adjunct faculty frequently asked questions
compensation & benefits
Bellevue University determines adjunct faculty compensation based on a number of factors. These include the number of credit hours taught and the type and level of course taught. Compensation is typically discussed with individuals during the interview process.
Bellevue University adjunct faculty are considered part-time, non-benefited employees. This means adjuncts do not receive formal benefits (e.g. health insurance). Adjunct faculty do have the opportunity, however, to participate in the University’s retirement plan, minus the organizational matching funds.
Adjunct faculty are also eligible for University incentives that recognize top-performing adjunct faculty for their quality of teaching, engagement with students and length of service.
The requirements for adjunct faculty vary depending on the specific course and program. Bellevue University strongly supports “real learning for real life,” thus we seek adjunct faculty who have expertise and experience in specific fields. The majority of our adjunct faculty hold, at a minimum, a master’s degree conferred from an accredited institution. Broadly, we seek adjunct faculty who excel at self-evaluation, who possess strong technology skills and who have prior online teaching experience. To gain a better idea of requirements for adjunct faculty, please view the specific listing at Open Adjunct Positions.
Bellevue University determines adjunct faculty teaching assignments by considering a number of factors. These factors include the student/market demand for the course, schedules and adjunct performance. The University strives to clearly communicate future teaching assignment information to adjuncts as early as possible to allow adequate time for adjuncts to plan.
The onboarding process consists of the following steps: 1) Application, 2) Credential Review, 3) Interview, 4) Background Check, 5), Training, and 6) Course Assignment. The entire process may take between three and six weeks.
There is an Adjunct Faculty Manager in each college who serves as a key point of contact for those applying to join our adjunct faculty team. Once hired, adjunct faculty will interact with a Program Director, who can provide guidance and additional resources.
teaching & learning experience
The adjunct teaching experience at Bellevue University is characterized by the unique mission and vision of our University, as well as by the close relationships among faculty, staff and students.
The University’s vision to be a premier open access university and its mission to prepare students to thrive in a connected, competitive world are enabled in large part by our adjunct faculty. They engage learners in experiences that develop their expertise in ways that make a difference in their personal and professional lives and play a key role in Bellevue University’s “real learning for real life” approach to learning.
Bellevue University is a non-profit, open access institution governed by an appointed and unpaid Board of Directors made up of local and national community, business and political leaders.
The University is structured in four academic units, each working together but targeting the specific needs of our accredited degree programs: the College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Science and Technology and the College of Continuing and Professional Education. In addition to these academic units, there are a number of operational and business development departments that support the University’s non-profit mission.
Adjunct faculty are assigned and report to the various colleges in which they teach, typically to a Program Director.
Bellevue University offers cohort classes and traditional classes.
Cohorts are groups of students who work together to complete a degree. Students in a cohort complete each of their courses along with the other individuals in their cohort in a particular order.
Students can also choose to take traditional courses that do not run in a particular order.
Bellevue University accelerated programs are offered in the cohort-based format and emphasize applied, active learning. The requirements for accelerated programs allow for flexibility in sources of learning and specific coursework. Accelerated programs are offered on campus, online and via Connected Campus hybrid learning environments.
Synchronous learning involves students engaging in learning at the same time; asynchronous learning is the idea that students learn the same material at different times and locations. Online education often involves asynchronous learning, but thanks to advances in learning technology, Bellevue University is able to offer what we call the “Connected Campus” environment and online learning for students at a set class time. Connected Campus and synchronous online classes at a set time allow online students the opportunity to participate in live classroom instruction from virtually any location.
Bellevue University serves students year-round through three 12-week terms and a slightly shorter summer term. Cohort programs have year-round starts.
For non-cohort classes, the demands upon an adjunct faculty member are typically higher before the course starts and at the conclusion of the course. For cohort classes, the pace is steadier throughout.
adjunct expectations
Adjunct faculty at Bellevue University are expected to engage fully with students and help students master a particular academic subject. This translates to strong classroom teaching performance, being responsive to students and staying current in subject matter areas.
Bellevue University has specific performance management expectations in place for adjuncts and regularly evaluates adjunct performance to ensure a high-quality educational experience for our students. Our processes are designed to encourage continuous performance improvement and professional growth. Our goal is to increase adjunct faculty members’ engagement with University students, with other adjunct and full-time faculty and with staff.
Adjunct faculty do not have traditional office hours, but the University does require that adjunct faculty members are responsive to students and return calls and messages in a timely manner, typically within 24-48 hours.
Because Bellevue University’s student body is diverse and includes many working adults, we require our adjunct faculty to have “substantive interaction” with students. That interaction often takes place on evenings, weekends, breaks and at times outside of “normal hours.”
Bellevue University offers a wealth of training for adjunct faculty. Available training includes: Learning Management System (i.e., Blackboard), Student Information Systems, University Operational Training, Compliance, and other optional, supplemental training.
Adjunct faculty are invited to participate in professional development opportunities throughout the academic year. After hire, adjunct faculty have access to a full range of training provided by the Faculty Resources Department and through the Freeman Lozier Library.
Bellevue University also hosts Adjunct Development Days, which are specially designed to help adjunct faculty – whether they teach online or in person – participate in the Bellevue University community.
Typically, adjunct faculty provide input on all aspects of the curriculum to Program Directors and/or Responsible Parties, but they are not responsible for developing curriculum by themselves.
Program Directors take into account where a course fits into a larger academic program, develop course objectives that meet University and accreditation quality standards and help to ensure that students enrolled in different sections of a class have a consistent experience.
Adjunct faculty teach courses with existing curriculum to students, and are responsible for lesson-planning for in-class courses. Also, depending upon the nature of the course/material, adjunct faculty may participate with the Program Director in the curriculum development process.
Bellevue University students have access to a variety of support services designed to ensure their academic and personal success. These include student coaching (academic and financial), a Writing Center, academic tutoring, a state-of-the-art library with 24/7 online support and programming, disability services and targeted assistance for active duty and veteran military.
The University’s strong support of students helps to create an environment where adjuncts are able to succeed in helping students learn and master the knowledge and skills employers expect.