Adjunct Faculty Resources
Teaching at GVSU
Adjunct Faculty Guide: Teaching Foundations
This guide was created by the Pew FTLC and is meant to provide Adjunct Faculty at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) with an introduction to teaching at GVSU (not an introduction to GVSU as a whole). We encourage faculty to contact us with questions about teaching, our programs and services, or to request a consultation.
Being a part-time instructor at GVSU does not mean you are an outsider. In fact, because the university values the service and expertise of all faculty, there are many unique and free support resources available to assist part-time faculty, both professionally and personally. Feel free to just walk in...
Teaching Support
- Walk into the Pew FTLC or go online to find out more about our upcoming events, teaching guides, consultations, and Sponsored Teaching and Learning Events.
- Walk in to your department head and discuss your ideas; you are valued here at GVSU!
- Walk in to IT Professional Development Opportunities to get free workshops, training, and seminars.
- Walk in to a colleague's class (with their permission of course) to observe them in action.
- Walk in to our award-winning Writing Center for assistance with your writing projects; they offer "Faculty/Staff Fridays", Writing Retreats, and One-on-One consultations--all free of charge.
- Walk in to one of our libraries for personal or professional materials, research help, and/or a quiet space to work.
Personal and Career Services
- Walk in to Human Resources to get more information about how part-time faculty can contribute to a 403b/457b retirement fund; you can also register for free HR workshops or seminars.
- THRIVE Wellness Coaching
- Resources for Work and Life
- Walk in to our Campus Recreation Center to energize, rejuvenate, and de-stress--another free benefit to faculty (and family members get alumni rates); learn more about our free Wellness Services here.
- Walk in to our Parking Services to get free parking sticker--and even your special carpool or alternative fuel sticker if you qualify.
- Walk in and meet your HR Business Partner for help with career planning or employee needs.
Discounts and Fun Events
- Walk in to any of our participating retailers for discounted goods and services.
- Walk in to your local Verizon/AT&T/Sprint-Nextel store for your GVSU discount on your monthly bill; you can also get discounts on the purchase of a variety of software and Apple, Lenovo, and Dell products online.
- Walk in to a GVSU lecture, performance, or other free event.
- Walk in to a Grand Rapids bus shelter, flash your ID Card and ride for The Rapid for FREE.
- Walk in to your local MEEMIC insurance agency to get your educator's discount on auto and home insurance.
Adjunct Faculty Resources for Deans and Unit Heads
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.