Some Small Progress for Adjuncts

Hello, Colleagues:

As summer fades into the past and autumn begins to bring us into busier times, we should take a look back at a few pieces of news that occurred during August and early September.

I wish I could tell you that adjuncts are out of the woods, fully accepted in the academic community and now have reasonable salaries and benefits.  However, pipe dreams are not reality.  But if we look a little closer to the news, there are hints of change.  Yes, just hints.  

According to the Chronicle, we have made strides during the 2013 -14 academic year.  Our plight has been discovered on capitol hill and Congress may actually take a look at the serious struggle that adjunct faculty have, along with the questionable working conditions many have across the country.

On a similar note, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation has discussed including "how adjuncts are treated" when colleges are reviewed.  (Chronicle, 8/22/14- Sarah Hebel).  I have this overwhelming desire to say "ya think", here, but I'll let it go.

As mentioned in previous posts, unions have been on many campuses this past year.  But, in fact, they have made considerable strides in at least 10 metro areas across the U.S.  That actually resulted in 25,000 adjuncts joining unions this past year.  Since this is a topic that will continue into the future, I hope you will share news from your own campuses.  As mentioned in my July 4th post, there should be no topic that cannot at least be discussed in academia.  However, you likely will not hear about it at any conferences.   Fear of "political issues" such as these, are just not going to be permitted.

Since the discussion surrounding adjuncts may involve better salaries, keep in mind this statistic.  The median salary for college Presidents, two years ago, according to Ms. Hebel's column, was $478,896.  At private colleges, at least 40 Presidents were paid more than one million per year.  And yes, that probably includes extras, but the fact remains that's pretty big money.

Let's all hope that the positive steps made last year, multiply during this academic year.  More than any other time, we all need to be the best possible teachers.  Be known for your dedication to our students' success; speak up at your institution; and as Elizabeth Warren just posted on facebook (not related to adjunct faculty)---if you're not seated at the table, you're probably part of the menu.  Be part of the discussions about adjunct life on campus.

Ever the adjunct,

M. Linda Martinak, Ed.D.