04.01.02- Adjunct (Per-Course) Faculty Selection, Orientation, Evaluation, and Engagement

01. POLICY STATEMENT

The School of Health Administration (SOHA) is committed to ensuring that adjunct (per-course) faculty are qualified, supported, and actively engaged in the academic program. This policy establishes standardized procedures for the selection, orientation, evaluation, and integration of adjunct faculty to maintain instructional quality and alignment with program competencies and accreditation standards.

02. POLICY SCOPE

This policy applies to all adjunct (per-course) faculty appointed to teach in undergraduate and graduate programs within SOHA.

02.01. Adjunct Faculty Selection

a. The selection process will include:

i. Review of academic qualifications and relevant professional experience in alignment with the School’s guidelines.
ii. Evaluation of alignment with course content, program competencies, and industry relevance.
iii. Consideration of teaching effectiveness, prior instructional experience, and/or professional expertise.

b. Program Director Involvement

i. The Program Director for the respective degree program (for example, Bachelor of Healthcare Administration, Master of Healthcare Administration, Executive Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Long Term Care Administration) will play a significant role in the review and discussion of adjunct faculty candidates.
ii. Program Directors will ensure alignment with curriculum needs, modality requirements (for example, online, accelerated, or face-to-face), and student learning outcomes.
iii. The Program Director will ensure an immediate peer evaluation of the adjunct faculty member to assess initial teaching effectiveness during their first semester teaching assignment.

c. Personnel Committee Involvement

i. The Personnel Committee supports adjunct review and hiring process by providing consultative advice, support, and guidance to the Program Director and SOHA Director.
ii. The Personnel Committee will engage in adjunct faculty peer review (course evaluation) to support quality improvement initiatives.
iii. All SOHA PC members are listed as search committee members on the SOHA Adjunct Faculty Pool posting online and may continuously review applicants and their qualifications to remain engaged and support the SOHA adjunct faculty review/hiring initiative.

02.02. Faculty Workload and Assignment Authority

a. The SOHA Director retains responsibility for assigning faculty workload in accordance with University policy.

b. Workload assignments will consider:

i. Program needs and enrollment demand
ii. Faculty qualifications and expertise
iii. Course modality and delivery requirements
iv. Accreditation and competency alignment expectations
v. Program Director recommendation(s) and collaboration in the selection process

02.03. Emergency Hiring Provision

a. Charged with workload responsibility for the unit, the SOHA Director retains the authority to make immediate, emergency adjunct faculty hires when necessary to:

i. Address unexpected faculty vacancies
ii. Meet immediate instructional needs
iii. Ensure continuity of course delivery

02.04. Adjunct Faculty Orientation

a. SOHA will provide structured orientation to all adjunct faculty to ensure consistency and instructional quality. A SOHA adjunct faculty orientation checklist supports this initiative. Orientation will include:

i. Overview of SOHA mission, values, and program goals
ii. Review of curriculum structure and program competencies
iii. Instruction on course expectations, learning management system use, and grading standards
iv. Guidance on student engagement, communication expectations, and academic integrity
v. Overview of modality-specific teaching expectations (for example, online and accelerated formats)
vi. Introduction to University resources (for example, instructional technology support)

b. Adjunct faculty are expected to complete orientation (SOHA onboarding) requirements prior to or at the start of their teaching assignment.

02.05. Adjunct Faculty Evaluation – Faculty Qualifications annual evaluations process

a. Adjunct faculty will be evaluated using multiple measures consistent with SOHA faculty evaluation practices, including:

i. Student course evaluations
ii. Program Director and/or Director review of course delivery and outcomes
iii. Peer or administrative observation when applicable
iv. Review of course materials and alignment with program competencies
v. Responsiveness, communication, and engagement with students

b. Evaluation outcomes will be used to:

i. Inform reappointment decisions
ii. Identify professional development needs
iii. Ensure continuous improvement in instructional quality

02.06. Adjunct Faculty Engagement in the Academic Program

a. SOHA will actively involve adjunct faculty in the academic program through:

i. Communication of program updates, curriculum changes, and accreditation expectations
ii. Opportunities to participate in meetings, workshops, or training sessions (as appropriate)
iii. Inclusion in discussions related to course content, competency assessment, and program improvement
iv. Engagement in student success initiatives and professional development activities
v. Completion of any/all required University employee training
vi. Participation of adjunct faculty in SOHA meetings, events, and other initiatives beyond their assigned teaching workload is strictly optional.

b. Adjunct faculty are expected to contribute to the program by:

i. Aligning instruction with SOHA competencies and learning objectives
ii. Reporting of program competency outcomes at the end of each course
iii. Supporting student professional development and career readiness
iv. Providing feedback to Program Directors on course content and industry trends
v. Regularly participate and submit SOHA program assessment/APR and student competency assessment information