Training and Supporting Online Adjuncts: Q&A with Kimberly Hardy

March 23, 2009

By: Christopher Hill in Distance Learning Administration, Faculty Development, Online Education

Training and retaining online adjuncts is a challenge faced by practically every higher education institution that offers coursework over the Internet. In an interview, Dr. Kimberly Hardy, dean of instruction and student success at Florida Community College at Jacksonville, shares strategies for making sure adjuncts feel as much a part of the team as regular, full-time faculty.

Q: How do you create a bond to the institution with part-time adjuncts who are at remote locations?

Hardy: There are several ways to connect with remote adjuncts. Consistent and effective communication is one of the key aspects in creating and maintaining this bond. Providing an online community where adjuncts can connect with those at the institution, as well as with each other, is one method of building that relationship. Additionally, offering live events, such as webinars and chats, where adjuncts can actively participate and interact with staff and other faculty, is another great approach to bridging the long-distance relationship.

Q: How do you convince administrators to establish an adjunct support program?

Hardy: Adjuncts provide an enormous service to institutions, particularly when course demand is beyond what the current faculty load can handle. It is therefore crucial to ensure that these adjuncts have the support necessary to be productive members of the team.

There are many aspects to creating an adjunct support program that do not require additional funds, just time and creativity. Once you are able to implement some of these programs and are able to show positive outcomes, you will have a good basis for requesting administrative support for a program.

Q: How can you tell when your adjuncts are running low on energy and inspiration?

Hardy: There are a number of ways that you can be “in tune” with your adjuncts, even though you may not be able to see them on a daily basis. For instance, if you find a lack of responsiveness on their part, or an increased number of student complaints, you may find that there is a breakdown in communication, perhaps due to a lack of enthusiasm or feeling of connectedness. Additionally, encouraging discussion through an online community can be a proactive mechanism to finding out how they are feeling, what kinds of support they might need, and areas with which they are struggling.

For more information on training and supporting online adjuncts, check out Hardy’s online seminar presented last fall, and now available on CD. Learn more.