Higher Education

The Illinois higher education system consists of nine public universities on 12 campuses, 48 community colleges, 98 independent not-for-profit colleges and universities, and 29 independent for-profit institutions.

Thousands of staff and faculty on the college and university campuses have become part of the IEA-NEA during the last 20 years, but many remain unassisted in bargaining for better working conditions.

IEA represents full-time faculty, part-time faculty, non-tenure track faculty, civil service, clerical support staff and academic professionals on college and university campuses both public and private throughout Illinois. Their roles and responsibilities vary from position to position and from campus to campus.

Announcement

The NEA Higher Education Program is soliciting candidates for the Class of 2011 NEA Higher Education Emerging Leaders Academy. IEA Uniserv Director Jim Clark is on the cadre of trainers and we have had several members from Illinois participate and go on into leadership positions as a result of their participation.

Applications must be received in the NEA Constituent Relations Department by Monday, February 22, 2010.

The training dates for the 2010-2011 class are as follows:

Session #1 – May 26-30, 2010 (Washington, D.C)
Session #2 – November 11-14, 2010 (Location to be determined)
Session #3 – Date to be determined (will be held in conjunction with the 2011 NEA Higher Education Conference)

If you would like more information about applying for this special program, please contact Meredith Byers, IEA Higher Education and Student Director, at meredith.byers@ieanea.org or Phadra Williams, NEA Higher Education Emerging Leaders Academy Coordinator, at pwilliams@nea.org.

Issues

The struggles in higher education mirror those of PreK-12 IEA members with regard to increasing benefits and salary and having a voice in decisions that impact members.

Organizing & Support

Higher Education activities within the IEA include both organizing higher education locals and providing support to existing locals and membership. Higher education members include four-year faculty members, two-year faculty members, academic professionals, part-time faculty members, civil service employees and ESP’s.