I just finished reading this article on Chronicle Vitae ( https://chroniclevitae.com/news/1051-is-adjuncting-the-kiss-of-death ) about how in many community colleges, adjuncts are later hired as tenure track "or 'continuing-contract'" professors. He then goes on to explain that he couldn't find actual data but based his conclusions on his own experience and a Twitter survey. He argues that since actual teaching experience is one of the main requirements to teach at a community college, adjuncting allows one to get that experience.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that only about 25-33% of full-time faculty were once adjuncts for that institution. So a majority are still remaining adjuncts.
I have many problems with his argument because I feel that it is justifying the widespread use of adjuncts.
Nevertheless, he acknowledges that only about 25-33% of full-time faculty were once adjuncts for that institution. So a majority are still remaining adjuncts.
I have many problems with his argument because I feel that it is justifying the widespread use of adjuncts.
Although I attended community college for a year, I don't have a lot of experience with it. I know that community college and universities have different hiring standards. I recognize that his argument is focusing on community colleges. But I am also quite sure that someone will use his argument to justify adjunct positions in general because I've heard those kinds of arguments before.
"Adjunct positions aren't supposed to be long-term." "Adjuncts just don't have the necessary qualifications to be hired tenure-track." "Adjuncts can use their experience to get a tenure track job."
Meanwhile, we know that adjuncts at universities aren't likely to be hired on the tenure track. Given that ~70% of faculty are contingent or non-tenure-track, it's not simply a matter of experience or qualifications. Class, race, and gender all factor in to who is more likely to land a tenure track job.
We know that many adjuncts, despite their research and degrees, live on or below the poverty line.
We know that adjunct positions are increasing in number, along with administrative positions. Only the latter get paid a lot more.
Don't justify adjunct positions. Instead, let's work to re-establish tenure and to improve the working conditions, not only of all faculty but of all workers.
UPDATE: I also want to address this article ( http://www.mywebtimes.com/news/local/pay-is-modest-but-rewards-large-for-ivcc-adjunct-faculty/article_135e29a3-e07a-54cc-b8fd-0d2fa8b0407c.html?TNNoMobile ) which starts off by saying:
"Adjunct positions aren't supposed to be long-term." "Adjuncts just don't have the necessary qualifications to be hired tenure-track." "Adjuncts can use their experience to get a tenure track job."
Meanwhile, we know that adjuncts at universities aren't likely to be hired on the tenure track. Given that ~70% of faculty are contingent or non-tenure-track, it's not simply a matter of experience or qualifications. Class, race, and gender all factor in to who is more likely to land a tenure track job.
We know that many adjuncts, despite their research and degrees, live on or below the poverty line.
We know that adjunct positions are increasing in number, along with administrative positions. Only the latter get paid a lot more.
Don't justify adjunct positions. Instead, let's work to re-establish tenure and to improve the working conditions, not only of all faculty but of all workers.
UPDATE: I also want to address this article ( http://www.mywebtimes.com/news/local/pay-is-modest-but-rewards-large-for-ivcc-adjunct-faculty/article_135e29a3-e07a-54cc-b8fd-0d2fa8b0407c.html?TNNoMobile ) which starts off by saying:
At Illinois Valley Community College, some of those who get the most from classes are the adjunct faculty members.
Adjunct faculty members at any college typically serve without the pay and benefits of regular faculty members, but often find their true compensation in personal satisfaction.
Since when is job satisfaction a legitimate justification for paying poverty wages?
The president of IVCC is quoted as saying "I just have nothing but the highest regard for them.”
The article also states :"Corcoran says adjunct faculty members share the same nonmonetary rewards as other teachers."
In this case, nonmonetary rewards means "creating teaching moments," not job security. It's not really debated that adjuncts enjoy teaching - after all, why else would they put so much into their students and classes for poverty wages? But I believe that one of the points of the adjunct movement is that "personal satisification" can no longer be used as an excuse for not paying adjuncts a living wage.
While at least Corcoran is verbally appreciate of adjuncts (unlike Englert in the #tuhearing or other notable examples of administration), verbal appreciation does not help adjuncts make ends meet.
As the New Faculty Majority Facebook page said:
The president of IVCC is quoted as saying "I just have nothing but the highest regard for them.”
The article also states :"Corcoran says adjunct faculty members share the same nonmonetary rewards as other teachers."
In this case, nonmonetary rewards means "creating teaching moments," not job security. It's not really debated that adjuncts enjoy teaching - after all, why else would they put so much into their students and classes for poverty wages? But I believe that one of the points of the adjunct movement is that "personal satisification" can no longer be used as an excuse for not paying adjuncts a living wage.
While at least Corcoran is verbally appreciate of adjuncts (unlike Englert in the #tuhearing or other notable examples of administration), verbal appreciation does not help adjuncts make ends meet.
As the New Faculty Majority Facebook page said:
Regardless of whether adjuncts have full-time jobs outside teaching or teach full time, they should be paid like the professionals they are. We can't eat the cultural capital we provide by "giving back to society," and it's an insult to any professional to pay them poverty wages. Either make this kind of service a charitable tax deduction, or pay a living wage.