As of today, Part-time Lecturers at Rutgers are still without a contract and we find that disturbing. We are a prominent research university and a member of the elite Association of American Universities and for members of our teaching staff to be treated so poorly is inexcusable. PTLs teach over one-third of the courses and by doing so relieve the faculty to pursue valuable research.

The fact that a growing number of our graduate students are forced to turn toward teaching part-time as a modest means of support also concerns us. Many of these same students were paid much more for the same work as TAs or GAs and had the added benefits of quality health insurance and tuition remission.

Rutgers needs to take responsibility for all of its teaching personnel - faculty, TAs, and PTLs. The current administration offer just won't cut it. We call on you, Mr. President, to take the necessary action to address fair compensation for quality instruction.

If this contract dispute is to be settled at the bargaining table, it will take strong leadership from you and clear direction to your administrative representatives to these negotiations.

Thank you for your anticipated participation in reaching a fair and timely settlement with Rutgers PTLs. We look forward to working with you this fall to secure Rutgers’ position in the top echelon of public research universities in the nation.

Sincerely,



Bill Tucker
Vice President