Unmasking the Hidden Realities of Adjunct and Regular Faculty in Academia
Academia, as portrayed in films and popular culture, often leaves a skewed perception of the lives of university and college faculty. Misconceptions abound due to the selective representation in media and other sources. These misconceptions include assumptions about full-time professionals taking up part-time teaching gigs or the ease with which professors can obtain tenure. Today, I aim to shed light on some lesser-known facts about adjunct and regular faculty members.
The Modern Adjunct
The myth that many adjuncts are professionals with full-time jobs teaching at night or on the weekends has lost validity in recent years. The majority of today's adjuncts are neither employed part-time nor pursuing their degrees. Instead, budget constraints and the nature of the institution heavily influence the employment of adjunct faculty. Major private universities with substantial endowments may manage with fewer adjuncts, but for public universities and colleges in the U.S., adjuncts are often the backbone of academic programs.
Funding cuts from state legislatures have consistently reduced state support for higher education institutions. Tuition, while a significant component of revenue, does not directly pay faculty salaries. Instead, funds are pooled for various purposes, including administrative costs, building projects, and student amenities. The number of tenure-track positions has drastically reduced over the last two decades, especially in the humanities, leading to an increase in the hiring of adjuncts to meet class requirements at much lower costs.
Adjuncts, particularly those with doctorates, often teach up to six or seven different classes across multiple institutions, juggling the responsibilities of full-time faculty members. Despite their qualifications, many adjuncts are underpaid, lack health insurance, and rely heavily on part-time and temporary work. Despite these challenges, many adjuncts take pride in their work and dedication to education.
The Reality of Regular Faculty
Beyond the myth of the leisurely tenure-track professor, there are different levels of faculty positions. For instance, individuals like myself have transitioned from a tenure-track career to a Senior Lecturer role, which typically involves a heavy teaching load and additional administrative tasks. This position offers benefits but requires extensive paperwork and professional development. Regular faculty members in general education courses face challenges like a lack of teaching assistants and the need to work diligently to meet course requirements and publish research.
The tenure-track pathway is not automatic, and professors must continually demonstrate their research capabilities and service to be considered for tenure. Even after achieving this milestone, professors remain dedicated to their fields, continuing research and professional development until their retirement. However, faculty pay at most institutions, especially state universities, community colleges, or small liberal arts colleges, is not as high as often perceived. Cost-of-living raises are sometimes absent due to state budget issues, and?faculty often work for 9-10 months, with the rest of the year funded through summer work or alternative sources.
The Textbook Misconception and the Truth Behind Student Education
Another myth is the belief that teachers' lives and interactions with students are as depicted in texts and media. In reality, faculty members often face daunting challenges in motivating and engaging students. The goal is to impart knowledge and skills, but the success rates vary. Many faculty members spend considerable time advising and comforting stressed students, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges. The role of teaching is crucial at all levels of academia, regardless of the tenure-track status.
Professorial offices and support also differ from the media's portrayal. While some institutions offer full offices and secretarial staff, the majority of faculty, especially adjuncts, work in smaller, utilitarian spaces. Despite this, faculty members dedicate themselves to their academic duties, often without significant recognition or high salaries. Their primary motivation is to foster learning and prepare students for future success.
The roles of adjunct and regular faculty are integral to the academic landscape, yet often overlooked. Understanding these lesser-known facts provides a more accurate and compassionate perspective on the diverse and critical contributions of these professionals.