Perceptions of University Culture and Community Among Online Adjuncts

Presenter Information

Kathleen Lippert, Olivet Nazarene UniversityFollow
Laurie Hofman, Olivet Nazarene UniversityFollow
Bethany Nummela-Hanel, Olivet Nazarene UniversityFollow
Charlie Rodrigues, Concordia University, Irvine CaliforniaFollow

For Communication to Presenters & Mentors

lehofman@olivet.edu, klippert@olivet.edu, brnummelahanel@olivet.edu, charlie.rodrigues@cui.edu.edu,

Project Type

Faculty Scholarship

Scholarship Domain(s)

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Presentation Type

Presentation

Abstract

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Using a qualitative survey, this research explores the perceptions of graduate-level online adjunct instructors in two different Schools of Education regarding university culture and community. The research intended to determine how the online adjuncts perceived their position within the university community and to solicit recommendations for improvement. The outcomes of this educational research add to the growing body of knowledge, highlighting the importance and relevancy of enhancing collegiality, communication, and collaboration of online adjunct instructors and the possible connection to student retention and persistence. Survey results suggested that communication, collaboration, respect, recognition, and support systems were critical aspects that impacted adjuncts' perceived climate and culture in an online teaching modality. A potential benefit of this research is engaging the online adjunct faculty in building a framework for their support based on their suggestions and recommendations. Offering multiple opportunities to collaborate may improve course content, collegiality, and connections with online adjunct instructors and the students they serve.

Permission Type

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.