency that oversees California’s 116 community colleges. Officially known as the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), it implements state policies, manages funding, supports academic programs, and provides guidance to districts like 4CD.
A statewide system assigning standardized numbers to comparable courses across California Community College. C-ID supports AB 1111 by identifying courses that should share the same number and transfer credit.
An annual increase in state funding for education to help offset inflation. COLA is determined by the state and varies year to year.
The official contract between UF and the District outlines rights, responsibilities, and working conditions for faculty.
An official inquiry into alleged faculty misconduct. The process includes written notice to the faculty member and UF representation during interviews or hearings. Details are included in Article 29 of the Contract.
The actual hours an instructor spends teaching or interacting with students in class each week. These hours determine the faculty workload and district funding, and vary by course type (e.g., lecture, lab).
A framework used in California Community Colleges to create a more inclusive, fair and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff, DEIA focuses on removing barriers, promoting representation, ensuring equal access to opportunities, and fostering a culture where all individuals feel valued and respected.
When an employer communicates or negotiates directly with individual employees about terms and conditions of employment such as pay or workload instead of going through the union. Since UF is the exclusive representative for faculty, employment related matters must be handled through the union.
Instruction delivered fully or partially online, including asynchronous and synchronous formats. Faculty teaching online courses must meet training and RSI (Regular and Substantive Interaction) requirements.
A program allowing high school students to take college courses for both high school and college credit. In the Contra Costa Community College District, dual enrollment is available, often through College and Career Access Pathways (CCCAP) agreements with local high schools.
The collection of California state laws that govern public education, including community colleges. It outlines faculty rights, student protections, governance rules, and funding structures. The Education Code is a key legal framework that unions, colleges, and districts must follow.
A short-term faculty appointment made to fill an immediate instructional need, typically outside the usual hiring cycle.
A post-retirement option for eligible full-time faculty to teach part-time for up to five years after retiring. Participants must be at least 55, have 10+ years of services, and receive department approval. Assignments are paid at the part-time rate and follow “C” contract terms.
A statewide professional organization that advocates for the interest of California community college faculty in legislation, policy, and professional development. United Faculty (UF) is a member of FACCC. www.faccc.org
A 12-month budget and accounting period that runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.
The required number of professional development hours faculty must complete each academic year. Full-time and Part-time faculty whose semester length class hours and holidays do not add up the required amount listed on Course Outline of Record will have flex responsibilities.
A districtwide council made up of the Academic Senate presidents from each 4CD college. FSCC coordinates on academic matters across the district and advises the Chancellor and Governing Board on faculty and educational issues. www.4cd.edu/about/committees/fscc/minutes/index.html
Full-time/Part-time ratio compares the number of full-time FTEF to the number of Part-time FTEF. State law aims for 75% of credit instruction to be delivered by full-time faculty, as established by AB1725 and enforced through the FON mechanism.
A measurement of faculty workload used to calculate staffing levels. One FTEF equals one full-time teaching assignment. It includes both full-time and part-time assignments, allowing districts to compare total teaching capacity.
A calculation used to represent student enrollment for funding purposes. One FTES equals one student enrolled full-time for an academic year. It’s a key factor in determining apportionment.
The minimum number of full-time faculty a district must employ each year, based on enrollment. It helps move districts toward the state’s goal that 75% of credit instruction be taught by full-time faculty.
A designation that defines the disciplines in which a full-time, tenured faculty member is qualified to teach based on their credentials and experience. FSAs are important in determining seniority rights and bumping rights during layoffs or reassignments. Faculty may hold FSAs in more than one discipline.
The primary operating budget for the district. The general fund is divided into two subgroups- the unrestricted general fund and the restricted general fund:
- Unrestricted General Fund: General funding that supports most of day-to-day expenses for educational programs.
- Restricted General Fund: Funds designated for specific purposes, like grants or categorical programs (e.g., EOPS, DSPS), and must be spent accordingly.
The annual budget proposed by the Governor of California sets funding levels for community colleges, including COLA, enrollment growth, and categorical programs. It impacts how much money districts like 4CD receive each year. Visit the Governor’s Budget website for details: https://ebudget.ca.gov/
Note: The annual proposed budget is revised every spring. (See “May Revise” in the glossary)
A formal process used when a faculty member or UF believes the contract has been violated. The grievance procedure allows issues to be addressed and resolved through defined steps, including informal discussions, written complaints, and possible hearings. For more information, visit Faculty Resources.
The total amount a faculty member earns before any deductions, such as taxes, retirement contributions, or health premiums. It includes salary, stipends, overload, and other earnings.
A provision in the Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) for those districts that would have received more funding under the former apportionment formula. The intent of the hold harmless protection is to provide time for those districts to ramp down their budgets to the new SCFF- calculated funding level, or find ways to increase the amount they generate through SCFF (such as by enrolling more financially needy students or improving student outcomes). Through 2024-25, districts funded according to the hold harmless provision receive whatever they generated in 2017-18 under the old formula, plus any subsequent apportionment COLA provided by the state. (See SCFF)
A course that combines in-person and online instruction. Part of the class meets on campus while the remainder is delivered online (asynchronously or synchronously).
A flexible course format that allows students to attend the same class session in person or remotely, with materials accessible online. Instructors teach in multiple modalities simultaneously.
A collaborative negotiation strategy where both the union and employer identify shared interests and jointly develop solutions. Emphasizes cooperation and mutual respect.
A short academic term (often winter or summer) between the fall and spring semesters. Courses are typically intensive and condensed.
Faculty whose primary instructional assignments are teaching courses in the classroom, online, or in hybrid formats. Using total hours as specified on an official course outline of record.
A reassignment initiated by the District that moves a faculty member from one college or campus to another within 4CD, without the faculty member’s request. Such transfers must follow the procedures and protections outlined in Article 16 of the UF–4CD contract, including notice requirements and the opportunity to respond.
A 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Janus v. AFSCME) that prohibited public sector unions from collecting mandatory agency fees from non-members. As a result, union membership and dues payments are now voluntary for public employees, including faculty.
A formal document outlining the duties, responsibilities, and minimum qualifications for a faculty or staff position. Used in hiring, evaluations and classification.
An official message or announcement issued together by United Faculty (UF) and the District. These communications reflect mutual agreement on shared information, such as contract clarifications, policy updates or progress on negotiations, and aim to provide consistent messaging to all employees.
Agreement or alignment efforts between community colleges and local K-12 school districts to support seamless transition, especially through dual enrollment or career education pathways.
A nonpartisan office that provides fiscal and policy analysis to the California Legislature. The LAO reviews the Governor’s budget proposal, monitors state spending (including for community colleges), and makes recommendations to improve transparency and efficiency. lao.ca.gov
Temporary or special faculty positions created for specific tasks or projects, usually with defined start and end dates and reviewed by the UF/4CD Contract Review Committee.
The percentage of a full-time faculty assignment. A 100% load equals a full-time teaching or service schedule. Instructional load is based on contact hours and course type (e.g., lecture, vs. lab), and it determines pay, benefits, and FLEX obligations. Part-time and overload assignments are calculated as a percentage of a full load.
A contractual option that allows full-time faculty to “bank” extra teaching load (e.g., from overload or summer assignments) for future use as paid time off or a reduced teaching load in a later term. Load baking must follow specific limits and procedures outlined in the UF-4CD contract.
An updated version of the Governor’s proposed state budget released each May. It reflects changes in state revenue projections and may adjust funding for community colleges, including COLA, enrollment, and program support before the final budget is passed in June. Visit the Governor’s Budget website for details: ebudget.ca.gov
The state mandated educational and/or professional requirements faculty must meet to teach in a specific discipline, as defined by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’ Office.
A written agreement between the union (UF) and the district that clarifies, modifies, or temporarily supplements the contract. MOUs are often used to address specific situations not covered in the main contract and require mutual approval.
The formal process in which UF and the District bargain over wages, hours, working conditions and other contract terms. Results in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The amount of money a faculty member takes home after all the deductions are subtracted from gross pay. This is the actual paycheck amount received. Common deductions include:
- Taxes (federal, state, Social Security/Medicare if applicable)
- Retirement contributions (CalSTRS, CalPERS, or alternative plans)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
- Union or Association dues (e.g., United Faculty membership)
- Voluntary deductions (e.g., supplemental insurance, tax-sheltered annuities, credit union)
- Wage garnishment (court ordered payments for debts such as a child support or tax obligations)
An onboarding program that introduces newly hired faculty to district procedures, union membership, and professional expectations.
Courses that do not count toward a degree or transfer but may offer skill development, job training, or personal enrichment. These courses follow different apportionment and pay structure.
Faculty whose primary assignments do not involve classroom teaching but instead focus on areas such as counseling, librarianship, learning specialist, student support services, or coordination. Non-instructional faculty are covered by the UF-4CD contract and have distinct workload, evaluation, and scheduling provisions.
Scheduled times when faculty are available to meet with students outside of class time. Full-time and Part-Time faculty are required to hold weekly office hours.
A designated annual period during which eligible employees can make changes to their health, dental and vision benefit plans.
Union activities aimed at building member engagement, solidarity, and collective action around shared issues like negotiations or workplace concerns.
Any instructional or non-instructional assignment performed by full-time faculty that exceeds 100% of their regular contract load. Overload is compensated separately and can be banked in some cases.
Refers to pay equity between part-time and full-time faculty. Achieving parity means compensating part-time faculty proportionally for the same work, including consideration of office hours and professional responsibilities. Each district in California may define parity at a slightly different value.
Also known as adjunct faculty or contingent faculty, they are paid based on the percentage of load they teach and are typically on a “C” contract.
A California state agency that enforces collective bargaining laws for public employees, including community college faculty. PERB often handles disputes between unions and employers, such as unfair labor practices, representation matters, and contract violations.
A program outlined in Article 14.2 of the UF-4CD contract that allows eligible full-time faculty to reduce their annual workload to 50% or higher during the year before retiring. Often referred to as the Willie Brown Act, it enables faculty to maintain full CalSTRS service credit and benefits during the reduced workload period, with district approval.
Full-time faculty who are in their first four years of employment and have not yet achieved tenure. Probationary faculty undergo regular evaluations. Tenure can be granted after successful completion of four consecutive years of satisfactory service.
The temporary or permanent change of a faculty member’s duties, location, or assignment (e.g., from instructional to non-instructional or from one department to another). Reassignments may be initiated by the faculty member or the District and must follow procedures in Article 16 of the UF–4CD contract, especially when they affect load, pay, or working conditions.
The formal acknowledgement that United Faculty (UF) is the sole and exclusive bargaining representative of all full-time and part-time faculty in the Contra Costa Community College District. This means the district must negotiate employment terms with UF, not with individual faculty or other groups. When mutual agreements cannot be reached, PERB procedures will be used.
Article 15 of the UF-4CD collective bargaining agreement outlines the reduced load (or reduced workload) program. It permits eligible full-time regular faculty to reduce their teaching load to 50% or higher while retaining full benefits, however STRS credit will be proportional to their load. The article defines eligibility, proportional pay, benefits, continua, application timeframes and administration of the program.
Funds set aside by the district to cover unexpected expenses, emergencies, or future budget shortfall. These are often required to meet a minimum state or board polity levels and can also include designated or restricted reserves for specific purposes.
Money designated for specific purposes by external sources such as the state, federal government, or granting agencies, and cannot be used for general operating expenses. These funds must be spent according to the terms of their source and are typically tracked separately from the general fund.
The total income received by the district from various sources including state apportionment, local property taxes, student fees, and categorical funds. Revenue supports general operations, programs, and services across the colleges.
The formula used to allocate funding to California Community College. It considers three main areas: Base funding-Enrollments (FTES), supplemental funding (for low-income students), and student success outcomes (like degrees and transfers).
To learn more about SCFF and find a list of hyperlinked resources, click here.
A contractual right (Article 25) that gives eligible part-time faculty priority in the scheduling process within their department. At 4CD, staffing preference is earned after completing at least seven semesters of service (excluding summer) and attaining specific high marks or evaluations.
A state funded categorical program that combines Student Equity, Basic Skills, and Student Success and Support Program (SSSP) efforts. SEAP supports initiatives that improve access, retention, and completion for historically underrepresented and disproportionately impacted student groups.
The public disclosure of initial contract proposals between the union and the district before formal negotiations begin. Required by California law, sunshining ensures transparency and allows the public to review the topics each side intends to bargain.
A status granted to full-time faculty after successful completion of a probationary period (typically four years), providing job security and due process protections.
Faculty who have earned tenure. They have ongoing contracts and are evaluated on a longer review cycle than probationary or part-time faculty.
A proposed agreement between UF and the District that resolves one or more bargaining topics. TAs are not final until ratified by both parties.
Part of the California Code of Regulations governing community colleges. It outlines academic standards, curriculum rules, governance, and faculty roles (e.g., 10+1 responsibilities).
A group of faculty and administrators who evaluate probationary faculty during their tenure review process.
A course that meets CSU/UC transfer requirements, such as college-level English or math, as required under AB 705 and AB 1705.
Faculty load that has not yet been scheduled or assigned to a particular course or instructor. It can be offered to part-time or overload faculty depending on departmental needs.
An action by the employer or union that violates labor laws—such as interfering with union rights or retaliating against protected activity. ULPs are investigated by PERB.
Regular payments made by union members to support the operations and activities of the union, including representation, collective bargaining, member outreach, and professional advocacy.
A faculty member included in the bargaining unit represented by UF. This includes full-time and part-time instructors.
The labor union that represents both full-time and part-time faculty in the Contra Costa Community College District (4CD). UF negotiates contracts, advocates for faculty rights, and supports members through disputes and policy changes.
The elected leadership body of United Faculty, made up of officers and campus representatives from CCC, DVC and LMC. The board oversees union operations, makes decisions on union business, and meets regularly during the academic year.
An employee not included in a union bargaining unit, such as administrators, or confidential employees.
Funds in the general budget that the district can use for any legal purpose, including salaries, supplies, or operations. Distinguished from restricted funds which are earmarked for specific uses.
A formal request submitted by faculty to adjust the evaluation timeline, evaluation committee, hiring committee, or part-time faculty load assignments when unique circumstances apply. Must be reviewed and approved by the United Faculty and the District.
A request made by a faculty member to move from one college or campus within the 4CD to another. Transfers are subject to mutual agreement between the faculty member, the receiving college and the District, and must follow procedures outlined in Article 16 of the UF-4CD contract.
The ability of union members to vote in UF elections, contract ratification, and other union matters. Only dues-paying members are eligible to vote.
The right for an employee to have union representation during any meeting with management that may lead to discipline. These rights are protected under labor law. To learn about Weingarten Rights, click here.
Also known as the early retirement/pre-retirement plans reduced workload program. It allows eligible full-time faculty nearing retirement to work at least 50% of the full load while receiving full CalSTRS service credit. Available to faculty age 55+ with at least 10 years of service (5 consecutive in 4CD) by mutual agreement with the District.
Benefits available to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. Includes medical care and wage replacement.
