Understanding the Faculty Hierarchy

This article describes the different positions of the faculty hierarchy, which credentials come with which titles and what differences may exist in how students interact with each type of faculty member.

By Xavier Royer — September 6, 2022

Tags: administration, college, college experience, faculty, general info

Not all teaching staff (which this article will refer to simply as "faculty," though note that faculty does include some administrative positions) at universities are created equally. Over time, a somewhat complex hierarchy has developed, and it is helpful for students to understand the different types of faculty with whom they will interact. This article describes the different positions of the faculty hierarchy, which credentials come with which titles and what differences may exist in how students interact with each type of faculty member.

Tenure Track Professors

The most common type of faculty that students will learn from are tenure-track professors. "Tenure" is a status given to faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and research. Professors who achieve tenure are considered the core of the department's teaching faculty and cannot be terminated, barring a serious violation. An assistant professor is following what's called a tenure-line and still working towards tenure.

Upon receiving tenure, they will become an associate or "full" professor. Knowing the difference can help give students an impression of how integrated into the university their professor is. That said, students should feel comfortable approaching both tenure-track faculty types for assistance as needed. Despite having less experience on campus, assistant professors may be more eager to work with students to develop their reputation as instructors and advisors as they work toward promotion.

Most universities only offer tenure-track positions to those with a Ph.D. and likely additional teaching and/or research experience. A professor emeritus is a title students may come across. This status is given to retired faculty to celebrate many years of service to the university. This honorarium also allows these professors to continue publishing work under the university's name. Students should not approach these individuals unless specifically advised to under special circumstances. Remember, tenure-track professors (and anyone else with a Ph.D., such as a Dean) should be addressed with the "doctor" honorific—unless they explicitly state otherwise.

Adjunct Faculty

The second major type of faculty students will learn from are adjunct faculty. These faculty members are not tenure track and work with the university on a contract-by-contract basis. Often, adjunct faculty do not have P.hD.s but Master's degrees (or an equivalent in their field) or a significant amount of relevant work experience. Adjunct faculty are difficult to put into a box, and their qualifications and experience may vary widely.

Adjunct faculty integrate into the university to varying degrees as well. Some may be full-time adjuncts, meaning their primary job is teaching, and they likely have an office somewhere on campus. Unlike tenure-track professors, adjunct faculty are usually not expected to do research or advise students officially. Instead, their role is to focus on instruction. Part-time adjuncts typically teach fewer classes than full-timers, 1-3 instead of 3-4. Individuals trying to build their teaching experience, looking to extend their industry knowledge, or seeking a more fulfilling part-time job may choose to become an adjunct faculty member.

While adjunct faculty do not have the resources or reputation of tenure-track professors, they often have valuable perspectives that differ from their counterparts who come from experiences outside academia. While it is important to remember that most adjuncts have smaller contractual obligations to students, their potential to be a valuable resource to students remains high.

Teaching Assistants

Ultimately, do what makes you feel the most comfortable with your learning. It can be a combination of these tips and tricks, or you may even find other tips to help you. Finding ways to study efficiently can be the key to getting through those hard, information-packed classes and passing your exams!

Wrapping It Up

The terms and titles associated with the different teaching faculty classifications get thrown around frequently, and not knowing what they mean can lead to some awkward moments in conversation. While different faculty should be interpreted to have varying levels of experience and interaction within the university, it is important not to overly generalize. The quality of instruction will always depend on the individual instructor, regardless of title. Teaching is hard, and faculty should all receive respect and room to teach in a way that suits them. This article gives students a better idea of what to expect on that first day of class with a new instructor.

Xavier Royer

I am currently a full time instructor at a William Penn University, a small private university in Iowa. I am the lone political science faculty member there. In my time teaching, I have already connected with an incredible cohort of students in ways I could never have expected. Partnering with SAGE will allow me the opportunity to help even more students across the globe navigate those tricky questions.

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