Perceptions of Community College Adjunct Faculty and Division Chairpersons: Support,Mentoring, and Professional Development to Sustain Academic Quality |
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| Authors: | Betsy L Diegel |
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| Institution: | 1. Academic Services , Davenport University , Midland , Michigan , USA betsyldiegel@gmail.com |
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| Abstract: | The fabric of higher education has changed dramatically in recent years with a sudden increase in the presence of part-time, nontenured faculty. Adjunct faculty have a significant presence in higher education institutions and need opportunities available to them so they feel like an important part of academic culture and are prepared to teach. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the similarities and differences in perceptions between three division chairpersons and 15 adjunct faculty members from three separate departments regarding teaching support, mentoring, and professional development opportunities at one community college. It was found that chairs and mentors appeared to be the most valuable individuals in supporting, acclimating, and retaining adjunct faculty according to the participants in this study. Without the roles chairs and mentors assumed, adjunct faculty could flounder and teaching quality could be hindered. |
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