The CBA guarantees the faculty academic freedom in research and publication, the classroom, and teaching materials selection. It further guarantees them the right to confidentiality and that they not be unduly censored.

Under the terms of the CBA, most full-time faculty are expected to teach 24 workload hours per academic year (12 per semester). Graduate faculty teaching exclusively graduate courses are expected to teach nine credits per semester, but those teaching less than nine graduate credits per semester are expected to teach a combined total of 12 undergraduate and graduate credits. This has led to the perception among some graduate faculty that the CBA does not adequately recognize and reward the extra preparation, more involved grading, and intensified professional supervision that make graduate teaching more demanding.

Since 1992, the CBA has mandated that no more than 7% of the faculty be temporary part-time. Exceptions are granted for those hired to replace regular faculty on leave or other assignments; to teach at other locations; as a result of failed searches; or because of a regular faculty member's sudden departure. New procedures implemented in 1998 have streamlined the process for hiring temporary part-time faculty. Nevertheless, providing temporary part-time faculty is becoming more difficult, due to a new agreement that limits the number of semesters a temporary part-time faculty member may teach. This will necessitate spending more time recruiting new temporary part-time faculty.

We are unique in the State System in having a significant number of "regular part-time" faculty who are not included in the 7% cap. In 1998-1999 we employed 25 such faculty members. This provision has allowed us to employ essential specialists, such as experts in certain instruments for our Music department.