SPRINGFIELD – Nationally, more than 70% of college faculty are now non-tenure-track instructors, highlighting growing concerns about workload balance and employment conditions in higher education, leading State Senator Mary Edly-Allen to advance legislation requiring annual reporting on faculty teaching loads.

“Students and educators alike benefit from transparency in our higher education system,” said Edly-Allen (D-Grayslake). “Providing clear data about faculty teaching loads helps ensure institutions are supporting educators appropriately and maintaining strong academic programs for students.”

Senate Bill 3314 would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to publish an annual report detailing the number of credit hours taught by full-time and part-time faculty at public and non-public universities across the state. The report would organize the data by institution, tenure status, degree program and certification program.

Currently, Illinois law does not require higher education institutions to publicly report how credit hours are distributed between full-time and part-time faculty. Advocates say this information is important for understanding faculty workload and ensuring that compensation and staffing decisions reflect the actual responsibilities instructors carry.

The measure was introduced as an initiative of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and would require the Illinois Board of Higher Education to publish the report annually beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

“This legislation helps shine a light on who is doing the teaching in our colleges and universities by making clear how many credit hours are taught by full-time versus part-time faculty.  Our students and their families deserve to know who is leading the bulk of the classes at their colleges and universities,” said Karl Goeke, president of the IEA. “Plus, we know there are a lot of adjunct faculty teaching the same courses as tenured faculty, but they’re being paid less and receive fewer benefits. This report will provide important data that can make sure our faculty are being compensated fairly for their work, help strengthen the quality of education our students receive and help develop a more equitable workplace environment.”

Senate Bill 3314 passed the Senate Higher Education Committee on Wednesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.