Spring 2026 FAQ

Spring 2026 is an active negotiation cycle. Membership is not symbolic during negotiations—it directly affects bargaining strength, the union’s leverage at the table, and its ability to protect pay, working conditions, job stability, and representation for part-time faculty.

CHI announced a new salary schedule based on 51% full-time parity, up from 44%. The new schedule became effective on February 9, 2026.

Yes. Newly approved agreements include retro pay back to August 25, 2025.

• Non-instructional faculty: expected on the April 10, 2026 paycheck Updated to March 16, 2026
• Instructional faculty: expected on the May 10, 2026 paycheck

Yes. CHI highlighted that part-time faculty now receive compensation for office hours, recognizing time spent supporting students outside of class.

CHI reported a landmark legal victory establishing that LBCC must pay part-time faculty for all hours worked. Faculty who taught between 2019 and 2025 may be entitled to back pay.

Attorneys filed a motion for preliminary approval on February 4, 2026, making the settlement agreement public in Roberts, et al. v. Long Beach Community College District (Case No. 22STCV11381). The court scheduled the preliminary approval hearing for July 1, 2026.

If preliminary approval is granted, class members will receive another mailed notice with next steps, including information about opting out or raising an objection.

For faculty who want to participate in the settlement, CHI reported that no action is required. Checks are expected to be mailed automatically if the case timeline proceeds as anticipated.

Based on the timeline shared in the newsletter, attorneys are hopeful checks could be mailed by fall 2026, assuming the court timeline stays on track after the July 1 hearing.

CHI stated that access to health care options for part-time faculty has been improved and also highlighted statewide advocacy connected to expanded health insurance access.

FACCC-sponsored AB 1171 (Patel) is legislation that would strengthen the Part-Time Community College Faculty Health Insurance Program by establishing a statewide participation standard. The goal is to reduce unequal access to health care across districts.

Members can join the union, volunteer for Membership Blitz Days, apply to represent CHI at conferences, share advocacy stories, and stay engaged with contract negotiations and campus outreach.

Student office hours are dedicated time when instructors are available to help students outside of class. These hours allow faculty to answer questions, review course material, and support student success.

Part‑time faculty teaching 3 units or more may schedule up to 12 student office hours per semester under the CHI–LBCC pilot program.

Yes. Faculty who participate in the program receive $50 per hour for approved student office hours.

The program began as a three‑year pilot starting in Spring 2024. It allows the district and union to evaluate participation, costs, and student usage.

Office hours may be held:

• In a designated location on campus coordinated with the division office
• Online (synchronously) by appointment when appropriate

Yes. Office hours should be listed on the course syllabus, communicated to students, and reported to the division office so students know when instructors are available.

Yes. Faculty should maintain a record of students who attend office hours, including identifying information such as the student's name or ID. In accordance with directives from their department.

No. Time spent holding approved student office hours under the MOU does not count toward the 67% workload limitation for part‑time faculty.

The memorandum of understanding states the pilot program will remain in effect through Spring 2027 unless extended or modified by agreement between CHI and the district.