For the purposes of this article:

1. (a) “Academic year” means that period between the first day of a fall semester or quarter and the last day of the following spring semester or quarter, excluding any intersession term that has been excluded pursuant to an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
2. (b) “Contract employee” means an employee of a district who is employed on the basis of a contract in accordance with Section 87605, subdivision (b) of Section 87608, or subdivision (b) of Section 87608.5.
3. (c) “District” means a community college district.
4. (d) “Positions requiring certification qualifications” are those positions which provide the services for which certifications have been established in this code.
5. (e) “Regular employee” means an employee of a district who is employed in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 87608, subdivision (c) of Section 87608.5, or Section 87609.