"May you live in interesting times". Purportedly, that's an old Chinese curse. As you might expect, that phrase does not connote good wishes. It's been an interesting 8 months for me this year.....not all good, not all bad...but at least "interesting".
After serving in various roles in higher education for 35 years, I have retired from full time employment and have returned to my life as an adjunct....just as I had started out 35 years ago. So my perspective on adjunct life (and expectations) has changed somewhat. Yes, it's been "interesting".
During my career in higher ed, I have continually taught as an adjunct faculty member even though during that time, I worked primarily in the administrative function. Now, I come full circle back to my initiation into college life - adjunct faculty member.
As it so happens, I come back to my adjunct life at a time when enrollments are on the decline, and online programs are popping up everywhere. Thus, I find myself checking the university schedule at every opportunity to see if I secured a course for fall or whether I was fortunate enough to get two sections. Ah, the good ole' days of adjunct teaching! I remember it well.
Meanwhile, I am finishing up my summer section and trying to be as active as possible in the academic environment. That includes starting to write a book about leadership in higher education. I know what you're thinking. Don't go there. So, as I rejoin your ranks, know that I am paddling the same boat as you and I am looking at the state of adjunct faculty through the same pair of glasses.
Lately in this blog, I have listed a number of articles related to the unionization of contingent faculty members. I hope you have been keeping up with that subject as it doesn't appear that it will go away anytime soon. Be sure to educate yourselves about the pros and cons of unionization, but also be aware that higher education is changing and unions may not be the only change that's in sight. Watch for my next blog on this one.
I am glad to be back with you as an adjunct faculty member, proud of what we all do for our colleges and universities and wondering what's around the next corner. So for me, it's back in the saddle, again.
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