PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Howard Community College Faculty Secure Tentative Agreement for First-Ever Union Contract
HOWARD COUNTY – In a major victory for higher education workers, faculty at Howard Community College, represented by United Academics of Maryland (UAMD), have reached a tentative agreement on their first-ever union contract. This victory marks the second UAMD-represented institution to reach a tentative agreement this year and since the State Legislature expanded collective bargaining rights to community college faculty in 2021.
This milestone follows contentious negotiations and the faculty's relentless advocacy for workplace improvements. The agreement enhances job security and working conditions, including salary increases and binding arbitration for disciplinary actions to protect faculty rights. It also promotes shared governance, allowing greater faculty involvement in decision-making, and improves faculty workload by putting a cap on the overload credits they teach.
"This agreement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our faculty," said Nadene Vevea, UAMD-HCC Chapter Chair and Associate Professor at Howard Community College. "After tough negotiations, we have secured vital advancements that not only recognize the contributions of our educators but also lay a foundation for a stronger academic environment at Howard Community College."
The agreement also addresses key issues faculty have faced, including ensuring faculty have job security with continuing appointments rather than wondering each year if their contract will be renewed. Additionally, the tentative agreement creates a clear disciplinary policy with transparency and accountability, as well as a defined workload that prevents unnecessary administrative tasks from impacting working in the classroom.
“This tentative agreement is a monumental leap forward in improving faculty working conditions at Howard Community College and for the broader movement to strengthen higher education in Maryland,” said AFT Maryland President Kenya Campbell. “Faculty at Howard Community College stood together to demand better, and this tentative agreement delivers not only for them but also builds momentum for the fight for all community college faculty statewide.”
“The Howard Community College faculty, who offer education that transforms students’ lives, have won an impressive contract that will empower them to uplift their students and their communities to an even greater degree,” said AAUP President Todd Wolfson. “The members of United Academics of Maryland are leading the way to dignified jobs consistent with the AAUP standards that ensure faculty can thrive. It’s been a tough fight, and we congratulate our UAMD members on their tenacity and solidarity. This collective bargaining agreement reflects their powerful commitments to their students and each other.”
“Faculty at Howard Community College have worked tirelessly to expand opportunity for all of their students. What they asked in return was to be treated with dignity and respect, which is what the right to collectively bargain a fair contract is all about,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “This monumental agreement isn’t just about fair compensation, healthcare, safety protections and a voice at work. It’s also about an investment in the future of our young people—our next generation of leaders, teachers, doctors, innovators and entrepreneurs. The United Academics of Maryland is an inspiration to colleagues, in Maryland and around the country, and this victory signifies that together we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.”
The tentative agreement will be presented to the faculty, and a vote will take place to finalize ratification. UAMD is excited to mark the start of a new chapter for educators at Howard Community College.
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United Academics of Maryland is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), which joined forces in 2022 to strengthen the voice of academic workers nationwide. AFT is the largest higher education union in the country, representing over 400,000 faculty and staff nationwide. Over 70% of all unionized faculty are AFT members.
In Maryland, AFT Maryland represents faculty and staff on more than seven community college campuses and remains a leading advocate in Annapolis for higher education rights and protections.
For more information, contact:
Samaria Sullivan
National Representative, AFT
720-495-0686
ssullivan@aft.org