The Challenges of Being an Adjunct and Creating a Supportive Department

TLDRAs an adjunct, being a part-time professor in a supportive department can be challenging. The presenter shares her experience as a road scholar, working multiple jobs and driving long distances. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and transparency in creating a welcoming environment for new faculty members. Her guiding principles involve considering the best interests of the students, being data-driven, and providing support to colleagues.

Key insights

🚗Being an adjunct requires working multiple jobs and driving long distances.

🤝Inclusivity, collaboration, and transparency are crucial in creating a welcoming environment for new faculty members.

📚Sharing course materials and experiences can help new faculty members feel more comfortable.

Being a supportive department chair requires investing time and effort in reaching out to colleagues.

📝Guiding principles include considering the best interests of students, being data-driven, and providing support to colleagues.

Q&A

What are some challenges faced by adjunct professors?

Adjunct professors often work multiple jobs and have to commute long distances between different colleges.

How can a department chair create a welcoming environment for new faculty members?

A department chair can be inclusive, collaborate with colleagues, provide support, and share resources and experiences with new faculty members.

Why is inclusivity important in a department?

Inclusivity promotes a sense of belonging and creates a diverse and supportive environment for all faculty members.

How can a department chair support adjunct professors?

A department chair can offer guidance, provide opportunities for professional development, and ensure fair treatment and consideration for adjunct professors.

What are the guiding principles of the presenter?

The guiding principles include considering the best interests of students, being data-driven, and providing support and transparency to colleagues.

Timestamped Summary

01:45As an adjunct, the presenter worked multiple jobs and commuted long distances.

09:58Inclusivity, collaboration, and transparency are crucial in creating a welcoming environment for new faculty members.

10:59The presenter emphasized the importance of sharing resources and experiences with new colleagues.

11:35The presenter strives to reach out to colleagues individually and be available for support.

12:16The guiding principles of the presenter include considering the best interests of students, being data-driven, and providing support to colleagues.