May 3, 2002

Part-Time Instructors Deserve Equal Pay for Equal Work

By JACK LONGMATE and FRANK COSCO

According to the U.S. Department of Education, more than 60 percent of all faculty members at community colleges work part time, compared with less than 20 percent in 1970.

To some observers, this hiring practice is "good business." It offers institutions more flexibility, as part-time faculty members can be let go whenever they are not needed. Moreover, part-time instructors are far less expensive than those who work full time. Not only do most part-timers receive no health or