Faculty Flex Program
The Faculty Flex Program
The Flexible Calendar (FLEX) Program provides Riverside City College faculty with dedicated time to engage in professional development, instructional improvement, and staff development activities in lieu of regular instruction. This program supports the district's commitment to equitable student success and inclusive teaching practices by allowing faculty to enhance their professional growth and instructional effectiveness. While Flex days are designated on the academic calendar, faculty have the flexibility to earn credit throughout the academic year through various approved activities.
📅 Spring FLEX 2026
Faculty have the flexibility to earn credit throughout the academic year, but this designated day supports the district's commitment to equitable student success.
Full-Time Faculty Requirements
To remain in good standing, full-time faculty must complete 24 hours of FLEX activities each academic year (July 1 – June 30).
- Equity Requirement: Of the 24 required hours, 8 hours must be focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, or anti-racism-related professional development.
- General Flex: The remaining hours may be earned through workshops, conferences, research, or course redesign.
- Optional Training: Up to 2 hours of the total obligation may be used for sexual harassment prevention training.
- Deadline: All documentation must be submitted no later than June 30.
Institutional Service vs. FLEX
It is important to distinguish between your FLEX obligation and Institutional Service. While FLEX focuses on professional growth, Institutional Service is central to the operation and governance of the college.
| Feature | Institutional Service | FLEX Obligation |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Governance and college operation | Professional growth and instructional effectiveness. |
| Time Commitment | Approx. 5 hours per week. | 24 hours per academic year. |
| Focus | Committee work, curriculum, program review. | Equity training, pedagogy, workshops. |
| Reporting | Annual Institutional Service Plan submitted to Dean. | Logged via FlexTrack system. |
Associate Faculty Compensation & Assessment
Associate faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development and may be compensated for up to 9 hours annually at Group 1, Step 1 of the Faculty Hourly Salary Schedule.
Available Compensation Categories
- General Professional Development: Up to 3 hours.
- Equity-Related Development: Up to 3 hours.
- Assessment Projects: Up to 3 hours for discipline-directed assessment training or projects.
How to Submit (Associate Faculty)
Email the following details to FacultyDevelopment@rcc.edu after completing an activity:
- Name and Department.
- Activity Name, Date, and Length (hours/minutes).
- Evidence of attendance (if outside RCC).
- For Assessment hours: Include the course/SLO assessed, date input into Improve/TracDat, and a self-reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Flexible Calendar (FLEX) Program allows faculty dedicated time to engage in professional development, instructional improvement, staff development, and related activities in lieu of regular instruction. One hour of time spent on professional development equals one hour of Flex credit.
Full-time faculty must complete 24 hours of FLEX activities between July 1 and June 30 each academic year.
- Equity Requirement: Of the 24 hours, 8 must focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, or anti-racism-related professional development.
- Deadline: All FLEX documentation must be submitted no later than June 30.
These activities support the district's commitment to equitable student success and inclusive teaching practices. Activities approved by the Faculty Development Committee are listed on the RCC Faculty Development site under "Equity Criteria."
If you are in doubt about a specific activity, please consult the Faculty Development Coordinator.
Flex days are designated on the academic calendar, typically occurring the Wednesday-Friday before the Fall semester and the Friday before the Spring semester. While these are set aside for professional development in lieu of instruction, attendance on these specific dates is not mandatory.
You may complete your FLEX activities at any time during the year (July 1 to June 30), provided they do not conflict with contractual duties like teaching or office hours.
Faculty record FLEX hours through the online FlexTrack system and must submit proof of participation to the Faculty Development Office.
If you present or facilitate an activity, you may typically earn double credit to account for preparation and delivery time. Submit proposals for official activities using the RCC Flex Activity Request Form.
Failure to complete FLEX hours may result in the loss of good standing or a payroll adjustment, in accordance with the Faculty Association Agreement.
If you are on sabbatical or in a pre-retirement program, your obligation may be prorated; please confirm details with Human Resources or the Faculty Association.
Associate faculty may be compensated for up to 9 hours annually (at Group 1, Step 1) for the following:
- 3 hours of general professional development.
- 3 hours of equity-related professional development.
- 3 hours of assessment professional development (discipline-directed training or projects).
How to Submit: Email FacultyDevelopment@rcc.edu with your Name, Department, Activity Name/Date/Length, and evidence of attendance. For assessment hours, include the course/SLO assessed and a self-reflection.
For questions regarding Flex reporting, criteria, or denials, contact the RCC Faculty Development Office or the Coordinator listed on the Faculty Development webpage.
Email: facultydevelopment@rcc.edu