Adjunct Appointments

Page Updated: 9th April 2025

An Adjunct appointee title is recognised as an honour bestowed upon an individual by the University. Adjunct appointees are individuals whose appointment to the University will enhance the teaching or research profile of a School, Research Institute or College and contribute to the intellectual life of the University, benefiting both the appointee and the University. In this section you can learn more about the levels at which appointments are made and the process for securing approval.

Policy Summary

Adjunct appointees include:

• Individuals distinguished by high achievement in the world of industry, business, science, the professions, the arts or public service who have been recognised by peers as outstanding in their field
• Staff of the University (excluding Faculty)
• Retired UCD Faculty

Adjunct appointees will be given titles that are most appropriate in terms of academic rank, recognising that academic experience may differ relative to Faculty who are employed at the University. They will possess professional and/or academic qualifications and expertise comparable with those expected of faculty at a similar grade within the University.

There are four levels of appointment:

1. Adjunct Full Professor
2. Adjunct Professor
3. Adjunct Associate Professor or Adjunct Senior Research Fellow
4. Adjunct Lecturer/Assistant Professor or Adjunct Research Fellow

Appointees will be appointed for a maximum of five years. Normally there will be no remuneration attached to the appointment. Exceptions will require the approval of the UMT.

This section contains a summary of a UCD policy, however, in all cases the Policy remains the definitive source of information on the topic.

You can read more about adjunct appointees in (opens in a new window)the Visiting Academic and Adjunct Staff Policy.

Process for appointing Adjunct Appointees

Step 1: The Head of School/Director of Institute proposes nomination to the College Principal.  The following documents should be made available to the College Principal: 

• Appointment of Visiting Academic and Adjunct Staff Nomination/Renewal Form
• A copy of the nominee’s CV

Step 2: Nominations approved by the College Principal to be brought to College Executive for approval.

Step 3: Following approval from the College Principal & College Executive meeting, the College Office should email the following documentation to UCD HR, Promotions & Grading ((opens in a new window)Promotions@ucd.ie):

• The completed Visiting Academic/Adjunct Staff Nomination/Renewal Form
• A copy of the nominee's C.V.

Please note: Completed applications must be submitted prior to the first of the month in order to be scheduled for processing for that month. This is in line with Payroll deadlines. 

Step 4: Promotions & Grading set up appointments on the system. This is usually issued by the end of the processing month. 

Step 5: Promotions & Grading issue letter of appointment

Step 6: List sent to Academic Council for noting (Spring - annually) by Promotions & Grading. 

Forms

•  Visiting Academic and Adjunct Staff Set-up Form

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to Adjunct and other Non-Contractual Appointments, please see our Non-Contractual webpage.