Unemployment Insurance Benefits

When you separate from your employment at the College for seven or more days, you are eligible to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. For your convenience, following is the link to the unemployment benefits page: http://www.mass.gov/Elwd/docs/dua/0590a_508.pdf.

You may also call 617-626-6560, press 331 after the greeting, and when asked to do so, enter the first five digits of your zip code for addresses of Walk-In Centers nearest you.

OBRA

OBRA is the mandatory Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan (alternate retirement plan for part-time employees). For more information regarding withdrawal of your OBRA benefits, please contact the SMART Plan Service Center at 877-457-1900, or call Shannon Shatos in the Payroll Office at 413-552-2209.

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Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible for any employee benefits?
Part-time adjuncts are only eligible for unemployment benefits. You may also participate in the Employee Assistance Program (contact Human Resources for more information at ext. 2554), and purchase discounted membership to the College’s health and fitness center. In addition, you may purchase discounted Showcase Cinema, Multiplex and Cinema Delux movie tickets from the Human Resources Office.

How often are adjunct faculty paid each semester?
HCC adjunct faculty teaching a full fall or spring semester are paid bi-weekly beginning with the second payroll after the start of classes, and ending with the payroll following the end of classes, for a total of eight (8) payrolls for the full semester.

Adjunct faculty teaching schedules other than a full fall or spring semester, and adjuncts teaching during the summer session are paid bi-weekly beginning with the second payroll following their first class and ending with the payroll following the end of the class. In these cases the number of payrolls will vary and are not stretched out to eight payrolls.

Do I have to participate in direct deposit?
For your convenience, we strongly urge you to participate in direct deposit. As of October 2007, employees who do not participate in direct deposit are required to pick up their paychecks in person at the Payroll Office, or supply the Payroll Office with a copy of their driver’s license and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

When do I reach the next step in salary?
When you have completed teaching five courses, you move on to Step 2 in the DCE/MCCC salary scale, and when you have completed teaching ten courses, you move on to Step 3 in the salary scale.

Do I have to pay union dues?
Adjuncts are required to comply fully with the DCE/MCCC Collective Bargaining Agreement, including payment of union dues or agency fees. Failure to pay dues or fees will render you ineligible to teach at any Massachusetts community college.

For more information regarding payment of dues or fees,
click on https://www.mccc-union.org/DCE/STORE/index.html

How do I earn seniority?
Please refer to DCE/MCCC agreement, article 10. For further information, contact esubocz@hcc.edu or call 413-552-2493.

What is the College’s attendance policy for students?
The College does not have a specific attendance policy, however it is considered that no more than three absences should be allowed. You should check with your division dean regarding attendance policy, and then make it clear on your syllabus.

I teach evenings. How can I get copies made or get other assistance?
For copying or other clerical assistance, contact your division administrative assistant during the day at least five business days prior to your class. For other assistance in the evening, go the Welcome Center on the second floor of Frost building where the Administrator-In-Charge will be available to assist you between 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Are adjuncts required to have office hours?
Adjuncts are not required to keep office hours, however it is in the best interest of the students for adjuncts to allocate some time to meet with students outside of the classroom.

Where do I get a class list?
You can print a class list by accessing BANNER with your I.D. number, or check with the Welcome Center for assistance.

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Parking on Campus

Parking rules and regulations are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to ticketing and immediate towing without notice. When driving a vehicle with no decal, obtain a temporary permit from Campus Police before parking to avoid fines or towing.

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Bookstore Information and Hours (552-2521)

For current hours go to: http://www.ehccbookstore.com/StoreHours.aspx

Please order your textbooks online:

On Campus: http://oarweed/forms

Off Campus: http://lifeguard.holyokecc.org/textbookadoptionform.htm