The Precarious Role of Adjunct Faculty in Online Higher Education

Michael C. McGuire, DBA, American InterContinental University

The rapid growth of online education has significantly altered the landscape of higher education, leading to an increased reliance on adjunct faculty. This article examines the complex role of adjunct online instructors, exploring their contributions, the challenges they face, and the systemic factors that shape their experiences. It analyzes the evolution of online education, the rise in the number of adjunct faculty, and the shift from traditional to online instruction. The article further discusses online teaching
methodologies, student engagement strategies, professional development programs, and the impact of adjunct support on student outcomes. It identifies gaps in current research and offers recommendations for future studies to better understand and support adjunct faculty in online learning environments.

Keywords: adjunct, instructor, professor, part-time