Adjunct Faculty Survey – Spring 2008- Results

Number of respondents: 54

1. To what extent do you feel that you are aware of things going on within your department?

Very – 20%

Somewhat – 46%

Not – 33%

2. How approachable are full time faculty members in your department?

Readily – 41%

Adequately – 35%

Sporadically – 24%

3. What activities and information would you like access to as an adjunct faculty member within your department?*(see below)

4. In what department do you teach? (Some indicated more than one department)

Art – 5

BAS, BASP, AHA – 1

Business – 4

COT – 2

Education – 5

English – 4

History – 1

Humanities – 3

Math - 7

Nursing – 2

Physical Education – 1

Psychology – 1

Social Science – 1

Sociology – 1

Technical Arts – 1

Theater – 1

None indicated - 13

Two adjuncts only indicated the campus they teach at: Battle Mountain and Winnemucca

5. Do you teach both Fall and Spring semesters?

Yes – 74%

No – 20%

Not indicated – 5%

6. How can the Adjunct Faculty Committee help you feel more connected at GBC?* (see below)

7. Additional Comments*(see below)

*Answers to questions 3, 6 and 7 overlapped so have been combined. The numeral indicates the number of respondents citing one or more of the items in that bullet:

· Would like updates on college activities, changes and policies; departmental developments; minutes of departmental meetings, etc., preferably by e-mail or newsletter: 15

· Would like to be invited to department meetings and/or have input into departmental decisions: 10

· Would like professional development classes and/or handbook which addresses: instruction on the basics of teaching; tips from ‘seasoned faculty’; use of computerized systems to manage classes; college rules, regulations and policies on grading and assignments; class management and interactions with students: 6

· Would like better working conditions including workspace (satellite centers); more private workspace with better computers (Elko); easy access to needed documents (satellite centers)and textbooks; better-working and easier access to technology: 6

· Would like more or better interactions with the college including meetings with administrators or other faculty; faculty appreciation; treated as faculty rather than “part-timer”; chance to meet other adjuncts and/or other members of the department, some sort of discount on tuition for dependents: 6

Some comments:

· “Since GBC Ely is a smaller community, I believe that it is very easy to feel connected. There are so many great staff members/employees to work with, and all are willing to help.”

· “An email on textbook updates, or department specific goals or class guidelines would be great.” (math)

· “I feel a good effort is being made to keep staff apprised and connected.” (COT)

· “It’s encouraging that someone is interested in Adjunct’s thoughts. I really dislike being called a ‘Part-timer’, which has happened.” (math)

· “Remote campuses, such as Pahrump, should be sent all pertinent department information…The remote campus needs a full complement of material on hand.”

· “The First Generation project and the Retention project are great ideas, form solid foundations for new and existing students. Kudos!” (English)

· “I’m at the Winnemucca campus, so I feel very connected already.”

· “This semester I have been pleased to be invited to department meetings. This was not the case in previous semesters.” (English)

· “…I don’t want to take up full time faculty time (they’re busy enough) but a better way for communication that is efficient would be helpful.” (business)

· “I would love to see a section in the adjunct faculty handbook that addresses the basics of teaching. Just because an adjunct has content knowledge, it doesn’t mean he or she knows ‘how’ to teach it, how to weight assignments for grading purposes, how to effectively interact with students, etc. Tips from seasoned faculty members would be great. Even a bibliography of good references would be very helpful.” (business)

· “Provide information on the college grading and assignment rules and regulations (what can/should instructor expect from students? Are there legal parameters?)” (nursing)

· “I am very happy with my experience teaching at GBC, and have felt supported. I like the autonomy that I have in teaching the content to the students in my classes, and feel that the college has always supported me in this.”