Helpful Practices for Part-Time Faculty

The Best Practices for Part-Time Faculty document has been compiled for reference only and is not intended to represent the best or only approach to any particular issue. The examples listed here should not be construed as legal advice, and Part-Time Faculty should seek appropriate advice from their respective Department Chairs to address specific procedures and circumstances.

For Part-Time Faculty to be effective members of the institution, the TMCC Faculty Senate provides these best practices:

Maintain consistent communication with students

Have TMCC email on syllabi
Regularly check TMCC email (directly or through proxy)
Be available to students outside of the classroom in some type of consistent manner

Involvement in ongoing professional development/training

Participate in Professional Development and Department orientations, either on campus or online, each semester

Involvement with the department or campus committees, organizations, events, etc.

Attend department meetings if available
Participate in department assessment, when appropriate
Have some connection with colleagues or students outside of the classroom

o Meet with fellow course instructor(s), share, and discuss ideas on course delivery and on maintaining consistent curriculum

o Try to establish and maintain mentor-mentee relationship with senior/full time course instructor

Maintain well-organized syllabi/class plans

Follow department and institution guidelines
Use best practices for your discipline
Effectively use the technology available in classrooms

Be a responsible member of the institution

Read and adhere to policies in the Part-time Faculty Handbook
Complete mandatory trainings
Be familiar with the institution

o Be familiar with wide array of student resources such as writing center, tutoring and learning center, library, and counseling center and encourage students to take advantage of such resources for better educational experience.