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[Larry Asplund, Professor]

Obviously a shrinking payroll factors in to the decision to hire adjunct faculty, whether they work online or on campus.  I have a question concerning how little is too little.  I know it's confidential information but - would any of your adjuncts out there be willing to say how the school you're working for pays their adjuncts?

[michael: various]

$2700-3000 per section, no benefits.

[JC, Adjunct Instructor B&M]

I don't see why there is so much objection to the adjuncts, especially those teaching on-line.  I am in the process of completing my MBA at an on-line "accredited University." If I had to rely on brick and mortar (B&M), I would still be waiting for the time when "life" was not so hectic.  I must also add, the on-line approach has allowed me to digest and totally integrate courses, subject matter and experiences into really meaningful papers and assignments with value-added.  We heve got to think outside of the box, we are in a global, boarderless, and technologically rich society/environment..."Carpe diem!"

PS.  I am on my way to the doctoral program, any advice on getting an on-line instructor position to support my way through school, while I teach other students who just cannot do the B&M thing?  I teach Medical Informatics, MBA with specification in IT (Systems).

[A.B./Online institution]

Terry Dugas, Adjunct, FGCU wrote:

> Institutions rarely advertise adjunct positions of any type,
> so you have to look outside traditional academic job listings
> for DL postings.

> However, these positions are usually true adjunct positions,
> paying from $1500 to $3500 per course, depending on degree and
> institution.  The specter of the itinerant DL professor, hiring
> themselves out to college after college is, I believe, a myth.
> I have a “real” job to pay the bills and feed the family.  I
> teach as a DL adjunct because I love teaching, not to make a
> living.


Lucky for Terry the love of teaching is the truth...
One of the largest online universities, U of Phx, pays less than the minimum you are even stating here. In hours of worktime for a 6 week course vs. actual pay, you might better off finding work in a local fast food joint.

[%sig%]

[Nicole/ EVERYWHERE]

You asked about wages so I thought I would comment...

The range of pay for an adjunct online instructor ranges from $750 to $3500 per course.  Unfortunately the range in pay has nothing to do with amount of work actually performed.

I recently agreed to teach a course in the fall (12 weeks) for $1700 which claims requires 10-15 hours per week...

You do the math.  Tha tis less than $15 per hour maximum.

Now honestly, I do not anticipate 10-15 hours work for this course.  But if it does require this amount, I will have experienced it and look for work elsewhere.

The one major drawback I see with online education and institutions which state it will require that amount of time is that face-to-face do not require anywhere NEAR that amount of time.  Now I am hoping they have set this timeframe since the course is new and they have hired individuals who are new to the field of online instruction.

There are other institutions which pay the same amount of money for a 6 week course with less time required.  I am willing to give any course a try to see if it is worth it.

[Nicole/ MSU]

I resent the fact that Julie stated adjuncts only fall into those two categories.

First, I am a PhD student who has also been an adjunct for the last 4 years.  I do research, present at national conferences, and now thanks to online classes can work from the comfort of my basement doing what I love.  

Second, I didn't read in your posting what made you an expert on Adjunct instructors.

[That is awesome!]

I would pay for advice on how to make 65K working as an adjunct! I had a great Adjunct gig going and I loved it too.  After paying for health insurance, student loans, rent, etc, I had nothing left. I am certified to teach online courses now which could free up some travel time and allow me to teach more if I wanted to.  I do have a full time job with benefits now at a local hospital and teach a hybrid science course at the local college. I miss teaching as a full time adjunct and would love some advice on how to make a career of it that will pay the bills too.

[%sig%]

[Daniel Stuhlman, San Jose SU]

I teach classes that are a combination of face-to-face and on line.  I like both aspects.  The students see me and each other and then spend the rest of the semester completing the course.

I wish I could earn a full-time salary doing this.  Does anyone have any ideas of more place to teach?

[Nancy]

Michael,

What courses and where do you teach?