This monograph provides a portrait of non-tenure-track faculty, describes studies of their experiences, and proposes plans of action. Much of the research, particularly early on, tried to provide a picture and description of this faculty that have been largely invisible for years. Therefore, "Portrait of Non-Tenure-Track Faculty" focuses on the…

This book provides a systematic look at nontenure track faculty, the roles they play in higher education, and the policies that control the terms and conditions of their employment. Data sources include two surveys of the National Survey of Postsecondary Faculty. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "The Context for…

This study identified the likelihood of new, tenure-track assistant professor obtaining tenure at a large multicampus university (the University of Missouri system). Logistic regression was used to determine whether certain faculty characteristics help to explain who received tenure. The tenure rate was based on the percentage of new assistant…

This empirical research examines the predictors of intended departure for tenured vs. nontenured full-time faculty at research and doctoral institutions across an array of disciplines. What are the characteristics of those who intend to leave their institutions? Do tenured and nontenured faculty show different patterns of intended departure? And…

Over the last generation, the instructional staffing system in American higher education has experienced a significant reduction in the proportion of jobs for full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and a dramatic growth in fixed-term full- and part-time instructional jobs without tenure. About 70 percent of the people teaching in…

A study used available data to develop a profile of non-tenure-track college faculty (n=132) and compare it with a similarly derived profile of untenured but tenure-track faculty (n=587). The research explored the relationship between employment status and selected demographic, career orientation, career circumstance, and work environment…

Although it does not offer tenure or tenure-track appointments, the newly established Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has not had difficulty attracting qualified faculty. The creation of the institution, recruitment of faculty, characteristics of new faculty hires, characteristics of the interview pool for new positions, faculty reasons for…

Factors that influence the length of time between receipt of the doctorate and award of tenure for college faculty were investigated. Data were collected from 293 responses to questionnaires returned by doctoral recipients from Stanford University, Yale University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Respondents had received doctorates…

This paper identifies information sources on new and junior college faculty and summarizes information on (1) who the new and junior faculty are; (2) what their careers are like; and (3) the nature of their work experience. Differences between tenure and nontenure track faculty, the genders, and new and junior faculty are noted. (DB)

This study examines the association between three outcomes of the freshman and sophomore years (retention, academic achievement and student rating of instruction) and the amount of exposure to three types of instructors (regular full-time faculty, adjunct faculty and graduate teaching assistants). The growing reliance in higher education on…

A study of 4,000 college faculty, using data from a national survey, investigated on- and off-campus sources of stress. Results indicated that while different faculty groups (male/female, tenured/nontenured, white/nonwhite) perceived varying stress levels, they also perceived different types of stress. (Author/MSE)

It is argued that the growing population of non-tenure-track and part-time faculty should be better represented in college governance. Recommendations include establishing a formal organization for part timers; appointing a part-time member to the central administrative team; and providing awards, leaves, and regular professional development…

This report examines the changes, and the potential consequences of those changes, in the employment patterns of American academics, focusing specifically on the use of short-term and temporary instructors by postsecondary institutions. Following a brief introduction, the report describes shifts in hiring patterns of postsecondary institutions,…

The purpose of a study conducted by the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges (CCCs) was to examine current policies and practices regarding the use of part-time faculty in the CCCs, faculty characteristics, implications for instructional quality, and policy options. The study involved a review of existing literature; data…

A study at the University of Missouri-Columbia investigated the stress factors and coping mechanisms among 196 faculty members in 16 departments. The study was undertaken during a period of low faculty salaries in comparison with similar institutions, characterized as moderate to severe financial decline. During the middle of the fall semester of…