Q & A: Part-time Lecturer (PTL) Pool

What is the Part-time Lecturer Pool and why is it important?
The Part-time Lecturer Pool is a college list of experienced Connecticut Community College Part-time Lecturers (PTLs). The 4C’s Contract requires the college to offer those in the PTL Pool at the college a course in the PTL’s discipline each semester, provided one is available. This applies to the fall and spring semesters; not to summer sessions or winter intersession).

What are the requirements for entry into the PTL Pool
To be eligible for inclusion in the PTL Pool at a particular college, a PTL must:

  • Have taught at least 24 credits in the Connecticut Community College System
  • Have taught at least 18 of those 24 credits at one college to qualify for the pool at that college
  • Have taught at that college within the past five (5) fall and spring semesters

Am I automatically included in the PTL Pool when I reach the 24/18 credit threshold?
No. You must sign up for the PTL Pool. The easiest way to sign up is to submit the form at the union’s website: You may also fill out a paper form and mail or fax it to the union office.If you do not apply for thePTL Pool, you may lose out on teaching because the college is required to offer courses first to members in the PTL Pool.

What happens to my application after I have submitted the PTL Pool form?
The union compiles all the information and submits it to the System Office twice a year. The System Office verifies your information with your college. If you have met all the requirements, the System Office adds you to the PTL Pool list which is distributed to the colleges.

Will I be told when I am added to the PTL Pool list?
No. You can assume your name has been added to the list. If the System Office rejects your application, the union lets you know. If you want to verify that your name is on the list, you can either ask your department chair or contact the 4C’s office.

Why would the System Office reject an application?
The most common reason is because the applicant has not taught the required number of credits. The System Office may also reject applicants who have had an unsatisfactory evaluation. If you feel they have erred in rejecting your application, contact your local 4C’s leaders or the 4C’s office to get the matter straightened out.

How soon after I apply will my name be added to the PTL Pool list?
The union must receive your application by December 15 to be included in the following Fall Semester PTL Pool and by July 15 to be included in the following Spring Semester PTL Pool.

Can I be in the PTL Pool at more than one college?
Yes. If you meet the qualifications, each college is required to offer you a course if one is available. You are still subject to the 8-credits per semester maximum allowed by State Statute for part-time employment.

Once I’ve been added to the PTL Pool, will I remain on the list until I retire?
You have to keep teaching to remain on the list. If you have a break-in-service of more than five semesters (spring and fall), your name will be removed. There are a few exceptions to this, including course cancellations and medical reasons. Refer to the Contract for more details.

My course was cancelled due to low enrollment. Can I take the course of a less senior adjunct?
No. The PTL Pool only requires that you be offered a course. You have no rights to take another adjunct’s course and vice versa.

Does my seniority matter at all?
Yes. If the number of pool members exceeds the number of available courses, those courses will be offered by seniority, based on when adjuncts met the 24/18 credit threshold.

If I have been teaching the same course for several semesters, can I keep teaching it?
The PTL Pool only requires that you be offered a course in your discipline; it does not require that any specific course be offered on a seniority basis.

Does being in the PTL Pool protect me if a full-time faculty member’s course is cancelled and management gives the full-timer my course?
No. Full-time faculty are required to teach a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Administrators must make sure that full-time employees are assigned a full teaching load. If a class is cancelled, this sometimes necessitates reassigning a course from a PTL to a full-time faculty member. The PTL has no recourse; however the semester will not be counted as a break-in-service for the PTL.