Short-term appointments in the academic workforce account for roughly two thirds of all faculty positions. Yet little is known about this segment’s financial needs, experiences and professional stability.
Higher Education Workforce Trends
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Evolving Faculty Patterns
Today about 70% of faculty at U.S. institutions hold full- or part-time nontenure-track positions. The TIAA Institute focuses on such issues as the quality of student learning, making the most of the growing contingent faculty and reluctant retirees.
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TIAA Institute Reports
Original research produced by the TIAA Institute—both independently and in collaboration with noted scholars—examines topics of interest to the academic, nonprofit and public sectors. The reports combine statistical findings with thoughtful, data-driven observations and conclusions to provide in-depth analyses that are informative and appropriate for both technical and general audiences.
March 2021
As colleges and universities search for viable paths to continue operating in the face of COVID-19, higher education employees have been affected in many ways, including financial.
March 2021
Since the onset of COVID-19, 22% of the full-time higher education workforce have become less confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. At the same time, 9% have become more confident.
January 2021
How will COVID-19 affect retirement patterns among senior faculty and how can institutions respond?
March 2019
The ranks of adjunct faculty have increased rapidly in recent decades. How are these individuals faring financially?
November 2018
Adjuncts are commonly perceived as recent Ph.D. graduates teaching multiple classes while pursuing a tenure-track position. This is hardly the norm.
May 2018
Has increased use of contingent faculty led to real improvements in institutional performance? This report explores the strategic payoffs of a well-documented trend in academia.
March 2018
Changes to faculty status may discourage new doctoral recipients from pursuing academic careers.
December 2017
Has increased use of contingent faculty led to real improvements in institutional performance? This report explores the strategic payoffs of a well-documented trend in academia.