contingent faculty

Contingent faculty refers to part-time or temporary instructors at colleges and universities who are hired on a non-permanent basis. They may teach courses without the full benefits, job security, or institutional support that full-time faculty receive. This group includes adjunct professors, lecturers, and visiting professors. While they often contribute significantly to teaching and student learning, their positions are typically less stable and can depend on semester-by-semester contracts. Contingent faculty play a crucial role in higher education, but their work conditions and compensation can vary widely.