Scope

At IU Indianapolis, IU Columbus, and IU Fort Wayne:

Adjunct Faculty

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Policy Statement

Adjunct academic appointees are hired by schools on a temporary basis for per-term appointments based on changing needs. Subject to review by the executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, each school is responsible for appointing, evaluating, and reappointing adjunct academic staff in accord with the policies found in the University Policies. Consistent with University Policy BOT-06 (formerly ACA-14: “Classification of Academic Appointments”and the following general policies, each school should develop its own policies and procedures statement for adjunct academic staff. In the absence of school statements, the following general policies will apply to adjunct academic appointees.

Although most adjunct appointments are made at the rank of lecturer, appointment at other ranks may be approved when credentials and circumstances warrant. Adjunct appointments are for teaching only. Appointments for service or research may not be made through the adjunct category.

IU Indianapolis Policies in regards to oversight of adjunct faculty are written in accordance to University Policy BOT-21 (formerly ACA-26): “Support of Associate Instructors and Adjunct Faculty.”

Exceptions

These policies do not apply to persons appointed to AC1 line-numbered positions on a continuing basis even when their appointments are less than 100%. Similarly, student academic appointees (i.e., associate instructors, graduate assistants, faculty assistants, and research assistants; AC3s) are a distinct group and are covered by separate IU Indianapolis policies; however, policies for student academic employees should reflect the same concerns addressed below and should be stated in writing.

In brief, each academic appointee, whether full- or part-time, should have the benefit of and be advised of policies that govern her or his conditions of employment. The policies are not the same for full-time and part-time academic appointees.

Appointments and Reappointments for Adjunct Faculty

All appointments for adjunct faculty are for a specific academic term to meet school teaching needs. There are no indefinite term appointments for adjunct faculty. Further, no appointment for adjunct faculty may be for more than 69% FTE (for adjuncts in 10-month positions) or 47% FTE (for adjuncts in 12-month positions). Standard hour limits are based on a relationship of 1 credit hour equaling to 3 standard hours per week (4 for a summer course). Thus, for example, 9 credit hours equals 27 standard hours per week; 30 standard hours equals 75% FTE. For summer session adjunct appointments, a credit hour will be counted as 4 standard hours. Adjunct faculty may teach a maximum of 6 credit hours in the summer.

There are no exceptions allowed for higher FTEs during any part of the year.

Reappointment is based on unit need and documented performance. When dismissal is based on performance, the adjunct academic appointee may seek a review of the decision within the unit of appointment according to applicable review procedures of that unit. There is no review process for non-reappointment. In all cases, the review of the dean of the school will be final; there is no appeal process for dismissal or other grievances beyond the dean of the appointing school.

Evaluation

The performance of each adjunct appointee should be reviewed according to a systematic plan. A written statement summarizing the substance of each evaluation should be maintained in department or school files and a copy given to the adjunct faculty member. The Office of Academic Affairs should receive a copy of the evaluation protocol for the unit and written notification that reviews have been completed (and filed) according to the protocol; copies of individual evaluations should not be forwarded unless requested.

Each unit should design its evaluation protocol to meet the needs of the unit and the adjunct appointee for the purposes of professional development and personnel decision. A common component of the evaluation system should be that all courses taught by adjunct persons are evaluated regularly using assessment materials and processes as prescribed by the unit; student evaluations and full-time faculty peer evaluations should ordinarily be components. The adjunct appointee should have the opportunity to attach comments to the evaluation data which become a part of their file. Adjunct academic staff should have the option to submit sample materials to demonstrate teaching performance and the obligation to submit specific materials based on the school or department evaluation protocols. Class visitation is strongly encouraged as a part of the evaluation of adjunct lecturers new to the unit or those seeking or needing developmental guidance.

Based on evaluation materials, the responsible unit administrator should provide an evaluation summary and a recommendation regarding future appointment. This summary should be shared with the adjunct appointee and a copy should be filed in the Office of the Dean. Reappointment should not occur in the absence of evaluation data and a positive reappointment recommendation.

Adjunct appointees must recognize that class visitation by the department chair or designee is expected. Adjunct appointees are required to cooperate in evaluation of teaching, including class visitation.

Course Conduct and Academic Freedom

Adjunct academic appointees must observe University Policy BOT-15 (formerly ACA-33): “Academic Appointee Responsibilities and Conduct.” Complaints by students involving adjunct academic appointees will be resolved in the same manner and with the same assurance of due process as is followed for full-time faculty and as specified in the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Ethics (or approved school alternative).

Salary

Each school will establish salary schedules for adjunct academic appointees annually. The salary schedule must be made available in writing upon request. Salary complaints must be addressed within the school in accord with established procedures.

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History

Office of Academic Affairs, 6/29/15

Edited by the Faculty Guide Committee to add reference to ACA-26 and revise pronouns (he/she) for inclusivity (they/them), 7/1/20

IUPUI was changed to IU Indianapolis to reflect the campus's name change.

The title of Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculties or Chief Academic Officer was changed to reflect the new title of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor: 3/2026

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