mathguy
Junior member
Posts: 72
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« Reply #15 on: October 15, 2008, 11:24:06 PM » |
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Here are some rambling thoughts...with no particular point that I'm trying to make:
1. Generally speaking, adjuncts are looked down on with contempt by the tenure-track/tenured faculty.
2. For the most part, the longer the adjunct stays in a department, the harder it will be for him/her to be offered a tenure-track position. Even if the person kept up with the research as well as service, a dept. is looking for "fresh blood" to bring into the dept.
3. The increasing use of adjuncts, part-time lecturers, and temporary faculty will continue to be the trend in the universities of this country (USA).
4. I think that someday tenure (as we know it) will be eventually dismantled and will only be reserved for the super super-stars of a discipline. Everybody else will be on contract with the administration having the ability to hire/fire at will. Already, the tenure system is already under considerable attack in this day/age, with some colleges/universities abolishing tenure!
5. One way or the other....I really don't care. I'm a Ph.D. lecturer (non-tenure track) on a renewable contract (subject to enrollments, budget, yada, yada, yada), who does what I'm paid to do. I teach to the best of my ability and still I am publishing and active in my field.
6. If everything works out, I'll have x number of years put in and a great pension along with Social Security (in addition to my own personal investments, savings, house, etc.).
7. My apologies if all of my remarks sound cynical....Don't get me wrong. I love my field of study and I appreciate the opportunity to teach my students. However, I know that a university/adjunct relationship is largely a parasitic one....with loyalty usually flowing in one direction....from the adjunct to the department. Nevertheless, I'm going to do just fine, as I play to win.
mathguy
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« Last Edit: October 15, 2008, 11:26:53 PM by mathguy »
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untenured
On far too many committees
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 5,540
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« Reply #16 on: October 16, 2008, 09:33:42 AM » |
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Most tenured/TT faculty look down on adjunct faculty with contempt? Really? I'd say 'ignore' would be a more accurate word. 'Taken for granted' would be a more accurate phrase.
In any event, becoming stale is an adjunct's worst situation.
Untenured
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You are among the Pure and Truthful, however small their Number.
My goodness, that was an exceptionally good analysis of the forum. |
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larryc
Hu hatin'
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 17,571
Eschew the hu.
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« Reply #17 on: October 16, 2008, 09:50:23 AM » |
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I too have seen adjuncts get TT jobs--a very few times. In each case the adjunct was fresh out of grad school or finishing up and was on the national market for a TT position. I think the last point is key. Why buy the cow when you are getting the milk for free? Because the cow is about to leave the building if you don't.
What almost never works is adjuncting at a school and focusing your entire job search on a position in that department.
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watermarkup
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« Reply #18 on: October 16, 2008, 04:14:32 PM » |
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I'm not tied to my location and have applied for positions in several other counties and states. I don't know if this is normal, but I've only gotten interviews at about 1/4 of the places where I've applied.
That seems like an excellent response rate. The response rate my first serious year on the market was something like 1 in 35, then increased and stayed right around 1 in 6 every year until last year, when it hit 1 in 4. |
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aneumey
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« Reply #19 on: October 17, 2008, 09:48:55 PM » |
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Reminds me of my own experience. I spent two years as an adjunct and temporary full time instructor at my dream school. After not getting an interview for a full time position that came up, I left for another school (one I knew I wouldn't like, but it served its purpose). Sure enough, they advertised a position the next year, and I was hired TT. The ad read like it was written by someone looking at my vita and designed an ad specific to me.
To put it another way, I got them used to having the milk, and when I didn't get what I wanted, I had to cut off the milk.
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untenured
On far too many committees
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 5,540
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« Reply #20 on: October 17, 2008, 10:27:19 PM » |
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To put it another way, I got them used to having the milk, and when I didn't get what I wanted, I had to cut off the milk.
Good. This signals to your old school that your milk is worth paying for. Schools won't look at great teaching. Schools will see what other institutions do. If you've been lured away, you are worth keeping. Strange isn't it. Untenured |
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You are among the Pure and Truthful, however small their Number.
My goodness, that was an exceptionally good analysis of the forum. |
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mj_romo
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« Reply #21 on: October 21, 2008, 12:17:08 PM » |
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My top pick for where I would like to be TT also happens to be the school in the area that pays adjuncts the most (a whopping $400 more per unit than most others) and offers the opportunity to have benefits at a good deal. Since I'm the primary breadwinner at home and need to provide benefits, do I just give up my hope of ever getting a TT position there?
Or, could there be hope if I distance myself - remove myself from committee work, show up just for office hours (yes, they're paid for) and only attend what's absolutely necessary to meet the faculty development requirement?
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