Adjunct Faculty Meetings: How to Run Them Thomas McClure, J.D., M.S. Illinois State University Jean Volk, J.D., M.B.A. Middlesex County College Donna Decker Morris, J.D. University of New Haven I. Purpose of Adjunct Faculty Meetings A. Formal Reason: to meet ABA Guideline G-401 1. Instructors must be: Knowledgeable about the paralegal profession; Experienced in working with or as paralegals; Knowledgeable in the areas in which they are providing instruction; Effective teachers; Committed to continued professional growth as teachers and as professionals 2. Program must: Provide opportunities all instructors to develop their effectiveness as teachers; Hold faculty meetings for the purpose of discussing program goals, course content, overall curriculum planning, instructional methodology, and assessment. B. Informal Reasons Promote quality teaching Team Building Professional development Keep instructors interested and engaged Encourage camaraderie Provide director with a kitchen cabinet Directly and indirectly meet ABA guidelines II. Pre-Meeting Preparation
A. Scheduling 1. Minimum 2 times per year fall and spring terms (G-401) 2. Email group with possible dates to get a commitment or set at prior meeting 3. Meeting Time To encourage future attendance, strictly enforced ending time may be as important as the beginning time (Breakfast, lunch or evening) B. Place 1. Options a. Educational institution b. Restaurant c. Home 2. Depends on purpose of particular meeting 3. Most professional development where technology available 4. Use of computer labs for hands-on faculty training 5. Socializing or policy discussions at restaurant or home Popular idea dinner out as group following formal meeting C. Agenda distribute prior to meeting D. Minutes secretary lined up before meeting E. Well organized professional development program 1. To correct deficiencies in instruction 2. To keep faculty interested 3. To keep faculty involved 4. Meet ABA guidelines III. Agenda: Sample Format A. Date/time/adjuncts present; adjuncts absent; guests present B. Possible standing agenda items Welcome Introductions Update on out-going adjuncts and in-coming adjuncts Curriculum planning o Proposed schedule for upcoming term o Existing course content o Instructor openings
o New courses Internships & Placements o Challenges o Successes ABA Status o Implementation of ABA recommendations and findings o ABA Guidelines requirements o Status of meeting program goals Evaluation of students, faculty & program Professional development o Record outside of in-house training o Presentation of professional development program Next meetings Adjournment (noting time) C. Additional possible standing items 1. University and department updates a. Physical or organizational changes b. Policy changes c. Staffing changes 2. Program faculty news (e.g., publications, research, etc.) 3. Students news and accomplishments 4. Program policy review a. Review program policies periodically, inviting input b. Revise as needed c. Program policies should be written IV. Professional Development Sample Programs A. Essential components needed in syllabus 1. Course Info 2. Instructor info a. Need to allow time for students to meet with you b. E-mail has become preferred communication tool 3. Texts, Readings, Materials a. ISBN important for ordering book
b. Professors should list supplemental readings if course has them c. McClure will push for students to purchase Lexis License 4. Course Objectives/Description a. Describe purpose of course b. 3-5 Objectives should be stated 5. Course Calendar a. Beneficial, keeps both students and professors organized b. Clearly lists assignment dates 6. Tests/Quizzes a. Have firm dates, this avoids problems b. Present point value and/or percentage of course grade for each 7. Grading Policy a. Important aspect of syllabus b. Used for grade challenges from students c. Need to state grade weights d. Extra-credit is at the discretion of the professor 8. Course Policies a. How to handle late work, missing class, etc. b. Academic Dishonesty clause in syllabus c. Filing plagiarism complaint is the responsibility of the professor d. Include statement that instructor reserves the right to modify syllabus if necessary 9. Have Program Policies a. Written form to be reviewed periodically b. Revise as necessary based on input 10. Other Ideas for Adjunct Meetings a. Follow formal meeting with social time dinner works well. b. Enlist adjunct to share teaching tips: eg., what works to engage students, use of internet, use of Blackboard B. Teaching best practices 1. Enlist faculty/adjuncts 2. Bring in one idea each that the faculty member has used successfully 3. Faculty teaching each other 4. One topic per meeting - to get students to do reading/prepare for class - to engage students in class - using Internet & technology in teaching - using Blackboard Review & supplements University training C. Academic Integrity 1. University Academic Integrity policy statement in syllabus
2. Legal Studies Program Policy - emphasis on importance of ethical conduct in legal field - statement that cheating on assignment will result in zero & therefore may result in F for course -statement that cheating on an exam will result in F for course 3. University and departmental procedures for reporting academic integrity violations 4. Assurance to faculty that enforcement of policy WILL be supported 5. Suggestions for mechanisms for finding violations -Turn-it-in.com -Google search -Other D. Grading policies and procedures 1. Expectations of standards counter grade inflation 2. Discuss tendency for students ideas of entitlement and counter with discussion that all should remind students that grades based on quality of performance 3. Procedures for entering grades, including timing -Institution specific Example online grading via Matrix 4. Alternative categories to letter grades -Institution specific -Examples: Incomplete, Did Not Attend, Withdrawal -Meaning for various categories -Policies for entering in lieu of F E. Additional Professional Development Program ideas 1. Service Learning - development and implementation of service learning courses 2. Online course development 3. Advising/mentoring students, including University resources for helping students with particular needs 4. Other