Comments (7)

1. 

   bsmith

   It is not only convenient to use adjunct/contingent faculty--it is much less expensive. In addition to not getting benefits, we earn considerably less per course taught.

   2 years ago

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2. 

   Jack

   Adjuncts lower pay and lack of benefits are a requirement to keep costs down but still provide an entryway for Teachers to become Full Time. Through student feedback and results the Adjunct system provides for a "interview" process in which the good teachers are eventually rewarded with full time employment.

   2 years ago

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3. 

   robertby07

   Jack. you gotta be kidding me! What planet do you live on? Part Timers are a separate class of employees and many, if not most, NEVER become full time tenure track faculty. Simply put, there are not enough positions in those ranks to turn Part Timers into Full Time Faculty. You are perpetuating the current myth being put out by people who do not see the reality of teaching "life" in the community colleges. that if one works hard enough, keeps one's nose to the grindstone and doesn't make waves, that one will eventually get a full time teaching job, NOT! How Much Longer, Part Timers? RBYoshioka, Ph.D. Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-264-1142

   2 years ago

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4. 

   rlarue

   I dont know if its their pay or what issues they have going on, but as a current student the part time instructors almost never answer your emails and are ussually terribly slow at grading papers. Im sure it has to do with possibly having other jobs or other priorities but as a student I need someone who is dedicated to teaching and not someplace else in life.

   2 years ago

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5. 

   robertby07

   rlarue: the reason you are not getting the attention you SHOULD be getting from your part time faculty is because part timers do not routinely have offices, keep office hours or even have email accounts at your school. They are over worked, under paid and do not have security of employment. Is it any wonder they are not around to provide you with the help you with the help you deserve. Not being there is a function of economics, and the fact that there are only so many hours in the day. If you want more attention ask a full timer. How Much Longer, Part Timer

   2 years ago

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6. 

   Community Member

   The countries with the top educated HS-level graduates pay enough to get the top 10% in a subject area to be teachers. Some of our teachers are great, but many are just getting by, and a few just shouldn't be there. Honor and respect our teachers; pay a lot more so they'll be attracted. The impact on society will be tremendous... this also fits with industry partnerships.

   2 years ago

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7. 

   Marlene

   It is not only adjunct faculty that are short changed. Students coming to meet with an Academic Advisor could very well get a part-time advisor that only works 3 to 19.5 hours a week. It makes it difficult for a student to form a relationship with an advisor as well as difficult for the part-time advisor to learn the college policies, procedures and transfer information. The Community College I'm employed with has an enrollment of over 30,000 students and we only have 13 full-time advisors. There are days that I spend more time answering questions for the part-time advisors than I do for the students. Don't get me wrong, are part-time advisors work hard to stay informed and give the best service possible. We could not do our job without them, but in August when we are trying to advise over 300 students a day mistakes are made and it is the student that pays. Face it, community colleges are not well funded or respected.

   2 years ago

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