Adjunct Faculty in Higher Education - an AcademicJobs.com Podcast

The AcademicJobs.com Podcast defines and explains the role of adjunct faculty in higher education. Adjunct professors, also known as adjunct instructors or lecturers, are part-time, contract-based teachers ineligible for tenure. They typically teach a limited number of courses, often introductory-level, and receive lower pay and fewer benefits than full-time professors. While qualifications vary, a master's or doctoral degree is often required. The text also clarifies the distinction between adjunct and part-time faculty roles, highlighting that adjunct pay is typically credit-hour based. Finally, it notes that the majority of higher education instructors are adjunct faculty.

Definition & Core Characteristics:

Adjunct faculty are part-time instructors hired on a contractual basis, often semester-by-semester. They are also known as adjunct instructors or adjunct lecturers, and collectively may be referred to as "contingent academic labour." They are not full-time employees and are "ineligible for tenure." This is a fundamental difference from tenured or tenure-track professors. Adjunct positions are characterised by limited-term contracts and a lack of job security. As stated, "they teach on a limited-term contract, often for one semester at a time".

Responsibilities & Duties:

Adjunct faculty primarily focus on teaching, often handling "introductory or general subjects". They are generally "not required to conduct research, publish papers, or attend staff meetings" which separates them from the traditional full time faculty responsibilities. Their primary interaction is with students, and flexibility is needed to fulfil various tasks. As the text notes, "Adjunct professors typically spend most of their time with students, and they must be flexible to fulfill several responsibilities." Adjuncts "teach credit hour classes and are paid by the number of credit hours they teach" rather than by a flat hourly rate.

Employment Terms & Compensation:

Adjuncts are paid less than full-time professors. The text specifies that they are "paid less than full-time professors". They "do not receive employee benefits such as health insurance or an office". This lack of benefits further distinguishes them from full time professors. The work is contract-based, and "They may teach for only a few semesters before they return to their industry full time." This highlights the often transient nature of the role. They are not considered "part of the permanent staff" and are not on the path to a tenured position.

Prevalence & Significance:

Adjunct faculty "make up the majority of instructors in higher education institutions". This underscores their vital role despite the precariousness of their position. They often teach courses that are difficult to staff or that departments might be using staff for other work. As stated, "They often teach courses that the department can't find staff for or is using for other things." Approximately 90% of college faculty are non-tenure-track, many holding other professional positions, meaning "Approximately 90 percent of college faculty are non-tenure-track who hold other permanent career professional positions elsewhere and are often scholar practitioners."

Qualifications & Skills:

Generally, a master's or doctoral degree is required, though some institutions might accept "a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience," especially in community colleges or technical schools. Skills such as "good communication skills," "excellent public speaking skills," "technology skills," and the ability to design courses, manage classrooms, and create materials are essential.

Variations in Terminology & Context:

The text also mentions the use of ‘adjunct’ in the Australian context. This states that, "In Australia, an Adjunct is an Honorary Academic Title

Adjunct Professor Jobs are on www.AcademicJobs.com