To many students with a thirst for knowledge, a good education is priceless, but University Professionals for Illinois aims to put a more lucrative price on the services rendered by its union’s professors.

UPI is taking steps toward resolving the issue of low wages for educators. It is petitioning for better working conditions and salaries for part-time and non-tenure faculty, as well as graduate students.

“Many institutions use part-time teachers and graduate students without compensating them equitably,” UPI President Mitchell Vogel said.

NIU instructor Sandra Flood agreed.

“Part-time teachers aren’t asking for much, just basic fundamental things that you expect as a teacher,” said Flood, an instructor in kinesiology and physical education, who also is UPI affiliated. “Many lack office space, computers, tables and chairs. Some of them have to work out of their car.”

The Illinois Board of Higher Education is reviewing the use of part-time and non-tenure track faculty at public institutions. Its reports, which are expected to be released in December, could bring UPI and other teachers’ unions closer to their goals of being adequately compensated with full-time employees.

Douglas Day, deputy director for policy studies, said the IBHE will examine these issues from all perspectives.

“Some would say part-timers are not as concerned or committed as full-timers because they roam from university to university trying to make a buck,” Day said.

There are many issues the IBHE’s study must take into account.

“Right now we are collecting information,” Day said. “We’re looking at how much they’re paid, what they teach, their demographics and a number of other things.”

Flood offered more suggestions.

“California and Washington’s governors and legislators have voted to allocate funds for part-time teachers,” Flood said. “Maybe this is something Illinois should look into.”

UPI, along with various other teachers’ unions, has organized Campus Equity Week, which is scheduled from Oct. 28 to Nov. 2. The week will include events and demonstrations promoting part-time and non-tenure faculty appreciation. One of these events is expected to be at NIU, however, no official date has been set.