One of the main problems with our current academic staffing structure is the lack of job security and stability for faculty members serving in contingent positions.  Consequently, it is great to see AAUP's excellent new position paper on conversion of contingent faculty appointments to tenure-track appointments. It's a well stated, well thought-out analysis of the importance of providing employment security and academic freedom to faculty members laboring today without either employment security or academic freedom--and for so many contingent instructors, without equitable  salaries, benefits or professional supports.  The report also gets it just right in arguing that all appointments should incorporate the full range of faculty responsibilities.

The AAUP lays out a variety of options for stable faculty appointments that are being implemented to a greater or lesser extent at a number of institutions around the country. The statement is right to emphasize the importance of academic freedom and individual due process protections of the tenure system.

These principles mirror AFT policy on contingent appointments set out both in the FACE goals and in our Standards of Good Practice series for part-time/adjunct, full-time non-tenure track and graduate employee positions. These standards are reflected in the work of AFT affiliates around the country.  Improving employment conditions for contingent faculty has been the overriding mission of AFT Higher Education as has working to create more full-time tenure-track positions. Both should be-and often are-approached simultaneously.

The latest AAUP statement, then, is a welcome contribution to the cause shared by the two organizations. The important thing now is for every one with a stake in the future of American higher education to work together to reverse the damaging condition of academic staffing that has developed over the years. Above all, we must focus public attention on the importance of a strong, well-compensated body of faculty, with job security and academic freedom, to the nation's current and future college students.