OPINION: The Honest Truth

Many department heads at faculty meetings often expound about the important role adjuncts play as member of the faculty. In reality, adjuncts are “fill-in” instructors meant to cover classes left vacant or those that are labor intensive such as introductory composition courses. When new policies (“We decided to go in a different direction”) or budgetary cuts arise, adjunct instructors are no long a part of the “family” in many departments.

As an adjunct at various college and university programs, I have fallen into this false impression and facade, sitting upright and listening intently at faculty meetings. Taking in every word from department heads and program coordinators to show my enthusiam and motivation toward my adjunct position. All of this is done believing you are a part of the faculty family. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.

In reality, you are nothing but a cost efficient measure to the department head or program coordinator. Some faculty will take the time to get to know an adjunct, while others will not even acknowledge them, and in some cases view them with scorn. Adjunct are also viewed as second-rate instructors by many full-time and tenured faculty.

My advice to new adjunct instructors is to remain grounded with this knowledge of you being marginalized and and “quick fix” for a department head to teach classes. Do not get comfortable with some semblance of a steady course load in concurant semesters or too friendly with full-time instructors as they are not your friend. All of this can and does end suddenly, often when you least expect it.

That Adjunct Guy
September 15, 2026