GVSU Adjunct Faculty

Approximately 30% of GVSU faculty are an adjunct. These employees teach roughly 50% of our courses – 68% of these courses being first-year courses. Adjunct faculty play an important role in student learning and retention – and in creating the overall culture of our university.

Supporting adjunct faculty--in terms of orientation, professional development, mentorship, adequate professional space/supplies/services, evaluation, recognition, and inclusion- is essential. Research suggests that lack of support for adjunct faculty impacts students negatively with:

• Diminished graduation and retention
• Decreased transfers from 2-4 yr. institutions
• Greater  impact on early undergrads; students in intro & developmental remedial courses
• Greater difficulty with major selection and persistence.
• Lower GPAs

As you work toward understanding and supporting your adjunct faculty, you can start with this portrait of adjunct faculty workers and this excellent guide.  We have also compiled other resources and readings to assist you. If you need further support, please contact us a [email protected] or (616) 331-3498.

GVSU Resources

• Hiring Process
• Hiring and Orientation Checklist
• New Staff Orientation
• Links to Important University Resources (PDF)
• Pew FTLC Conferences and Workshops
• Pew FTLC Consultations
• Pew FTLC Grants
• Adjunct Faculty Resources
• Technology Training

Orientation

• Adjunct 101: Enhancing the Adjunct Faculty Orientation
• What Types of Support do Adjunct Faculty Need?

Recruitment and Hiring

• Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Promising Practices
• Managing Temporary Faculty (PDF)
• Recruiting, Developing, and Retaining Adjuncts (PDF)

Professional Development

• Adjunct Faculty: Engagement and Community through Professional Development

Evaluation

• Contingent Faculty and the Evaluation Process (PDF)
• Standards of Good Practice in the Employment of Adjunct Faculty (PDF)

Recognition and Inclusion

• Non-Tenure-Track Faculty in our Department (PDF)
• Integrating Adjunct Instructional Faculty Members into the Department (PDF)
• Pew Teaching Excellence Award for Adjunct Faculty

Further Reading and Resources

• The Delphi Project Resources and Tools for Administrators

• The New Faculty Majority: Supporting and Honoring Your Adjunct Faculty

• American Council on Education Leadership Academy for Department Chairs

• Reading List for Adjunct Faculty Concerns

• Dispelling the Myths: Locating the Resources Needed to Support Non-Tenure-Track Faculty (PDF)

• New Faculty Majority: Resources

• Research, Reports, and Data

• New Faculty Majority: For Administrators

• What Types of Support do Adjunct Faculty Need?