Adjunct Professors: Essential Contributors to a Dynamic Academic Workforce

Adjunct professors play a critical role in reshaping traditional academic workforce strategies to meet the ever-evolving demands of today’s students. As colleges and universities strive to offer education opportunities that are both accessible and flexible, adjunct faculty have become a growing solution in meeting those needs. These professionals bring real-world expertise and usually have the ability to teach at convenient times – often outside of the typical campus setting.

While adjuncts are often seen as a solution to fill immediate gaps in academic offerings, their role extends beyond that of temporary instructors. They bring unique perspectives that can shape and enhance the university experience for students and faculty alike. By engaging with adjunct professors, institutions can leverage their diverse experiences to create a richer, more adaptable academic environment.

University Culture and Student Experience

University culture is shaped by interactions inside and outside the classroom, however, classroom interactions have a significant impact on how a student encounters the institution. Often, an adjunct professor may be the first—or only—interaction a student has with their college or university. Given this influence, it is essential for university leaders to listen to adjunct faculty members to understand how they experience and contribute to their university’s culture. By valuing the input of all who represent the institution, (administration, faculty, staff, and adjuncts) leaders can better align their strategies with the needs of the audiences they serve.

By surveying adjuncts, university leaders can gain valuable insights from a faculty group that serves a substantial segment of the student body in a growing number of colleges and universities. This practice not only sheds light on the current environment of the university but also allows leaders to create a culture of curiosity and continuous learning among all faculty members.

Why Elevate Adjunct Voices as Part of the Broader Faculty Engagement?

Although adjuncts are an increasingly valuable university resource, they often exist outside the traditional institutional community. Many of them also experience their university from a limited perspective. They often interact with a smaller group of team members, gaining a narrow but valuable perspective. Adjunct faculty are not able to comment on all questions covered in Best Christian Workplaces’ Employee Engagement Survey, and for that reason, they need a questionnaire that is specifically tailored to their exposure and needs.

By giving adjuncts a platform to voice their experiences alongside full-time and part-time staff, university leaders demonstrate a curiosity for all voices. Encouraging adjuncts to share their perspectives will open the door to action. These targeted actions will enhance retention, loyalty, and long-term commitment, ultimately leading to a higher level of service to the university’s mission by all faculty members.

Recognize the Complementary Role of Adjunct Professors and Amplify Their Voices

College and university leaders whose model includes adjunct professors recognize that they are more than supplementary staff—they are dynamic agents within the university workplace. Most importantly, adjuncts are people with invaluable perspectives that deserve to be heard and trusted within the academic community. By committing to survey this core group of individuals alongside traditional faculty, institutions send a clear message that adjunct contributions matter to the student experience and to the overall health and flourishing of the institution.

Resources:
401: Hope and Strategic Vision: The Future of Christian Higher Education (workplaces.org)

389: Leadership Lessons from the Military to Liberty University (LU): Dr. Dondi Costin's Journey (workplaces.org)

Friday Campus or Monday Campus? Engagement in Christian Higher Education (workplaces.org)