MA S934

Establishes a faculty advancement pilot program at 3 public higher education institutions (1 community college, 1 state university, 1 UMass campus) to improve working conditions and career pathways for contingent faculty who teach at least 2 courses per year on a per-course basis

Requires pilot institutions to test career advancement frameworks with two tiers for contingent faculty, earlier course assignments, shared office space, and internal pathways to full-time positions

Provides pro-rated health insurance access for contingent faculty teaching 50% or more of a full-time load, along with professional development funding and technology support

Creates a Faculty Advancement Pilot Fund with initial funding not to exceed $2,000,000 annually, distributed as matching grants requiring pilot institutions to provide at least 25% matching funds

Establishes an oversight committee chaired by the commissioner of higher education with representatives from unions, students, and faculty; implementation begins July 1, 2025, with final recommendations due December 31, 2027, and program expiration on June 30, 2028