Should college (hourly) interpreters be paid for LESS than 24 hr. notice?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daryl G Crouse on May 24, 2009 at 7:56am

I've had that come up in the past. One thing is to always have a clear written agreement or employee handbook that outlines everything you can think of. I'm sure I didn't have to tell you that, but, for everyones benefit. :)

I look at this way, the professor is still going to be paid whether the student is there or the class is canceled. The student is not going to get a refund of tuition so the college is still receiving its revenue. We are as much there for the professor to communicate as the Deaf/HH student to communicate. Depending on if it is a pure lecture class, then we're there entirely for the professors benefit to make the classroom accessible.

In the past I've had colleges try to negotiate not having to pay for a semester long class if the student drops the class. Admittedly, I've not found much success asking for the entire semesters pay. However, I have found success in mirroring the colleges drop/add & tuition refund policy. It seems to resonate with them because it is on their terms. The example would be:

College Policy
"Refunds for students who withdraw after tuition has been paid, but prior to registration and the first day of classes, will be 100% of tuition. After the beginning of classes, refunds will be calculated as follows: a refund of 90 % for withdrawal during the first week of the term, a refund of 75% for withdrawal during the second and third weeks of the term, a refund of 50% for withdrawal during the fourth week of the term, and a refund of 25% for withdrawal during the fifth week of the term. No refund will be made after the fifth week of the term." - Darmouth College

Interpreter Pay
For classes which are canceled by the first day of classes, (here you could work out a flat fee of some amount - depending on whether there is time for you or your employer if you work through an agency to find alternative assignments of equal time). After the beginning of classes, pay will be calculated as follows: payment of 25% of semester pay for classes which are canceled during the first week of the term, payment of 50% of semester pay for classes which are canceled during the second and third weeks of the term, payment of 75% for cancellation during the fourth week of the term, and payment of 90% for cancellation during the fifth week of the term. No refund (here you could forgo a 100% since you will likely get other work) will be made after the fifth week of the term.

Summary
Days/Weeks College Interpreter
by 1st day 100% ?
1 week 90% 25%
2-3 week 75% 50%
4th week 50% 75%
5th week 25% 90%

Basically, the colleges number represents their resource expenditure and fact that they might have turned away other students during the drop/add period so they are going to keep more of the students money. The opposite basically happens to an interpreter. As the semester goes on, we have turned away other classes which have now been filled by other interpreters. We have expended our resource, our time. This mirrors the revenue of the college... as they give the student back more money, they also pay out less money. We have more opportunity to find replacement work. As the college gives back less money to the student, they pay out more money in parallel.

This has always worked for me and it just has a quality of fairness about it that I like.

Best,
Daryl Crouse

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daryl G Crouse on May 24, 2009 at 7:59am

Oh, one other thing, never think of yourself as being hired for a class by the day, by the week. You're being hired by the semester. I say that because what happens if you decide you don't want to do the class this coming Friday and it is Wednesday. If they have hired you by the class by the day by the week then you should have every right to say I'm not going to be there. I guarantee, for the most part, that would send waves of discord though. So, in truth, they have hired you for the semester.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stefan on May 28, 2009 at 2:48pm

It's been my experience that if you don't iron out the specifics to any agreement with contract work, you are subjecting yourself the descression of the other party. Freelance, Colleges, whatever! If I am working Academia for a University or Community College, they need to understand that I am commiting my time to them and loosing out on work else where. There has to be accoutablity some where. Conversely, I need to be available for the assignments and if I'm not, then need to find a replacement quick, or have a good one on call who would help me out and that person in return. Never stab a collegue in the back, you may need them to help you out in a pinch.

I have had Freelance work several months in advance, with a 48 hour clause with any Agency, my time is valuable. If they cancel before the agreed time, they will often find me work else where to make up for lost time and wages. Colleges wouldn't have to deal with this unless the student drops the class. And let me tell you...I've had it happen and it really sucks!

I have also negotiated my working with a Disabled Student Services much of my contract. EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE! Work it out before you commit. Don't sign on to something you don't agree with. I have cirlcled and crossed out portions of contracts, and wrote in 'no, do not agree to', along with my intitials. When I do that, they will do one of two things. Then negotiations begin.

If you're good enough, your clientelle is savy and big enough, you will get what you want and need.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daryl G Crouse on June 5, 2009 at 5:18pm

How did your meeting go?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Stefan on July 12, 2009 at 11:57am

Every meeting I have has a measure of success. Smile! My personal moto is 'you're never gonna know unless you ask'. I have always gotten more than the offered price, and have negotiated my way thru many contracts with agencies, universities, etc... Gawd, that sounds arrogant!

Having been around many contract negotiations since I was a kid, worked with used cars, sold and traded horses, working in a purchacing department spending other peoples money, my experience has earned me more than some accept/expect. I should have been a mediator or a counselor!

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ruann L. Wood 1 day ago

Go back to the contract that was signed by the interpreter and that is what you follow. That is the reason contracts are in place and the reason why interpreters choose to work for or not work for a particular entity. Consistency is key when freelancing. If the contract is vague, then I would suggest a contract revision to clarify positions of all parties.

▶ Reply to This