What status are adjunct instructors not eligible for upon employment?

Adjunct instructors typically are not eligible for continuing service status upon employment because this status is usually reserved for full-time faculty members who have completed a probationary period and demonstrated satisfactory performance. Continuing service status provides job security and certain benefits typically associated with tenure, including protection from dismissal without cause.

In contrast, adjunct instructors are often hired on a part-time basis, which generally does not allow for the same level of job security and benefits as full-time positions. They are usually contracted for specific terms and may not have the same responsibilities or commitments as full-time staff, which precludes them from qualifying for continuing service status. This reflects the nature of adjunct employment, where positions are often more flexible and subject to renewal based on institutional needs and budgetary considerations.

Other options like full-time employment, pension benefits, and job security may vary and could be potentially accessible under certain conditions, but continuing service status is uniquely tied to full-time faculty roles and their tenure-track processes.