I have written books and articles, conducted numerous seminars, and participated in other professional activities intended to advance my discipline. Faculty also actively participate in professional associations whose purpose is to advance their discipline. But such service by full-time faculty does not have to be limited to professional and disciplinary studies. The access that faculty have to resources for research and study also affords unique opportunities to promote progress in civic and social arenas. Unlike most adjuncts or instructors, full-time faculty typically have strong professional and sometimes even emotional ties to their work and to their institutions.
Most professors are quick to confirm that they aren t in higher education for the money.
They typically feel compelled to offer service to society and its sustaining institutions. This dedication manifests itself in the university environment by shared governance service on boards and committees, and other elected or appointed positions. Such service helps the university administration to effectively and efficiently govern the institution. For example, President Guerrero is contemplating appointing a full-time faculty member to head the Department of Sponsored Programs. The university will realize economic value by avoiding the cost of filling a full-time position and a program that is highly valued by faculty will continue to prosper.