Supporting Adjunct Faculty Through Responsive Professional Development

Abstract

As higher education institutions increasingly rely on adjunct faculty, this chapter delves into their role and explores how institutions can better support and develop these adjuncts. Often working part-time and teaching at multiple institutions, adjunct faculty typically lack formal preparation in instructional strategies or best practices. This chapter proposes an alternative approach to faculty onboarding, one that focuses on providing professional development in adult learning theory, instructional best practices, and time management strategies. By implementing an onboarding program at a large online university, responsive professional development has effectively supported adjunct faculty in the current academic climate. This program serves as a replicable model for faculty support and development, addressing the pressing need to provide substantial support to part-time faculty members who are likely to teach a significant portion of students at an institution.