Adjunct Policy
Adjunct appointments play a vital role in enriching the academic environment by bringing diverse expertise, industry experience, and specialised knowledge to both our staff and students. The policy aims to further the relationship between the University and the community and to attract individuals who are committed to the University through research, public service and professional expertise who can make a valuable contribution to Dublin City University.
This policy outlines the terms and conditions applicable for the award of the Adjunct title at the University. The policy aims to ensure clarity, fairness, and consistency in the appointment, management, and support of Adjunct appointees, recognising their valuable contributions to the University's mission of teaching, research, and contribution to the DCU community.
This policy applies to external individuals only who have developed a high level of expertise in fields of particular importance to the University and who demonstrate a deep commitment to teaching, research, mentoring and active collaboration within the University.
Adjunct appointments are not employees of DCU and therefore will not be remunerated other than expenses (please see remuneration below).
The following titles may apply to Adjunct appointees commensurate with the experience and expertise of the appointee:
a) DCU Adjunct Faculty Member
The Adjunct Faculty Member title is normally reserved for those eligible to hold a post of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor or the industry equivalent.
b) DCU Adjunct Professor
The Adjunct Professor title is reserved for senior level appointees (i.e., Professor, Full Professor, or Director in industry) who would be judged to be of such standing and eligible to hold a full chair in another University or who are eminent leaders in their professional field and distinguished by high achievement in the area relevant to their future engagement with the University.
The title will be awarded for periods normally not exceeding three years. The appointment may be renewable, subject to the agreement of both parties. See related documentation below.
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Strategic Value: Adjunct appointments must be deemed to be of strategic value to the University.
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Relevant Expertise: Individuals must have academic or professional qualifications that align with the curriculum development, research, or scholarly needs of the University.
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External Affiliation: Adjunct appointees are not employees of the University. They may hold positions at other academic institutions, public bodies, or within industry.
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Contribution to Mission: The award of title is based on the individual’s potential and willingness to contribute meaningfully to the University in a sustained way e.g. through curriculum development, scholarly advice, research, innovation or engagement.
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Alignment with University Values: Appointees must demonstrate a commitment to the University’s values - open, collegial, collaborative, student-focussed, ambitious and inclusive.
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Exclusivity of Service: In certain circumstances due to the requirement to protect competitive advantage or a potential conflict of interest, the application or renewal of an adjunct appointment may include an exclusivity of service criterion i.e. the appointee cannot serve as an Adjunct in a Faculty or Research Centre of another academic institution.
- Possess a strong reputation and standing nationally or internationally and a consistent record of high achievement in academia (teaching or research), clinical practice, public service or industry.
- Ability to make a defined contribution to the School or Faculty, through guest lectures, collaborative research, or curriculum development.
- Recognition in their field of expertise, including evidence of practice-based knowledge, innovation, or thought leadership.
- Demonstrated leadership and innovation in their discipline, with evidence of influence through research, policy, practice, or public discourse.
- Capacity to enhance the University’s reputation through strategic engagement, networks, and/or external visibility.
- Willingness to provide scholarly advice, policy advice, or strategic input to senior leadership, staff, or students, as appropriate.
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Adjunct appointees will be given access to the University's information technology resources, library and sports facilities on the same basis as University staff.
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Adjunct appointees will be permitted to make appropriate use of the title on business cards, correspondence and publications.
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The appointee will be permitted to use the above privileges subject to strict adherence with University policy, procedures and code of practice.
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employees of the University and do not have employee status or any contractual entitlements.
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entitled to a dedicated office or laboratory.
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entitled to have any academic role in the governance of the University or any of its academic units.
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eligible to supervise PhD students unless in a secondary capacity and under the lead supervision of a DCU academic staff member as set down in the DCU Postgraduate Research: Academic Regulations and Guidelines.
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eligible to act as a lead PI unless in a co-PI capacity with the prior approval of the relevant Executive Dean.
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permitted to allocate any monies from research funding as this will be determined by the University.
Individuals who are awarded the Adjunct title are not entitled to remuneration or pension benefits. Travel and/or subsistence expenses related to work undertaken on behalf of the University may be reimbursed following approval by the Executive Dean.
The procedure for awarding the Adjunct Faculty Member/Professor title can be found at this link.
Details concerning the withdrawal of the Adjunct title can be found at this link.
The Head of School has a responsibility to:
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Share the Adjunct title nominee with the Executive Dean for review and submission to the President and VPP EDI.
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Ensure the Adjunct title nominee aligns with the strategic and academic needs of the Faculty.
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Uphold and promote DCU’s commitment to excellence, inclusion, and academic integrity throughout the nomination process.
The Executive Dean has a responsibility to:
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Present a suitable Adjunct title nominee to the =President and VPP EDI for review and endorsement.
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Ensure the Adjunct title nominee aligns with the strategic and academic needs of the Faculty.
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Uphold and promote DCU’s commitment to ambition, inclusion, and openness throughout the nomination process.
DCU People have a responsibility to:
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Oversee the implementation and consistent application of the Adjunct Policy across all Schools and Faculties.
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Provide clear, timely and informed guidance to all stakeholders (proposed Adjunct Faculty Member/Professor and Executive Dean) on policy interpretation, process navigation, eligibility criteria, and best practices throughout the award of title process.
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Communicate written outcome to the Adjunct Faculty Member/Professor nominee.
The Adjunct Faculty Member/Professor is expected to contribute to the University through a range of activities, including but not limited to the following:
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Act as an active academic collaborator, contributing meaningfully to academic activities such as curriculum development, scholarly advice, research collaboration, and public engagement, for a limited duration, typically on a course-by-course or semester-by-semester basis.
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Provide expert guidance, foster collaborations, and support the development of staff and students, where appropriate.
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Adhere to the University’s policies and procedures, including those related to academic integrity, ethics, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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Maintain professional conduct and represent the University positively in all activities undertaken in the Adjunct appointment.
This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies, procedures and guidelines documents:
Any queries regarding this policy or its associated procedures should be directed to your DCU People Partner.
This policy will be reviewed as and when changes are required.
| Policy Name | Adjunct Policy |  |
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| Unit Owner | DCU People | ||
| Version Reference | Original Version - 3.0 | Reviewed Version – N/a | |
| Approved by | Executive |
N/a |
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| Effective Date | 30th September 2025 | N/a | |