How to Succeed as an Adjunct Faculty Member

An adjunct professor is typically a professor who is not considered a member of the permanent faculty and is not on a tenure track. Being an adjunct faculty member can be one of the best jobs at the university level. Adjuncts get all the rewards of teaching, without having to sit through endless staff meetings. Being an adjunct does have some pitfalls, however. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in the role.

Things You'll Need

• Teaching talent
• Subject matter expertise

Instructions

1. Remember what attracted you to the job in the first place. Do you love teaching? Then remind yourself of that every day, instead of focusing on the tough hours or erratic schedule.

2. Be organized. Since you're not a full staff member, you'll be missing some of the business communication your colleagues take for granted. This reduced communication can be a huge blessing, as long as you stay on top of your tasks and schedule.

3. Respect deadlines. Don't get the reputation as the prof who never gets midterm grades in on time. The less work you create for others, the happier everyone will be. The more you fly under the radar, the more time you have to pursue your own projects.

4. Be realistic about future job opportunities. It pays to be ambitious, but no one owes you a full time staff job. If staff jobs require a Ph.D. and you haven't finished yours, then don't be surprised if you get passed over for staff jobs.

Tips & Warnings

• Be flexible about what you teach and when.

• Know your own boundaries about scheduling and outside projects.

• Being an adjunct will not make you wealthy, but it can be fun and rewarding.