Emerson College has had a presence in Los Angeles since the early 1980's but it wasn't until 1986 that it offered a semester long program for its Boston-based students to come to Los Angeles, take classes and perform internships. 
 
Since its earliest years, ELA has relied almost exclusively on LA-based adjuncts.  Currently, part-time adjuncts comprise 95% of the resident faculty.  As one of the longest running programs of its kind, ELA’s longevity and successful expansion owe a great deal to the adjunct faculty who have taught and mentored students with such dedication. 
 
In 2014, ELA moved from its longtime Burbank location to its new facility on Sunset Boulevard. In September, 2016 ELAF ratified its first union contract which offers access to benefits, increased wages, a grievance procedure and increased campus security. Its first Executive Board Officers were Jennifer Vandever, Julian Higgins, and Dan Viafore.

We owe a debt of gratitude for the hard work of our fellow AAUP chapters on the Boston campus in preserving the integrity of the teaching profession and paving the way for our union.  We look forward to working together in making Emerson College a place where educators and students can continue to thrive.