Board approves full implementation of FON for fall 2025 amid calls for structural fixes

The Board of Governors voted on November 18 to fully implement the Faculty Obligation Number (FON) for fall 2025, following a presentation from Executive Vice Chancellor Chris Ferguson on the regulatory calculation and recent funding tranches aimed at increasing full‑time faculty hires.

Ferguson told the board that the system currently reports roughly 15,172 full‑time equivalent faculty attributed to full‑time positions and 19,098 full‑time equivalent faculty in total, which corresponds to systemwide progress of 58.3% toward the statutory goal of 75% of instruction delivered by full‑time faculty.

Public commenters — including the Faculty Association and the Community College Association — welcomed full FON implementation but warned the existing methodology fluctuates with enrollment and will not by itself get the system to the 75% goal. The Faculty Association urged collaborative policy changes and investments to generate sustained progress on hiring full‑time faculty. The Community College Association noted that, adjusted for turnover, only modest net hires are required in some years and called for additional board tools to promote a higher full‑time share.

Board members acknowledged both the value of the FON as a regulatory accountability measure and its limits as a hiring tool. The board approved implementation by roll call; staff said they will continue to refine outcomes metrics and report on district impacts.

Ending: The motion carried on roll call; staff will continue to monitor and report on FON compliance and related hiring supports.