Adjunct Appointment Procedures

Printable PDF Version

1. Prepare and submit an Adjunct application packet to CALS Human Resources (CALS HR), 240 Agricultural Hall. Packet should include:


1. Signed cover letter from Chair/Director. Cover letter must include:


• Detailed explanation of the request
• Duties to be performed, clearly indicating the goal of the relationship, and outlining the instructional or related pertinent responsibilities
• Proposed title prefix
• Duration of proposed appointment (not to exceed three years)
• Proposed appointee’s special qualifications
• Clearly indicate why an Adjunct versus a Lecturer appointment is appropriate
• Approval of the department executive committee (or equivalent in non-academic units)
• In cases of paid appointments, rate of pay and percent time; if the appointment will be at 50% or more, approval of a request for waiver of open recruitment is required.


2. Current CV for individual


3. Draft letter of appointment on department letterhead (followed by an electronic copy to hr@cals.wisc.edu)


2. CALS HR will review. If approved at the division level, a memo from CALS HR requesting approval by the Academic Personnel Office (APO) will be added to the application packet. If approval cannot be granted, communications will occur between CALS HR and department/center.


3. CALS HR will submit original application packet to the APO, 174 Bascom Hall, for campus review (CALS will retain an electronic copy of the application packet).


4. APO will review. If approved, APO will provide written notification to CALS HR. If approval cannot be granted, communications will occur between APO and CALS HR, and in turn, between CALS HR and department/center.


5. APO will return approval to CALS HR. CALS HR will make an electronic copy of the approved letter to be added to CALS HR’s electronic copy of the application packet. The original letters with all approvals will be returned to the department/center. Appointment letter will be finalized, signed by CALS HR, and returned to the department/center.


6. Department/center will forward appointment letter to the appointee and provide copy of letter directly to CALS HR.


7. Department/center will forward an electronic copy of the appointment letter with individual’s acceptance signature to CALS HR at hr@cals.wisc.edu. The electronic copy will be added to CALS HR’s electronic copy of the application packet.

Reappointment Procedure

A request for an Adjunct reappointment cannot include a lapse between appointments. The reappointment request must be for a consecutive period beginning immediately following the end of the individual’s previous Adjunct appointment.

Follow appointment procedures detailed above, referencing the request as a Adjunct reappointment . Use the draft reappointment letter. An Adjunct reappointment requires chair/director, department executive committee, and CALS HR approval; APO approval will not be required unless the reappointment incorporates a title change. A renewal letter to appointee is required, with a copy submitted to APO.

Appointment Templates

1. Adjunct appointment - paid
2. Adjunct appointment - unpaid
3. Adjunct reappointment - paid
4. Adjunct reappointment - unpaid

Assistance Needed

Questions regarding this process, or requests for preliminary guidance or review, should be directed to your CALS HR departmental contact (see CALS directory information) or to hr@cals.wisc.edu.

Adjunct Appointment Guidelines