Version June 9, 2025

The following policy establishes guidelines for the recruitment, appointment, responsibilities, evaluation, and compensation of Adjunct Faculty at Washington University School of Public Health.

Adjunct Faculty members are part-time instructors who are appointed to teach one or more courses on a temporary or per-term basis and are not on the tenure track. They also may contribute to the academic mission of the university in various capacities, including advising and mentoring students. Adjunct Faculty are hired on a contractual basis to fill specific curricular and classroom needs in a given semester or academic year. These faculty are critical in filling practice and content expertise gaps among the full-time faculty and in supporting full-time faculty as co-instructors.

Recruitment and requirements

The School of Public Health will conduct searches for Adjunct Faculty as needed. Applications will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Education in consultation with the Education Committee. Applicants are considered based on qualifications, experience, and fit with the teaching needs of the school. Adjunct Faculty members are hired by the Associate Dean of Education and will receive a formal offer letter outlining the terms of their appointment, including the courses they will teach, compensation, and duration of the appointment.

Applicants for Adjunct Faculty positions must possess appropriate academic qualifications pertinent to the subjects they will teach. The requirements to serve as an Adjunct Faculty member at the School of Public Health include:

  • Minimum of a master’s degree in their area of specialty.
  • Minimum of two years post-graduate level practice in their area of specialty.
  • MPH preferred for Public Health courses.

The preferred skills and experience include:

  • Five or more years of post-graduate level practice in their area of specialty.
  • Two or more years of experience in teaching at the university level or equivalent professional training experience, and/or previous two years of experience as a graduate-level teaching assistant.

Teaching assignments

Teaching assignments are made by the Associate Dean for Education in consultation with members of the Education Committee, including the directors of doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate programs. All assigned teaching responsibilities are based on school and programmatic needs and faculty expertise, experience, and availability. Every effort is made to ensure that full-time faculty members teach the vast majority of public health courses and that each faculty member teaches courses that fit within their expertise.

Adjunct Faculty are limited in the number of classes they can teach during an academic year. The maximum an Adjunct Faculty member can teach during an academic year is the equivalent of 4 three-credit courses. This can occur over fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Responsibilities

Adjunct Faculty are responsible for preparing and delivering excellent instruction, meeting all scheduled classes, maintaining office hours for student consultations, and providing timely feedback and grades. Adjunct Faculty must adhere to university policies, including those about academic integrity, grading, and classroom management. While not required, Adjunct Faculty are encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities provided by the university.

Compensation and benefits

Adjunct Faculty are compensated on a per-course basis at a rate of $10,000 per three-credit, solo-taught course.

As part-time employees, Adjunct Faculty are not eligible for university benefits such as health insurance, retirement programs, or paid leave, although they may access campus resources such as the library and faculty development programs.

Evaluation

Adjunct Faculty will be evaluated regularly based on student feedback and the fulfillment of assigned responsibilities. Evaluations will be conducted at the end of each term and academic year.

Professional conduct

Adjunct Faculty are expected to maintain professional behavior, respect the diverse community of the university, and foster a positive learning environment. Any issues of misconduct will be addressed according to university policies.

Termination

Adjunct Faculty appointments are temporary and may be terminated at the end of the appointment period or earlier if warranted by performance issues or violation of university policies.

Renewal

Reappointment of Adjunct Faculty is not automatic and will depend on teaching performance, departmental needs, and budget availability.