Letters to the Editor

Oh, Canada

To the Editor:
Good article and confirming to me just to hear how common the adjunct dilmena can be. Your article echoes everything I have experienced over the last 10 years as an adjunct at two different community colleges in Texas. Most recently, while teaching an adjunct load, I found a full-time job that required I stop teaching and work in the industry I prep students for–Multimedia. It was an opportunity I had been seeking, to make nearly 3 times as much money, steady pay and with some benefits. The job is contract work again, although leading to full-time employment. So I took the job.

The head of our department at the college was not happy, given it was in the middle of the semester. Now he refuses to be a good reference for me, and told me he could not attest to my commitment as a teacher at the college because I broke a contract and quit. And the quality of my work? That evidently doesn’t get consideration. I developed teaching web sites over the past four years, a load of course materials and handouts, regularly communicated with my students, wrote recommendations for them, even hired one of my students at one time, and attended every faculty meeting I was invited to. Not to mention the hours grading and tutoring students privately outside the classroom. My attendance was good, rarely missing a class. There was one other instance when I had to leave in mid-semester to work a full-time contract in industry. Isn’t that to be expected when you are active in your field? Yet, I can’t get a decent reference from this department head? It’s outrageous.

After serving the community college system for 10 years, as part-time, I am very disappointed. I told him his expectation of loyalty from part time employee/adjunct teacher with course-by-course contracts was unrealistic. I resent the characterization that I quit rather than I found more promising employment in the field they promote as a career option to students.

The level of respect for adjuncts is so horribly low. Even at this college, where the facilities are good for adjuncts as well as full time, they restricted the number of classes we could teach because someone sued the college over teaching a full-time load and not getting benefits. Then when that restriction was lifted, we could teach full-time as adjuncts but they offered a ridiculous package for health care insurance that no one I know could afford. There’s no promise of promotion in adjunct teaching, yet if you leave you are accused of being a quitter. It’s hopeless.

In contrast where I work now–in a team meeting we were notified of one of our team member’s resignation. She was leaving to work with another company. Everyone congratulated her and wished her the best. Now that’s professionalism.

Thank you for publishing your article on the web.
Susan Swain
Dallas, Texas

To the Editor:
I just finished reading the article “Oh, Canada” written by Sandy Farran. Very interesting, indeed! In fact, so interesting I plan to view it again and pass it on to fellow adjuncts.

For the past 14 and a half years I have taught political science at Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield, Illinois. When openings within the tenured-track occur, adjuncts are not contacted by departmental chairs or deans. Rationale: You’re doing such a fine job as an adjunct, why worry about full-time status! Response: For the very reasons Allison Dube or the other gents and ladies described in the article mentioned: Benefits, Benefits, Benefits! What’s wrong with the hierarchy? Adjuncts deserve better. In fact, we seek the same advancement privileges of the tenured faculty!

Before I continue on too much, I would appreciate further information regarding the methods used by adjuncts within Canadian borders to organize. I intend to pursue the subject prior to my retirement with the idea of helping future adjuncts pursuing full-time teaching status.

G. Willim
Ontario, Canada

Thanks

To the Editor:
Thanks very much for Adjunct Advocate. A fellow adjunct left a copy in the Adjunct Office, and I picked it up and read it. I had no idea you existed, but thank God you do. I don’t have the money to subscribe this semester, but I will be a regular visitor to your web site.

Sally C. Whiting
Boulder, CO