A Model for Successful Mission Integration to Meet the Needs of Adjunct Faculty at a Four-Year Institution

Increasing reliance on adjunct faculty at post-secondary institutions makes successful mission integration important. This case study surveys seventy adjunct instructors at a four-year small private Catholic institution to determine how to improve adjunct faculty mission integration on campus to meet the unique needs of this faculty group. Gappa and Austin's "Essential Elements of Faculty Work" framework (2010) was used to determine a priori codes, identify faculty integration issues, as well as potential solutions. The researcher found issues regarding resource allocation, as well as voice and recognition. To address these issues, participants recommended more frequent and accessible campus meetings and a more comprehensive mentoring program. In addition, literature provides several models at community colleges that have already incorporated many suggestions, which four-year institutions could use to design their adjunct instructor programs to improve integration.