Adjunct Instructors in Transition
Further Education and Networking May Provide Solutions
Feb 18, 2009
For many years, colleges and universities have looked to adjunct instructors as a way to lower class sizes and offer more units of core classes such as Western Civilization, World Cultures, or American History survey courses. Adjuncts are considered part time or hired on the basis of contracts that are frequently construed as self-employment. Unless the adjunct position is permanent, there are no accompanying benefits or opportunities to qualify for tenure. Recent developments in education, however, have limited the use of adjunct instructors even more but there are ways adjuncts can better market themselves.
Recession Cuts and I-Sourcing Adjunct Positions
Mandatory budget cuts, despite increased tuition costs, have forced many institutions to reduce or eliminate adjunct positions entirely, resulting in larger class sizes and existing faculty teaching more units. According to the February 12th Chronicle of Higher Education, Nichols College in Massachusetts will eliminate all adjunct positions and ask qualified administrative staff members to teach courses. Nichols’ president, Debra Townsley, projected semester savings between $70-90,000. (Audrey Williams June, “To Save Money, Staff Members and Administrators Will Teach Classes at Nichols College," The Chronicle of Higher Education, February 12, 2009).
The proliferation of internet courses has also impacted the future of adjunct instructors. The “I School” division of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro facilitates an on-line early college program for high school students throughout the state, filling thousands of spots paid for by generous state grants. The program is part of former Governor Mike Easley’s “Learn and Earn” program designed to make college credit available to all qualified students and includes the establishment of more “early colleges” as well.
Enhancing Adjunct Credentials
Many community colleges and universities are more apt to hire adjunct instructors either full or part time if they are qualified to teach several subjects. Adjunct requirements usually reflect a masters degree with a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline taught. Adjunct instructors should peruse existing vacancies to determine what areas are most sought and develop a plan to enroll in six graduate classes in that field.
Although this takes time and money, adjuncts should weigh the long term cost benefits and include the possibility of eventual full time work. In some cases, affordable on-line classes will also satisfy the requirements. For part-time instructors working other jobs, this might be the preferred solution. It is no longer enough to be a “generalist.”
Good adjuncts teach because they truly enjoy the experience. This will be noted in supervisory evaluations, student feedback, and perceived passion. Adjuncts with such reputations should network with full time colleagues, mentors, deans, and department heads. Joining professional organizations and attending subject area seminars also provides networking opportunities.
If the recently signed stimulus package filters enough money into the public institutions, notably community college systems, doors may again open for adjunct instructors seeking full time positions or more part time classes. Additionally, recent statistics have shown that enrollment figures at such institutions are higher than ever, perhaps boosting the need for more permanent faculty positions.
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