Hiring of Part-Time Faculty
As stated in Policy 157.1, part-time faculty are untenured faculty
hired to teach less than the equivalent of twenty credits per academic
year. These teachers may have a special ability not available among the
full-time faculty or they may be employed in special circumstances such
as resignations, unexpected disabilities, or unplanned increases in
enrollment. Apart from such special circumstances, extensive reliance
on part-time faculty does not serve the University's best interests.
At
the time of their initial employment and at each renewal of assignment,
part-time and adjunct faculty need to be reminded of the temporary
nature of their employment with Furman University.
Too often contingent faculty make assumptions about their continued employment that are inaccurate.
Please be clear about the term of service and avoid making promises that may be inappropriate for contingent faculty.
The department Chair will notify the Dean of the Faculty of the need
for part-time faculty and will receive the Dean's approval before
negotiating employment.
The Policy states that Furman employs part-time faculty whose
qualifications meet standards for full-time employment as established
by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, but seeks to
minimize the use of part-time faculty. Part-time faculty are divided
into two categories: Adjuncts and Lecturers. Part-time faculty teaching
less than half-time are classified as Adjuncts; part-time faculty on
annual contract to teach half-time or more are classified as Lecturers.
In cases where part-time faculty are employees over an extended period,
the University seeks to provide adjusted compensation in an equitable
manner. Click here for more information about Faculty Ranks and Titles.
Our contingent faculty are valuable assets to the University.
Please communicate responsibly with them and treat them with the
highest of professionalism and sensitivity.
Adjunct Faculty Handbook