Almost always, they receive a W-2 and are considered part-time employees. In some cases, however, they might be considered contractors and receive a 1099. However, the IRS frowns on doing this on a long-term basis because the contractor is, in that case, a de facto employee, and as such should have taxes deducted from his/her pay. At Webster, I received a W-2. At UoP, same thing, as was able to participate in the 401(k). In both cases, adjuncts were part-time employees.