Washington Administrative Code
Title 132V - Tacoma Community College
Chapter 132V-22 - Faculty tenure rights and procedures
Section 132V-22-100 - Procedure relating to reduction in force
Current through Register Vol. 24-24, December 15, 2024
(1) Definition: A reduction in force is a dismissal of faculty members without prejudice and for adequate cause which shall include lack of funds and necessary curtailment of work.
(2) Layoff units and procedure for assignment:
(3) Alternatives to reduction in force: Alternatives to reduction in force shall be implemented by management prior to the initiation of reduction in force procedures. The application of these alternatives will be handled through the appropriate division and department. A full-time employee will be given sections normally staffed by part-time employees before being offered other alternatives to reduction in force. Such alternatives may include, but not be limited to, those in article 6.00 of the negotiated agreement.
An academic employee's agreement to one or any combination of the above-referenced alternatives, or any other alternative agreed to, will be submitted in writing to the college president.
(4) Basis for reduction: If the number of full-time contracted academic employees is to be reduced, the college president, with advice from the appropriate supervising administrators and department chairmen shall determine in the case of each affected department or program what courses and services are most necessary to maintain quality education and services at Tacoma Community College. In making his determination on reductions, the college president shall consider the following factors:
Before arriving at proposed reduction in force decisions, the president will confer with representatives of the designated faculty organization and the student government regarding proposed reduction plans and will consider their opinions in the matter.
(5) Order of reduction: If a reduction is determined to be necessary within a layoff unit, the employment needs of the department or program shall be the primary basis for identifying the order of reduction in force. First consideration will also be given to seniority as defined in article 9.00 of the negotiated agreement, provided that such consideration results in the retention of qualified academic employees to replace and perform the necessary duties of the personnel reduced. In determining what duties an academic employee is qualified to perform, the president will consider, but not be limited to:
(6) Right to recall: A full-time faculty member whose contract is not renewed as a result of this reduction in force procedure shall have the right to recall to any faculty position, either a newly created position or a vacancy: Provided, That the individual is determined to be qualified for such position by the president of the college following recommendations by the supervising dean, department chairman and/or program director. The right of recall shall extend two years from date of layoff.
(7) Reduction in force review committee: A reduction in force review committee shall be composed of three members of the faculty who shall be selected by a majority of the faculty and faculty department heads acting in a body, one administrator who shall be appointed by the college president, and one student representative who shall be chosen by the student association of the college in such a manner as the members thereof shall determine.
(8) Preliminary procedure for reduction in force: When reason arises to dismiss an academic employee as a result of reduction in force, the initial step shall be for the appropriate administrative officer to discuss the matter with him/her in personal conference. At this conference, the academic employee may request the presence of a union representative. The matter may be terminated by mutual consent at this point; but if an adjustment does not result, the case shall be referred to the president of the college. If the president of the college still deems dismissal to be necessary, the dismissal process shall be governed by the following procedure:
Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140(13) and 28B.50.852. 81-08-002 (Order 6-81, Resolution No. 81-6), § 132V-22-100, filed 3/19/81; Order 16, § 132V-22-100, filed 12/28/73; Order 14, § 132V-22-100, filed 6/29/73.