ABSTRACT
This chapter takes a look at the three major challenges of material equity for non-tenure-track faculty: pay parity, job security, and benefits. Greater pay equity for contingent faculty would also require on going efforts because the cost of living and inflation often mount faster than pay increases. Tenure has long been held as the ideal compensation plan in academia; however, it is not the only method of protecting academic freedom or providing sufficient financial security to attract talent. In terms of job security, some higher education administrators have been reluctant to seek middle-path options. Most workers, especially contingent workers with multiple part-time jobs, may have competing priorities or life challenges. Perhaps it is the birth of a child, a severe illness, a schedule change at another institution, or any number of other personal or professional reasons that leads to the break.
