Not Me, Not Here: Adjunct Faculty Perceptions of Grade Inflation at U.S. Colleges and Universities

Abstract

This study examines adjunct faculty perceptions of grade inflation. The research used a qualitative phenomenological study methodology. Twenty-three respondents participated in the research after being recruited using Facebook groups and were interviewed by phone in semi-structured interviews. The data gathered indicated variation regarding awareness and perception of grade inflation in their classes and at their institution. Also, participants did not believe they were participants in grade inflation or that their institutions were contributors to the problem, even though none of them had received training specifically geared to preventing grade inflation. Findings suggest institutions should look for ways to support adjunct faculty given they are the new majority in regards to instructors in higher education.