Adjunct Oversight Committee

Academic Year 2022-2023

The Committee:  The Adjunct Oversight Committee (“the committee”) is comprised of two (2) roster faculty members, one adjunct faculty member and a number of liaisons from other standing committees. Speaker of the Faculty, William R. Veal, Ph.D. and Associate Provost Deana Caveny, Ph.D. are also active participants.   The 2022-2023 Committee is chaired by Julie Davis, Ph.D.

Wendy Shephard, Ph.D. has been elected chair of the committee for the 2023-2024 year.

Committee Goals for 2022-2023: Among the Committee’s goals for the current calendar year were:

  • To publicly recognize the contributions of the Adjunct Faculty to the College of Charleston- particularly in light of the large number of credit hours taught by them.
  • To gather information pertinent to the Adjunct Faculty’s experience at the College of Charleston and use it to enhance a positive work experience for adjuncts while employed at the College of Charleston.

Action Taken: 

  • As fair pay was the primary concern of the adjunct faculty, a survey of “comparable schools” was taken to determine where the College placed in the pay scale of comparable schools. While it was difficult to get direct information, it was clear that the College placed at the low end of the pay scale in compensating adjuncts. 
  • A review was made of employment related information available to adjunct faculty. It was determined that while the information available digitally is difficult to locate, this is an evolving situation which should improve in the future.
  • A review of the reports filed by prior Adjunct Oversight Committees was had to see if prior complaints had been resolved. The committee came to the conclusion that complaints noted up to ten years ago, primarily pay concerns, have not been addressed.
  • A survey designed by Committee Member Andrew Pryzeworski, Ph.D. has been designed to be sent out to all adjunct faculty to determine their current concerns. The survey is similar to one sent out approximately five (5) years ago to determine if there has been improvement in adjuncts’ quality of professional life.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCOMING COMMITTEE:

  • While adjunct pay was increased 3% this year in accordance with across the board pay raises, the College still falls below similar schools in adjunct compensation. It is recommended that an information campaign be initiated to publicize to pertinent parties the duties/responsibilities of the adjuncts in contrast to their compensation.
  • The current committee requested but was unable to secure a firm number representing total income generated by Adjuncts. This should be followed by the incoming committee.
  • Health Insurance policies should be clarified for eligible adjuncts.
  • The Adjunct Hub on My Portal should continues to be reviewed. Currently, it is only available to employed Adjuncts and not persons who are considering joining the school.