What is the adjunct faculty problem?

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.

What are the disadvantages of adjunct faculty?

What is the plight of adjunct faculty?

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.

Why are adjunct faculty 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.

Is adjunct faculty worth it?

Some prefer it. Here are common themes' happy' adjuncts mention when talking about why they choose to teach part-time: 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.

the adjunct problem

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.

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 do people become adjunct professors?

Flexibility. As an adjunct professor, you normally do not have the same number of classes as full-time professors. You may choose the number of classes you are willing to teach each term in a higher education institution. Further, you can teach in other institutions to increase your impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the difference between adjunct professor and adjunct faculty?

Adjunct professors are defined as professors who are hired on a contractual basis, usually in part-time positions. Adjunct faculty teach courses just as full-time professors do, but they are exempt from some of the responsibilities of fully employed university instructors.

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

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.

Are most professors adjunct?

Summary. Part-time nontenure-track faculty comprise 47% of the U.S. academic work force, and two-thirds of them are "adjuncts." (The rest have additional employment outside higher education or have retired from a tenured position.) Adjuncts thus make up roughly one third of all faculty.

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.

Can adjunct professors become full-time?

Adjunct faculty seeking full-time positions must follow a very competitive and arduous process. Often, they interview multiple times before being offered a full-time position.

How to become an adjunct professor without teaching experience?

To become an adjunct professor with no experience, you will need to have the right educational background. Having a strong GPA and excellent teacher recommendations can improve your odds, along with any related work experience. The primary qualifications to become an adjunct professor ultimately depend on the school.

What percentage of professors are adjunct?

75.5% of college faculty are now off the tenure track, meaning they have NO access to tenure. This represents 1.3 million out of 1.8 million faculty members. Of these, 700,000 or just over 50% are so-called part-time, most often known as “adjunct.”

Why do colleges hire adjuncts?

By hiring adjuncts, colleges and universities cut salary and benefit costs and, they say, it allows them to offer new courses to students without having to invest in hiring permanent staff.

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.

Can you be an adjunct professor with just a masters?

The minimum qualifications you need to become an adjunct professor are a master's degree in the field you want to teach and previous teaching experience, perhaps as a teaching assistant during your graduate education.

Can you become an adjunct professor without a degree?

You need at least a master's degree. In reality, most adjuncts have terminal degrees in their field or are in the process of earning their terminal degree. While many adjuncts have a Ph. D., you could secure an adjunct position with a different degree if it is a terminal degree.

Can you make a living as a professor?

If you do successfully get a permanent job as a professor, there is also the issue of compensation. Professors are by no means poorly paid, and they typically earn enough to live comfortably and to raise a family.