What are the plight of adjunct professors?

Adjuncts are higher education's version of migrant laborers — professionals hopping from campus to campus with no job security, a meager income, no health insurance or retirement benefits, and little hope for advancement.

What are the problems with adjunct faculty?

Adjunct faculty members continue to teach in uncertain, challenging environments, often with no compensation for service work, no guarantee of employment beyond the term, and no assurance of academic freedom.

Is adjunct professor stressful?

Put simply, being an adjunct is hard work. In our experience, while the pace may be different, the hours spent preparing for class, teaching (either synchronously or asynchronously), grading, and making ourselves available to students are just as intense as a demanding position in the corporate world.

Is being an adjunct professor worth it?

Lower pay: Adjunct professors often earn less money than tenured professors. These professionals usually receive an hourly wage or compensation per course, rather than earning an annual salary. Little to no employee benefits: As a contract position, adjunct professors rarely receive benefits.

Why are adjunct professors paid so little?

Adjuncts are paid so little to help universities and colleges save money. Higher education institutions are businesses looking to lower overhead costs and generate revenue. Ultimately colleges save a lot of money by hiring several part-time adjunct instructors rather than full-time tenure-track faculty positions.

What Is an Adjunct Professor?

Do adjuncts need a Phd?

In most cases, adjunct professors need a master's degree, but in some cases only require a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. However, over a third have a doctoral degree.

Can you make money as an adjunct professor?

In the US, at most colleges and universities, adjunct faculty get pay per class (for profits may pay per student). Public colleges tend to pay more and some (few) pay very well. Adjuncts may also have a pension plan, medical, etc.

Why would someone be an adjunct professor?

Adjuncts are often hired to teach a specific course that other faculty may not have expertise in or courses that are in high demand. Individuals filling these positions may find recurring opportunities to teach these classes and secure their foot in the door if they hope to eventually become a full-time instructor.

Is an adjunct professor a real professor?

An adjunct instructor is a part-time faculty member who is hired on a contractual basis. They may teach for only a few semesters before they return to their industry full time. Per semester, they usually teach a few courses on introductory or general subjects.

Why would someone choose to work as an adjunct instructor rather than a professor?

Flexibility — Adjuncts have more flexibility in their schedules than full-time professors. Some parents with young children choose to teach part-time to spend more time with their kids.

How old are most adjunct professors?

About 70% of adjuncts are over age 40, and 52% are women. Most (56%) earned a master's as their highest degree attained; one third have a Ph. D. About half teach one or two courses at a single institution; 22% teach three or more classes at two or more institutions.

Do adjunct professors get summers off?

Most professors will always have the ability to take summers off regardless of what type of professor they are. But adjuncts are the professors who most likely don't work during the summer. A full-time professor is usually employed on a 9-month contract.

What subjects are most in demand for adjunct professors?

Adjunct professors in academic departments related to health care, such as science, nursing, and pre-med subjects, are in very high demand. The greatest need for adjunct professors is in fields related to law, business, psychology, engineering, architecture, biology, economics, and criminal science.

Are you a professor if you are adjunct?

Sometimes called contingent faculty, adjunct professors are part-time professors. They are not considered part of the permanent staff, nor are they on the path to a tenured position. As a contract employee, they are free to create a teaching schedule that works for them. Some teach only one class; others take on many.

Can adjunct professors negotiate salary?

So you've gotten an offer from an institution to become an adjunct professor: now what? For many professors, the answer is negotiating your contract. Negotiating your contract is critical for ensuring you are compensated fairly, and many professors find great success in negotiating their contracts.

Do adjunct professors get observed?

After three years of teaching the same courses, adjunct faculty may be observed as infrequently as every third year thereafter. In non-‐observation years, they should simply schedule an informal meeting with another faculty member to talk about teaching.

How do you address an adjunct professor?

"Professor" usually is a safe bet. Even if he or she has a doctorate, "professor" still works. And if he or she is a lecturer or adjunct who hasn't earned professor status yet, chances are he or she won't mind your giving a promotion. But "Doctor" is the more appropriate title for anyone with a Ph.

Can adjuncts call themselves professors?

Actually many adjunct contracts have "Adjunct Professor" in the job title and description. Adjuncts who have doctorates are trained in the same way that TT professors who have doctorates are trained.

What is the difference between a lecturer and an adjunct professor?

An adjunct professor is also a limited or part-time position, to do research or teach classes. Adjunct professors have a doctorate. Another position is that of lecturer. Lecturers teach classes, but they may or may not have a doctorate.

What should students call an adjunct professor?

Yes, adjunct faculty are also called professors.

For example, there could be one title for all - "adjunct professor" - or titles based on degrees earned, such as "professor" for those with Ph. D.s/Ed. D.s and "instructor" for those with no higher than a master's degree.

Can adjunct professors get tenure?

After you complete your master's degree, you might take a job as an adjunct professor or lecturer at a college or university. These positions are not usually on a tenure track, but they can help you develop your teaching skills and build your resume for a tenure-track role later.

Do adjunct professors create curriculum?

Experienced professors can assist them in developing lesson plans, lectures, assignments and examinations. Most adjunct professors need to follow a particular curriculum defined by the institution, but they have the authority to instruct according to their style.

Can you make a living adjuncting?

Yes, you can make a living as an adjunct if you work at multiple universities and take on as many courses as possible.

Can you be an adjunct professor as a side job?

Apply for open positions

Alternatively, if being an adjunct professor is your side job , you can work one or two classes to keep the rest of your time open.

Can you be an adjunct professor and have another job?

For one, you have the flexibility to teach at several different institutions or to even work in another profession entirely. There are many professionals who use adjunct teaching as a side hustle.