ACHE 2018 Concurrent Sessions
Mentoring and Engaging Adjunct Faculty in Continuing Education Programs
Session Description
It is commonly known that “more than half of college faculty are adjuncts” – both in the classroom and online. These faculty members are often working for more than one university and have little to no other relationship with the institutions. However, research demonstrates that administrative support, orientation programs, professional development, connection to full-time faculty, and mentoring can help part-time faculty feel a sense of connection to the college or university. Building a sense of community with adjunct faculty members helps acculturate them to the institution and empowers them to work toward positive student outcomes. The session identifies relevant theory related to mentoring and presents best practices implemented in a continuing education environment. The session addresses engaging adjunct in both non-credit and credit programs.
Primary Presenter
Dr. Bonnie J. Covelli, University of St. Francis
Brief Bio
Dr. Bonnie J. Covelli serves as assistant professor and chair of the school of professional studies at the University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Ill. She serves on the board for ACHE Great Lakes and the Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE). Covelli’s background includes thirteen years in continuing higher education (both credit and non-credit) and domestic and international corporate experience in the hospitality and manufacturing industries in training & development, operations, project management, and relationship management. Covelli holds an Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership/Higher Education; M.B.A. Business Administration; M.S. in training and development and B.A. in English, minor urban studies.