Connecting Non Full-Time Faculty to Institutional Mission: A Guidebook for College/University Administrators And Faculty Developers

Non full-time faculty'whether adjunct, part-time or contingent'has become the lifeline of a vast majority of colleges and universities. They teach many of the foundation and core courses taken by first- and second-year students, teach professional courses in which their own life experiences are invaluable, and step in at short notice to fill-in for regular faculty engaged in research or away on sabbaticals. A survey of over 4,000 institutions conducted by the US Department of Education reveals that such faculty are being hired at a much higher rate than their full-time counterparts--whether in response to increased enrollments, reduced budgets, or changing administrative strategies. The increasing presence of such faculty on campus can conflict with today's demands for accountability and the pursuit of institutional mission. This book provides academic administrators and faculty developers with proactive, practical and results-producing approaches that can help transform fragmented faculties into integrated and cohesive teaching and scholarly communities. In an easy-to-follow format, this book constitutes a resource of thoughtful and pragmatic strategies to ensure quality and satisfaction both on the part of the institution and the adjuncts. Topics are presented in a thematic sequence that allows decision-makers to focus on their priority areas. The author offers guidance for systematic planning and implementation. The contents are focused on connecting non full-time faculty to core institutional functions and structures: Connection #1--to the institution; Connection #2--to the department; Connection #3--to teaching; Connection #4--to Students; and Connection #5--to scholarship. Originally announced as "Connecting Adjunct Faculty to the Academic Institution"