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[wsr88d]

Talk about getting the rug pulled out from underneath of me ...

I was informed today that both of my positions (adjunct) were eliminated at two different colleges that I teach at (1 locally & 1 on-line). It is hard to believe too, because both are in the Earth Sciences and you would think that this area in science would be stable enough to keep flowing with enrollment. However, both institutions advised me that their departments are (and will) no longer being offering the 2-3 ES courses that I teach, simply because they are looking to minimize their course offerings and directly focus on the other "main" science course offerings  (Bio, Chem & Phys) in their departments.

I got the bad news yesterday from one institution and today from the other. The really ironic thing is, that the other three institutions locally that I could teach at, have also eliminated or have decided not to offer these specific course anytime in the near future because the demand is just not there.

I am really bummed and frustrated about the whole scenario... it is not like I can just pick up and move anywhere to apply for prospects for adjuncting in my subject area, I already have a FT HS job, a mortgage, etc. I feel that if I wait too long in the next round of FT potential cc positions next year or the year after - I am going to be considered stale because of the time lapsed.

[dellaroux]

Can you pick up any online courses from more distant institutions where you would not have to be on campus very often?

Very sorry to hear this, rebounding from the rug-pulled-out from-under-you-trick is much harder when you're not just the clown in the circus but a real person with real plans and responsibilities.

Ick.

[badgerbadger]

So sorry to hear this. It is bad enough to lose one adjunct position. To lose two in one week is a nasty blow. I hope that you can pick up adjunct positions with online schools.

[bud04]

This is just awful! I'm so sorry to hear this news.

[cranefly]

Sorry about your bad luck.
I second the online suggestion.

[tenured_feminist]

You're definitely not the only person in this situation. A few weeks ago, we had our adjunct budget not just cut, but eliminated. All we have is a little salary saving from a few leaves that we will use to hire current grad students to cover the leave people because . . . the grad student funding budget also got cut.

What are you hoping to do long term? If you want a permanent full-time position at a CC or other higher ed job, do what you can in the down time to build a more salable CV for the kinds of jobs you want.

[zuzu_]

If I were you, I would craft a brief "cover letter" describing your expertise in teaching online. I would then send this out as an email to department chairs who may be in need of your services, with your CV as an attachment.

This approach is far more effective than relying on Human Resources' Adjunct Pool. Yes--you will need to fill out the HR application too, but you should sell yourself to the chair as a low-maintenence person who'd be an asset to the department.

[palla]

That is really hard.  I am sorry.  :(

[compdoc]

I am so sorry. That has got to be hard.

I'd second (or third) the idea of looking at other colleges for online work.

[dellaroux]

Any updates?

[wsr88d]

I have been looking across the board locally, and online - nothing is out there that I really fall into. I saw another local cc have an adjunct position open in my area - I called and they said they are building up their adjunct bank for the 2011-2012 year - nothing is or will be available for another year, which is then dependent on enrollment.

So I am throwing in the towel for 2010-2011 pertaining to adjunct job search - while I finish up my 2nd Master's degree (which I graduate in summer 2011).

I suppose I will see what comes about beginning in Jan 2011.

[systeme_d_]

Thanks for the update, wsr88d.

So sorry to hear of the (hopefully very temporary!) setback.

[wsr88d]

Thanks.

I look at it this way, I had a nice two-year cherry run with the experience,was able to save a little extra money... get some upgrades and repairs done to my home and vehicles, and some other stuff.

Overall, I still have my FT teaching gig at the high school....for now.
My district just announced (after the teachers were let out for the summer) that beginning in Nov-Jan, they will be letting teachers, staff, etc. know who will be returning for the following 2011-2012 school year, as they are hurting financially and student enrollment (FTE) is low and dropping and students/families are moving out of the area and state (FL).

So, maybe I can make the cut through 2012...have my 2nd master's, and the market will pick up a little where I can get out of here!