We will update this page as we make progress on issues and add new causes to our work. If you are interested in being involved, we will inevitably deal with issues that require extra help and will solicit for participation in committees. When that time comes, we will most likely create a new page. In the meantime, this is a great way to keep track of our work, and if you think you may be able to help with something, don’t hesitate to reach out to wafactc@gmail.com.
Joining the State Board of Community & Technical Colleges Formal Structure
On April 29, 2025, the FACTC voted against joining the SBCTC commission and council structure. Although we voted no at this time, we recognize that as the organization evolves, the conversation may become relevant again.
Joining SBCTC was a longstanding conversation, and in 2023-2024, the representatives spent significant time learning about the benefits and potential drawbacks of joining the SBCTC. If you’re interested in learning more about this issue, the executive leadership drafted a summary of the considerations involved in this decision. Thank you to our representative from Walla Walla Community College, Jennifer Vaughn, for spearheading this effort.
Updated May 2, 2025
General Inquiry Into the Similarities & Differences in Salary & Promotion Criteria
We collected information from our representatives about the salary and promotion criteria at their respective colleges. This is an issue led by our former Vice President, Sangeeta Sangha, who provided an explanation for the inquiry and guiding questions for representatives. We learned that the colleges have vastly different methods for promotion, tenure, and raises. Some schools have less than ten steps while others have over 25, and others do not use steps all. The timelines for pre and post tenure faculty tend to vary just as much as the use and number of steps. This information may be useful for faculty seeking changes in the promotion processes at their respective schools, and we welcome more information at any time.
Updated May 2, 2025
SB 5663: An Act Related to Establishing a Virtual Campus for All Washingtonians
At our Winter 2025 Meeting, our President, Tish, invited a colleague, Kathy Cox, to present her work related to SB 5663, which is an act that would establish a virtual campus, similar to California’s virtual campus. The SBCTC discussed it on their blog on February 14, 2025. The bill is sponsored by Senators Slatter, Nobles, Frame, Lovick, and Valdez, and most recently passed the Senate on March 4, 2025 and was read in the House on March 6, 2025. The most recent changes scale back the bill by allowing colleges to advertise online courses outside of their district while still banning colleges from competing for enrollment.
As of April 2025, the bill was referred to committee. The bill would make it possible for schools to advertise their online courses outside of their district but does not allow schools to compete for enrollments.
We are following the progress of this bill, and we will continue to update faculty about its progression. When necessary, we will seek feedback about the final version of the bill from our representatives and our SBCTC partners. If you have any information for or against the bill that you would like to share, please reach out at wafactc@gmail.com.
Updated May 2, 2025
An Online HS+ Community for Faculty – Survey Response Request
The FACTC Communications Chair, Lauran Schaefer, agreed to share a survey from Shaunie Decker at Green River College about the formation of an online HS+ Community for Faculty. Decker requested responses to this survey about possible online hosting platforms for the community by March 15, 2025.
Updated February 2025