The faculty at our university have 10 month contracts but we have a strong union that helps to define what our compensation for chair work should be over the summer. I get the equivalent of teaching a course (4 TCH), which is adequate to cover my part- time work over the summer. Our AFWC is year-round but that position is considered a non-tenure teaching position which has the flexibility to be either 10 or 12 month contract. Our summer compensation is never questioned because it is spelled out in the union contracts.

Mary Kientz, OTD, MS, OTR
Associate Professor Occupational Therapy
Program Director
Stockton University
101 Vera King Farris Drive
Galloway, NJ 08205
609-626-6843
Office: West Quad 213

________________________________________
From: AOTA ot-pd List <ot-pd@aotalists.org>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:12 PM
To: ot-pd@aotalists.org
Subject: Re: [OT-PD List - AOTA] -  12 month program on 9 month contracts

EXTERNAL EMAIL ALERT: The sender is not using a Stockton email address. Please use caution.

Good Afternoon,

I would love to see responses for this as we are in the same boat with our program. We have also been able to get some additional reimbursement to cover some summer time, but it never equates to pay for the actual time needed by the faculty to complete their summer responsibilities. We have presented the ACOTE documentation stating that these positions should be 12 month positions, but the fact that it is not required by ACOTE results in the university stating that it isn't necessary.

Thanks,
Kim

KIM PARR, OTD, OTR/L
Associate Professor of Practice
Program Director
Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program
Office: CASA C120A

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES
MAIL CODE 6615
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
1365 DOUGLAS DRIVE
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901

kimberly.parr@siu.edu<mailto:Kimberly.parr@siu.edu>
P: 618.453.8204

I realize that each of us work differently, and I respect your time.  While I have sent this email at a time that works for me, I do not expect that you will read, respond, or take action on this outside of your normal work hours. We all need work/life balance.

SIU.EDU

[cid:44a7f3ca-6481-4f9a-b207-43a39e33af73]

________________________________
From: AOTA ot-pd List <ot-pd@aotalists.org>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 4:04 PM
To: ot-pd@aotalists.org <ot-pd@aotalists.org>
Subject: [OT-PD List - AOTA] - 12 month program on 9 month contracts

[EXTERNAL EMAIL ALERT]: Verify sender before opening links or attachments.

Hi everyone,
Our two entry level programs run year long, but alas, Chair/pd, faculty, FW coordinator, and Capstone Coordinator contracts are all 9 months (grrr). Some stipend situations are in place (for now), but are at risk. I continue discussions with administration about meeting programmatic needs (beyond teaching didactic courses) needs during the summer months.

I'm pretty familiar with the ACOTE standards, but they are not as prescriptive as those in PT and PA which more directly speak to contract length.

What has or has not worked for you in your advocacy efforts to transition/retain positions at the 12 month level?

Thanks in advance and good luck with the storm this weekend!
Scotty

--

Scott D. McNeil | Professor, Chair, and Program Director

Springfield College
Occupational Therapy Department

263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

springfield.edu<https://www.springfield.edu/> | p: (413) 748-3581
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