Academic integrity at risk with dubious honorary doctorates and adjunct hires
The awarding of honorary doctorate degrees and appointments as adjunct professors by certain Malaysian colleges and universities has sparked significant debate in recent years, particularly regarding the qualifications of some recipients.
The recipients of honorary doctorate degrees and appointments of adjunct professors are typically intended to recognise individuals for their exceptional contributions to society, culture, or their respective fields.
However, the increasing number of questionable recipients of doctorate degrees and appointments of adjunct professors raises several pertinent concerns.
The legitimacy of honorary doctorate degrees can be undermined when recipients lack substantial achievements or contributions to their field of knowledge. This diminishes the value of the award and can damage the reputation of the awarding institutions.
Some recipients may be individuals with political connections or wealth, raising concerns about favouritism, cronyism, and the potential for corruption. This could lead to a perception that honorary doctorate degrees are being used as tools for building relationships or gaining influence rather than honouring genuine merit.
The trend of awarding degrees to unqualified individuals could set a precedent that impacts the academic standards of institutions. It may lead to a broader devaluation of higher education qualifications and diminish the rigour associated with earning a legitimate degree.
When the public perceives that honorary doctorate degrees are awarded based on criteria other than merit, it can erode trust in educational institutions. This can discourage prospective students from valuing or pursuing degrees from these institutions.
There have been increasing calls for stricter guidelines and transparency in the process of awarding honorary doctorates. Institutions may need to establish clear criteria and an evaluation process that ensures recipients have made significant contributions to society or their field.
While honorary doctorates can be a valuable recognition, the recent trend of awarding them to questionable individuals raises important ethical and institutional concerns. It is crucial for universities and colleges in Malaysia to maintain high standards in their awarding processes to uphold the integrity of their degrees.
The trend of appointing adjunct professors in Malaysia’s higher education institutions has also raised concerns regarding the qualifications and expertise of these individuals. While having the necessary academic credentials is essential, it is equally crucial that adjunct professors possess practical experience and pedagogical skills to effectively contribute to the learning environment.
Many adjuncts may hold advanced degrees but lack relevant industry and research experience. This gap can hinder their ability to relate theoretical concepts to real-world applications, which is vital for student understanding and engagement.
Teaching requires more than just knowledge of the subject matter. Effective teaching involves understanding student needs, classroom management, and instructional strategies. Individuals without formal teaching experience may struggle in these areas, impacting student learning outcomes.
The appointment of inadequately qualified adjuncts can compromise the institution’s academic standards. Students may question the value of their education if they perceive that faculty are not adequately prepared to teach.
Students benefit from professors who can provide mentorship, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect course material to their future careers. Instructors lacking the necessary experience may not provide this level of engagement.
The credibility of educational institutions relies heavily on the quality of their faculty. Employing adjuncts who do not meet professional standards can damage an institution’s reputation, potentially affecting enrolment and funding.
Students who are taught by less qualified instructors may graduate with gaps in knowledge and skills, impacting their employability and success in their careers.
Institutions should establish stricter criteria for hiring adjunct professors, emphasising not just academic qualifications but also relevant experience, research, and teaching ability.
While adjunct professor positions can enhance academic programmes by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise, it is essential that institutions prioritise quality over quantity. Ensuring that adjunct professors possess both the right qualifications and practical experience is crucial for maintaining educational standards and fostering an enriching learning environment for students.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.