The American Historical Association formed a committee in the spring of 2014 with the charge of analyzing how working conditions for contingent history faculty affect educational quality in the classroom as well as quality of life; and to respond to these findings with specific and cost-conscious recommendations addressing working conditions, institutional culture, and student learning. More specifically, the following five tasks were given:
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Examine existing data about contingent and adjunct faculty
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Survey how working conditions for contingent faculty affect educational quality and quality of life
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Offer specific and cost-conscious recommendations to address working conditions, institutional culture and student learning
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Consider how the AHA might work with other scholarly societies to develop national strategies for these issues
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Propose a research agenda for the future