Proposal 35-15

The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 35-15
(Voting Units: Academic)

“Modify the Definition of the Term "Adjunct" Faculty”

PDF Version of Proposal 35-15

I. Background

This proposal is to modify the definition of adjunct faculty to bring the usage of this term as it is applied at Michigan Tech into line with how the term “adjunct” is used at other institutions of higher education.

II. Proposal

The proposed changes to the Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Handbook are as shown in the remainder of this document.

Adjunct Faculty

Current Definition of Adjunct Faculty (from Section 1.5.5, Non-Tenure-Track Academic Rank Definitions, Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Handbook; https://www.admin.mtu.edu/admin/prov/facbook/ch1/1chap-19.htm

ADJUNCT (Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered to persons not regularly or primarily employed within the academic unit to which the appointment is made. Such individuals--because of training, experience, credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research, and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Ordinarily no remuneration is associated with adjunct appointments, but on the approval of the President, remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent appointments.

Proposed New Definition of Adjunct Faculty (shown with changes from the original tracked)

ADJUNCT (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered to persons not regularly or primarily employed within the an academic unit to which the appointment is made at the University. Such individuals--because of training, experience, credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research, and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Ordinarily no remuneration is associated with adjunct appointments, but on the approval of the President, r Remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent reappointments.

Proposed New Definition of Adjunct Faculty (shown with all changes from the original accepted)

ADJUNCT (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered to persons not regularly or primarily employed within an academic unit at the University. Such individuals--because of training, experience, credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research, and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent reappointments. 

Proposal History:

  • Approved by the Graduate Faculty Council on January 13, 2014.

Proposal 35-15:
Introduced to Senate: April 1, 2015
Approved by Senate: April 15, 2015
Approved by Administration: April 22, 2015