Student retention is currently a buzz word getting a lot of attention. Thousands of people, on thousands of committees, spending countless hours discussing, brainstorming, and researching student retention. Where the problem starts, who's responsible, how to fix it, and everything in between. There are many solutions including early intervention programs, mentoring, orientations, personal letters, phone calls, emails, and even specialized learning field trips that involve wilderness hikes and other extreme bonding experiences. While experts may not agree on the solution, they all agree students need to be heard, feel supported, obtain proper training, and feel connected.
You don't hear about as many articles, seminars, and round table discussions pertaining to faculty retention. But this is a valid subject that should be closely examined especially for schools who struggle with high turnover, particularly in the adjunct or online faculty department. Many times adjunct or part-time faculty may be teaching a course or two as a side job and may consider it a temporary gig. Of course this is not always the case. However, if an individual is working on a part-time basis for a company, he/she may not feel a strong loyalty to the company. The individual may feel empathetic to the highs and lows of the company and be disconnected with the big picture. He/she may be easily swayed if something better comes along with preferred working conditions and an increase in pay. Or in some cases just to try something new. The same holds true for an adjunct faculty member. There are many opportunities for part-time faculty and it may be an easy sell to coax them away.
Just like students who may feel lost of disconnected, online faculty may experience this feeling. Since they can physically be anywhere, many times out of state or across country, the online instructor may feel disconnected to the school as a whole and potentially be less engaged. In the case of the disconnected student he/she may be homesick and choose to go home every weekend; thus missing out on the sporting events on campus. Historically having a strong tie to one's alma mater through extracurricular events helps students fit in and feel a part of something bigger than themselves. The same holds true for an online faculty member. While the college may be located in the deep south, the instructor could be living up north. Just the demographic can be a huge separator and thus cause a lack of connection. Being unable to attend local faculty meetings, walk the campus, eat lunch with colleagues, and talk with students face to face could be a hindrance to relationship building.
A recent article featuring Ellis University, lays out their systematic, comprehensive training program for new faculty. Much like a student retention plan, it includes a strong training component, mentoring, personal communication, and feedback. Making the process personal is the key, Dr. Jeanne Widen of the English Department describes. Dr. Widen believes correction is necessary but should always be done in the context of positive comments.
Learn more about Dr. Jeanne Widen's webinar of "10 Ways to Support Adjunct Faculty in Small Online Programs" here.
If you are looking for a postition as adjunct faculty or an online instructor, create a free profile at SmarterFaculty.com.
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