Colleges and universities are hiring more non-tenure track faculty than ever, changing the composition of university departments that have traditionally been filled with more tenured or tenure-seeking instructors.
Non-tenure track faculty work for a set number of years, while tenure-track faculty have a position without term, said Elizabeth Fortune, Architecture School associate dean of finance and administration.
"Non-tenure track faculty serve on a contract basis-one, two or three years renewable," Fortune said.
In 1997, 67 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty were hired by the University, while 64 full-time non-tenure track faculty were hired. In 1998, 54 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty were hired compared to 76 full-time non-track faculty, Director of Institutional Studies George Stovall said.
Fortune said the concept of general faculty, or non-tenure track faculty members, came into being because previously there was no such distinction between them and classified staff - who include secretaries and other office personnel.
Assoc. Provost for Management Kathrine M. Reed said the difference between tenure track and non-tenure track positions is in what a person wants from his or her faculty position.
"It's not a judgement of which one is better - it's a personal choice," she said. "It depends on what you're better at."
Fortune said non-tenure track faculty are regarded equitably when it comes time for benefits such as raises.
"All faculty are treated the same way, with the same benefits, whether tenure eligible or not," Fortune said.
Reed described the criteria for a non-tenure track faculty member to remain employed.
"You serve with the expectation of continuation. As long as your performance stays at a highly satisfactory level, there is still a need for your services, and there is [salary] money there," she said.
Reed added that whether a tenure track or non-tenure track faculty member is hired depends on the positions the University needs.
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