Adjunct definitely means something different at MIT. For instance, departments are only allowed to hire adjuncts up to 5% of the total normal faculty members of

Adjunct definitely means something different at MIT. For instance, departments are only allowed to hire adjuncts up to 5% of the total normal faculty members of their department[1]. MIT EECS only has six [2]. In effect, this means that adjunct positions are only for really, really qualified people -- they're not there to fill out the teaching staff but to augment the experience of the rest of the faculty. Adjunct professors can also supervise research, which I believe is uncommon at other institutions. [1] http://web.mit.edu/policies/2/2.3.html#sub2 http://web.mit.edu/policies/2/2.3.html#sub2 [2] Four listed as "adjuncts" and four "professors of the practice", which are equivalent per [1]: https://www.eecs.mit.edu/people/faculty-advisors https://www.eecs.mit.edu/people/faculty-advisors