The current use of part-time faculty and issues regarding this practice are addressed. Ways that part-time faculty affect the quality of academic programs are discussed, including the frequent characterization of them as "second-class citizens." Policies and practices are shaped by the diverse characteristics of part-timers, institutional needs and traditions, the labor market, and legal and collective bargaining constraints. However, the idea that employment of part-time faculty is a casual departmental affair rather than a planned institutional effort is obsolete. Institutional policies and practices should take into account the differences among part-timers in their qualifications, functions performed, and contributions to the school's educational objectives. (LB)