What Does Faculty Mean in College?
In most US colleges, "faculty" means the people who teach and do research: professors, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers, instructors and adjuncts. In the UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries, the word has a second meaning, referring to a major division of a university, such as the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Medicine. In the US, such a division is usually called a school or college.
Ranks and types
- Professor: the senior rank. Full professors usually hold tenure and are leaders in their field.
- Associate professor: a mid-career rank, often tenured.
- Assistant professor: an early-career rank, often on the tenure track.
- Lecturer or instructor: mainly teaching roles, which may be full-time or part-time.
- Adjunct: part-time, hired by the course.
- Visiting faculty: temporary appointments from other institutions.
- Clinical or teaching professor: non-tenure track roles emphasizing practice or teaching.
Faculty may also serve on committees, advise students, supervise research and lead departments.
What faculty do
Teaching and research are the core duties, along with service to the department, university and profession. Research faculty produce scholarship, secure grants and supervise graduate students. Teaching-focused faculty devote more time to instruction and student support.
Working with faculty
- Use office hours to ask questions, discuss ideas and get feedback.
- Be professional in emails, with a clear subject, a greeting and your course details.
- Read the syllabus before asking questions it answers.
- Build relationships, since faculty can write recommendations and offer research opportunities.
- Ask early if you need extensions or support.
Faculty and staff
At a university, staff members provide administrative, technical and support services, such as advising, the library, IT and student affairs. Faculty and staff are different groups, though both help students.
Related terms
See adjunct professor, tenure, dean, teaching assistant and office hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is faculty the same as professor?
Professors are one rank within faculty. Faculty includes everyone with a teaching and research appointment, such as lecturers, instructors and adjuncts.
What does faculty mean in the UK or Canada?
It can also mean a major division of a university, such as the Faculty of Law. In the US, the equivalent is a school or college.
How do I address a faculty member?
Use the title they prefer, usually Professor or Dr. followed by the last name, unless they invite you to use their first name.