Abstract

As community college enrollments swell, two-year institution are choosing to hire part-time faculty so that they can offer more courses without exponentially increasing dollars spent on the salary and benefits required to hire full time faculty members. The growing adjunct population is becoming an essential organizational asset that needs to be carefully managed by the institution. Although the use of adjuncts in the community college market is not new, there is little research to show how institutions manage the adjunct population. This study surveyed one hundred and twenty community college personnel on how their institution manages adjuncts. Respondents were asked a series of questions around orientation programs, professional development programs and mentoring programs. The data collected indicated that although adjunct professors are teaching more courses at the community colleges, most community colleges do not have a full time employee dedicated to the success of the adjunct employee. Additionally, most institutions do not have the necessary programs and services needed to manage, train and provide professional development to this essential population. Most respondents indicated that time and money and resources were the major reason why adjuncts were not well supported at their institution. This study supports the recommendation that institutions need to invest in resources to help support these essential employees. Existing tools and technology at the institution such as learning management systems need to be explored as possible short-term solutions to increase communication with adjuncts until funding for additional resources can be secured. Finally, orientation programs, professional development programs and mentoring programs needs to be expanded to support the growing needs of the adjunct population.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Community college teachers; College teachers, Part-time; Dissertations (EdD) -- Learning technologies

Date of Award

2010

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Goodale, Monica;

Download

Share

COinS