A Short History of College of DuPage Adjuncts Association (CODAA)
Almost thirty years had passed since the founding of College of DuPage before the adjunct faculty organized its union known as CODAA. A small group of adjuncts taught during this time for low wages, no job security, favoritism by cluster deans, and no raises for about a ten-year period. By 1998, the CODAA founding mothers had had enough, and organized with help from the IEA. The first election to form CODAA resulted in an 85% “yes” vote.
Cluster organization changed to divisions, and ten-week quarters changed to semesters. CODAA expanded rapidly to 300 members, and its union leaders negotiated a contract featuring a yearly union stipend of $5000.00 and a 25% raise for COD adjuncts over a four-year period. The years of hiring abuses, favoritism, fearmongering, and isolation were basically over. An area wide hearing with regional members of the Illinois Senate drew a capacity audience from northern Illinois. CODAA was here to stay.
As membership grew over 700 and officers filled a dozen challenging union positions, part-time counselors and advisors were added to CODAA in 2010. Representatives from CODAA joined many college-wide committees and represented the needs of adjuncts and our diverse student
body. CODAA presidents and other officers met routinely with the College President, Provost, and other administrators and a strong working relationship was formed. Over time, CODAA member wages were among the best in Illinois and other benefits were added.
In recent years, CODAA took part in forming the first Shared Governance Council, served on presidential search committees, book selection committees, and a myriad of other college-wide groups. Hiring practices became standardized, union benefits went up, and grievances were settled in a professional manner. The last contract negotiations saw an increase in the stipend for mandatory training as well as an increase in Professional Development funds. When the CODAA president talked, college administrators listened. The 21 st century reflected a strong and vibrant adjunct union.
In 2018, a Supreme Court decision ended “Fair Share” and automatic dues deductions for all CODAA members ended. Today, membership remains over 650, with more than half the membership retaining active status. The door for participation in CODAA leadership remains open and welcoming. Come join us.
Diane Rzeszewski, Communication Chair and Co-founder of CODAA
Cheryl Baunbach-Caplan, President
CELEBRATION SUPPORTS FUEL FOOD PANTRY
GLEN ELLYN–To mark its 25th anniversary, the College of DuPage Adjuncts Association (CODAA) organized the donation of more than one hundred pounds of food and toiletries for COD’s Fuel Food Pantry during the first week of November.
“To celebrate our 25th anniversary, a collection for Fuel Food Pantry was a natural fit,” stated CODAA President Cheryl Baunbach-Caplan. “Students need good nutrition in order to
learn, so we wanted to support this growing campus need.”
With over 650 members, CODAA represents a unified campus voice for adjunct faculty and part-time counselors and advisors.
“CODAA has grown so much over the last 25 years, and has impacted student success in many critical ways,” said Baunbach-Caplan. “We will always remain a strong presence and advocate for COD students and the campus community,” she stated.
The food drive was the brainchild of CODAA member and English instructor, Suzanne Wielgos, who placed collection bins in both adjunct faculty offices. Many other celebratory
events are planned throughout the year. The week of November 13 th saw CODAA providing refreshments for adjuncts in the CODAA office in the BIC. “The history of CODAA over the last 25 years has contributed to the success of COD overall,” said Baunbach-Caplan. “And that is worth celebrating.”