The Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2023 aims to extend loan forgiveness benefits to part-time college instructors. By amending existing laws, this bill seeks to provide financial relief to adjunct faculty who have been historically excluded from such programs.
What This Bill Does
The Adjunct Faculty Loan Fairness Act of 2023 proposes changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965. Currently, only full-time educators are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This bill aims to include adjunct and contingent faculty, who are part-time instructors at colleges, universities, and vocational institutions.
To qualify for loan forgiveness under this bill, adjunct faculty must meet specific teaching load requirements. They need to teach at least 9 credit hours per semester, 6 credit hours per trimester, or 18 credit hours per calendar year. Alternatively, they can qualify by working at least 30 hours per week, calculated by multiplying each credit or contact hour by 3.35. Importantly, these faculty members cannot have full-time employment elsewhere.
This legislation was introduced by Senator Dick Durbin and several co-sponsors in April 2023. It was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions but did not advance beyond the committee stage during the 118th Congress.
Why It Matters
The bill is significant because it addresses the financial struggles of adjunct faculty, who often earn less than their full-time counterparts. Many adjuncts carry substantial student loan debt, and this bill could provide them with much-needed financial relief after a decade of public service.
Adjunct faculty play a crucial role in higher education, often teaching a large portion of courses at many institutions. By improving their financial situation, this bill could enhance the quality and stability of education provided to students. It also aims to retain qualified educators who might otherwise leave the profession due to financial pressures.
Key Facts
- Cost/budget impact: The bill's financial implications are not detailed in available resources.
- Timeline for implementation: Specific implementation dates are not provided.
- Number of people affected: The bill targets adjunct and contingent faculty across various educational institutions.
- Key dates: Introduced on April 27, 2023, but did not advance beyond committee in the 118th Congress.
- Legislative status: The bill remains in committee without further progress.
- Eligibility criteria: Adjuncts must meet specific teaching load requirements and not have full-time employment elsewhere.
- Primary sponsors: Introduced by Senator Dick Durbin with co-sponsors including Mazie Hirono, Ron Wyden, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Cory Booker.
Arguments in Support
- Equity in loan forgiveness access: Supporters argue that adjunct faculty should have the same access to loan forgiveness as full-time educators since they also serve in public service roles.
- Recognition of public service: Adjuncts contribute significantly to educational access and workforce development, deserving recognition through loan forgiveness.
- Financial relief for underpaid workers: Adjunct faculty often earn less than full-time faculty, making loan forgiveness a crucial financial support.
- Retention of educators: By easing financial burdens, the bill could help retain skilled adjunct instructors in the education sector.
Arguments in Opposition
- Budgetary concerns: Critics might argue that expanding PSLF eligibility could increase costs for the government.
- Implementation challenges: Opponents may worry about the complexity of verifying adjuncts' teaching loads and employment status.
- Potential for abuse: There could be concerns about ensuring that only eligible adjuncts benefit from the program.
- Impact on full-time faculty: Some might argue that the focus should remain on supporting full-time educators.