Adjunct professor意思

"Adjunct professor" is a term used in academia to describe a type of faculty appointment. An adjunct professor is someone who teaches at a college or university, but on a part-time basis and often without the benefits and job security of a full-time, tenure-track position. Adjuncts may teach a single course or a few courses per semester or quarter, and they may have other professional responsibilities or careers in addition to their teaching duties.

Adjunct professors are common at many institutions, particularly in the United States, where they often make up a significant portion of the teaching faculty. They may be hired to teach courses in their area of expertise, to cover gaps in the curriculum, or to provide additional instruction in areas of high demand. Adjuncts may also be involved in student advising, committee work, and other academic activities, but their primary role is usually focused on teaching.

The term "adjunct" comes from the Latin word for "added to" or "attached," which reflects the part-time and supplemental nature of these positions. Adjunct professors may be former full-time faculty members, retired professionals, industry experts, or scholars who are not on the tenure track. They may be paid per course, and their employment can be semester-to-semester or year-to-year, depending on the needs of the institution and the availability of funding.