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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1328 |
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THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to academic tenure at the UNIVERSITY of hawaii.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the University of Hawaii is the only system of public education in Hawaii that is supported by State funds, uses public land set aside for university purposes, and is continually supported by other public resources. The university plays a pivotal role in preparing its students for productive employment in the State's workforce and to become engaged citizens of our community. Some of the university's workforce that are supported by public resources are faculty who teach and provide other instruction in various academic disciplines and professional fields such as law and medicine. The university also appoints other faculty who primarily engage in research or who provide specialized services but who are not typically employed in a teaching capacity.
The legislature further finds that at the university, the term "academic tenure" is generally understood to mean the right of a faculty member to permanent or continuous service. The decision to grant or deny tenure is usually made following a probationary service period during which the appointee is assessed and evaluated on various criteria. The position occupied by the appointee is classified as either "tenure track" or "non-tenure track" faculty. The decision to classify a position as eligible for a possible grant of tenure to the incumbent results in the long term commitment of public resources for that position.
The legislature additionally finds that an educated workforce is a critical determinant of the economic and social health of the State. The ability to instruct, educate, and prepare students to enter the workforce are paramount skills that should be supported by public funds. For these reasons, the commitment of public resources to support the benefit of secure employment provided by the grant of tenure is a matter of statewide concern.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure that public resources are targeted to support academic tenure for faculty positions whose primary duties and responsibilities are to provide instruction to educate and promote the success of students enrolled at the university.
SECTION 2. Section 304A-1002, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§304A-1002[]] Faculty;
classification schedule. The board
of regents shall classify all members of the faculty of the university
including research workers, extension agents, and all personnel engaged in
instructional work as referenced in section 76-16, and adopt a classification
schedule and compensation plan for these employees. Academic tenure shall be limited to faculty
positions of which the primary duties are instructional in nature with a commitment
to student achievement and success. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this section, nothing contained in this section shall affect the
rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings
that were begun before July 1, 2021.
Annual increases of compensation shall be allowable for efficient service, and the board of regents shall adopt a fair and reasonable plan for rating the efficiency of individual employees affected by this section."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2021.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Academic Tenure
Description:
Limits the award of academic tenure to positions whose primary duties are instructional.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.