| Misconception | Reality | | :--- | :--- | | "Faculty work only 9 months a year." | Research, grant writing, and committee work fill summers for many. | | "All faculty are rich." | Adjuncts often earn $3,000–$5,000 per course with no benefits. | | "If a professor doesn't answer quickly, they're ignoring me." | They may be traveling for research, in back-to-back meetings, or grading 150 papers. | | "You can't challenge a professor respectfully." | You can, if you use evidence and frame it as inquiry: "I understood the text differently on page 47. Could we discuss?" |
While it wasn't a massive blockbuster, The Faculty remains a fan favorite for a few reasons:
!In the finale, it is revealed that Marybeth, the new girl, is actually the Alien Queen. She wasn't infected; she was the hive mind behind the infection the entire time, attempting to take over the school to survive her dying planet. The students must use Zeke's homemade drugs to defeat her in the pool.!
Introduction
As a faculty member, you play a vital role in shaping the academic and professional experiences of our students. This guide is designed to provide you with an overview of your responsibilities, resources, and support systems to help you succeed in your role.
I. Teaching and Instruction
II. Advising and Mentoring
III. Research and Scholarship
IV. Service and Community Engagement
V. Professional Development
VI. Resources and Support
VII. Policies and Procedures
VIII. Evaluation and Assessment
By following this guide, faculty members can ensure they are meeting their responsibilities, utilizing available resources and support systems, and contributing to the academic and professional success of our students.
The 1990s were a golden era for teen horror, but while Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer focused on masked slashers, Robert Rodriguez’s 1998 film The Faculty took a different, more extraterrestrial approach. Blending the DNA of The Breakfast Club with the paranoia of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, it has evolved from a modest box-office success into a certified cult classic. A Script Born of Horror Royalty
The strength of The Faculty begins with its screenplay, written by Kevin Williamson. At the time, Williamson was the hottest writer in Hollywood, having penned the scripts for Scream and Dawson’s Creek. He understood the teenage voice—its cynicism, its yearning, and its inherent feeling of being an outsider.
By setting the story in the fictional Herrington High in Ohio, Williamson tapped into a universal anxiety: the feeling that your teachers are literally from another planet. When a parasitic alien species begins infecting the staff and student body, a disparate group of social outcasts must band together to save the world. The Ultimate 90s Time Capsule Cast the faculty
One of the primary reasons the film remains so watchable today is its incredible ensemble cast. It serves as a "who's who" of both established icons and rising stars of the era:
Josh Hartnett (Zeke): The rebellious genius selling bootleg diuretics.
Elijah Wood (Casey): The bullied school photographer who first notices the threat.
Clea DuVall (Stokely): The goth outsider who provides the sci-fi lore.
Jordana Brewster (Delilah): The popular cheerleader and head of the school paper.
Salma Hayek & Famke Janssen: Bringing star power to the faculty lounge.
Robert Patrick: Playing the terrifying, possessed Coach Willis.
Jon Stewart: A rare dramatic (and bloody) turn for the future Daily Show host. Genre-Bending Style | Misconception | Reality | | :--- |
Director Robert Rodriguez brought his signature "marianist" filmmaking style to the project. Known for high energy and creative practical effects, Rodriguez made the film feel grittier and more kinetic than the average teen flick. The creature designs—ranging from small, cephalopod-like parasites to the massive, towering "Queen"—utilized a mix of early CGI and impressive puppetry that largely holds up today.
The film also leaned heavily into its influences. It wasn't just a monster movie; it was a self-aware commentary on the genre. Characters openly discuss The Puppet Masters and The Thing, using their knowledge of movies to survive the real-life invasion. Why It Endures: The "Outsider" Theme
Beyond the jump scares and the iconic soundtrack (featuring the memorable cover of "Another Brick in the Wall"), The Faculty resonates because of its core theme: the struggle to maintain individuality.
High school is often depicted as a place where students are forced to conform to social hierarchies and administrative rules. In the film, the alien parasite represents the ultimate form of conformity. Becoming "infected" means losing your problems, your pain, and your identity to become part of the collective. For the protagonists, being a "loser" or an "outcast" becomes their greatest strength, as it is their unique perspectives that allow them to spot the invasion first. Legacy and Re-evaluation
While critics in 1998 were somewhat divided, contemporary audiences have embraced the film’s campy energy and sharp writing. It remains a staple of Halloween watchlists and a masterclass in how to execute a high-concept genre mashup.
The Faculty captures a specific moment in time—the fashion, the music, and the pre-digital era of high school—while telling a timeless story about the fear of authority and the power of finding your "tribe."
I believe you're asking for a full article or detailed overview regarding "The Faculty" — the 1998 sci-fi/horror film directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson.
Below is a comprehensive, article-style breakdown of the film, covering its plot, cast, themes, production, reception, and legacy. Introduction As a faculty member, you play a
| Type | Typical Focus | Job Security | Common Titles | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Tenure-Track | Research + Teaching + Service | High (after tenure, ~6+ years) | Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor | | Tenured | Research, leadership, mentoring | Very high (dismissal only for cause) | Associate Professor, Professor, Endowed Chair | | Contract/Clinical | Teaching or clinical practice | Low to medium (renewed 1-3 years) | Lecturer, Instructor, Clinical Professor | | Adjunct/Part-time | Teaching only (often multiple schools) | Very low (per-course contracts) | Adjunct Professor, Part-time Lecturer |
Key takeaway: A tenured professor may have significant control over curriculum but less time for undergraduate mentoring. An adjunct may be an excellent, dedicated teacher but have no office or vote in department decisions. Treat everyone with respect, but adjust your expectations accordingly.