Below is some general information about Breckenridge and the recent change to the formula as a result of the grievance the LFA filed in 2022. Through mediation, an agreement was reached between the College and the LFA in February 2024 which changed the points within the formula from what was originally developed in 1999. You can read more about the formula in the 1999 arbitration/mediation decision here: Breckenridge Arbitration/Mediation Decision on ADT 1999
A significant focus of the grievance, and the mediated process, was the ways in which chair duties and responsibilities have changed since the original formula was developed in 1999. You can read more about these 1999 duties and responsibilities here: Chair duties and responsibilities as per Breckenridge 1999
Background: What is ADT?
Administrative Duty Time (ADT) refers to the release time granted to an instructional department’s faculty leaders – Department Chairs, Assistant Chairs, and Coordinators – to carry out their administrative duties. There is considerable difference in the size and complexity of different instructional departments’ operations, so correspondingly, there is variation between the amount of ADT granted. The Breckenridge formula, named after the 1999 mediator who helped the College and the LFA reach agreement, uses departmental data and a formula to try to fairly match a department’s ADT workload with the release time it is granted. In contrast, Division Chairs are not covered by Breckenridge; their workloads are roughly comparable and they are normally granted ¾ ADT release time as per Article 10.7.5. For historic reasons, non-instructional departments and programs are also not covered by Breckenridge.
How and when is the Breckenridge ADT reviewed?
Breckenridge ADT reviews take place every three years, with data compiled and calculations run by the Deans’ Offices the fall before the next round. The Deans consult with Division Chairs and have historically consulted with the LFA also before the College approves the actual ADT allocations the following spring for commencement in May.
The last round covered ADT allocations from May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2025 and the next round covers May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2028. The data collection and calculations for the 2025-2028 ADT allocations are underway now, with the College approving the actual ADT allocations in early 2025.
What are the key changes to the Breckenridge formula agreed to in 2024?
The increase to the formula through the 2024 mediated settlement increases the basic points from 2.0 to to 2.5, and the scope factor from 0.4 to 0.55, and increases the resulting amount of ADT release that a department will gain based on their size and complexity. This is the first ongoing increase to those key parts of the Breckenridge formula since 1999. This formula, and these points, will be used to calculate ADT going forward.