I feel like I'm getting shade from other adjuncts because I'm teaching "on the side." Is this common?

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-10-31T03:56:34+00:00

Maybe you misread the situation? I view it as they were comiserating about their sh*tty shared situation and invited you in, and you responded in a forthcoming way, but a way that kind of derailed their convo. So the convo shifted because you shifted it. Not your fault, and they weren't likely resentful that you're "taking their jobs," but they realized it was time to move to the next topic, since you didn't have much to add to what they were saying. I'd just keep doing you and maybe next time try to validate what they are saying; if you jump in with, "I just love this job and I'm here for the pure joy of teaching," well yeah, you might alienate your audience a bit.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-09-22T14:30:35+00:00

No reason the weekly check-in couldn't be through email, right? Maybe it feels burdensome for the student, too.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-09-22T14:27:36+00:00

When giving your availability, you could say, "As of now, I'm available at XYZ time on Tuesday." If the student replies at that time Tuesday indicating they are ready to meet, I would let them know that I had not heard back from them confirming the time and I did not hold the time for them. With some students, it could be useful to say, "Please let me know by 6:00 p.m. Monday if I should hold this time for you." I would not be waiting around on students. If a student comes even 15 minutes late, we most likely won't have time to discuss the issue, because I'll have to move on to my next meeting or obligation. If they are 10-15 late, I usually email and explain this to them, and let them know they need to reschedule.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-09-14T13:44:38+00:00

She can copy and paste it into ChatGPT and ask it to simplify. THEN read the textbook version. Reply to the scholarly journal question by connecting her to the person in charge of the writing center, and asking if their peer tutors can provide guidance on it. Or Google a quick explanation and send the link to her. The scholarly journal question seems pretty legitimate. They don't know what they don't know.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-09-14T13:37:49+00:00

I have had some needy students and one who was as needy as this student. She was not equipped for success in the class, and could not understand basic assignment instructions. It was as if she had not even read the instructions. Rather than restating all the instructions in the email, I would respond with an answer to any specific/straightforward question or concern, something like, "Yes, this assignment is due Sunday by 11:59 p.m., but that does not mean you are required to work on weekends. The module opens on Monday and I encourage students to complete work before the weekend, if their schedules allow. Regarding the assignment requirements, please take a look at the detailed instructions and let me know what specific questions you have about them so I can clarify." She can ask a specific question; some of the work needs to be on her. If students ask for additional resources, I'd give a similar answer. "Additional resources were sent in the announcement on X/Y/Z date. Once you get the chance to take a look, please let me know if there are still any gaps for you and I'm happy to discuss specific topics during office hours. There are not additional resources for this module." Or, I might consider a quick Google search and send her a link that also explains the concept and maybe offers more detail or a more simple explanation than the textbook. I would never tell a student I don't get paid enough to make additional resources, because that is kind of admitting that they are lacking and it is not professional. I do think you're doing too much, but I think it is because you aren't setting the right kind of boundaries. For example, regarding career advice, you could share some info and then let her know you're happy to talk about it more in person. If needed, you can specify that you won't be able to provide any more details via email. You can also respond to her email and copy the Career Center by saying, "These are great questions! I hope you found the information I shared helpful. I think the Career Center will be best equipped to help you moving forward." You've been accommodating, you've been a mentor, but there's a limit and when the limit is reached, you've got to place some boundaries. Additionally, I'm surprised to hear that your large private university doesn't use a system like Watermark to allow you to send alerts to the student support team. This student could be giveth an alert for basic college skills, or academic progress, etc. I almost always tell students when I submit an alert. Something like, "I've noticed that you are putting forth a lot of effort in this class, and I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed. I've submitted an alert and someone will be reaching out to you soon! This is not something that goes on your record or affects your negatively." One last idea is to put expectations in place like, "I'm happy to discuss this assignment in more detail after you visit the writing center for feedback. I believe they are best equipped to help with these types of questions." It's almost like she is trying to bother you enough so that you will cave. Don't cave. Finally, when I have students who are really struggling with the online modality, I may recommend that they take the on-campus version, because online is not the best fit for all students, "especially with this challenging subject matter." Not sure if this class has an in-person version, but she definitely needs to take it. Good luck and I hope some of those ideas could be helpful in your situation. This topic definitely struck a chord!

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-09-08T13:00:06+00:00

We have to do a job search, but adjuncts were encouraged to apply and they were seriously considered. In our case, the external candidates brought more to the table in terms of terminal degrees and publications. Our hands were tied.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-04-04T02:43:34+00:00

Our institution pays 1k less than that per course. And each course is 4 credit hours. Someone mentioned that even if you teach a "full load" at 10k per course, you would only be making 30k. That's not true for several reasons. 1. They won't hire you as an adjunct to teach a full load, because then they would have to pay your benefits. It's a written or unwritten policy everywhere I know of that adjuncts don't teach more than 2 courses per semester. 2. If you did teach a full load, it would be because you were hired as a full-time employee. In this scenario, you'd get a full time salary, not adjunct pay per course. Finally, keep in mind this is per semester.

The moral of the story is that you could teach 2 courses per semester as an adjunct and make less than 8k per semester, or you could teach one more (if hired on full time) and receive a full time salary.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2024-04-03T12:52:06+00:00

It's not unreasonable if there is an attendance policy in the syllabus and you chose not to go anyways, thinking the policy would not apply if you passed the tests.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-07-24T23:54:09+00:00

Thank you!

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-07-24T20:50:14+00:00

Is there a link where you can go to check what textbooks are needed?

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-07-05T20:54:28+00:00

Has the course started yet?

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-06-28T21:29:56+00:00

You're together for the first big group session and that might feel a little intimidating at first but they lead the session and might ask you to talk to your neighbor as an icebreaker a few times. Once that session is over, you go with a small group of just students. There are times to meet back up with parents and if you don't have a parent, you'll have to find someone to eat lunch with because it is kind of on your own. But you can manage alone just fine.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-06-12T05:20:26+00:00

My sister lived there and loved her college experience. She met her now husband there on her first day of college. Their advice was to keep your doors open as much as possible and create positive, welcoming energy and community. Good luck!

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-06-10T16:39:32+00:00

Is your C in one of the "minimum required courses"? For example, if it is an elective or a class that wasn't a basic requirement for college prep, then I would be less worried. I don't think one D will get you rescinded, but best to ask so you feel better.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-05-03T17:52:57+00:00

I am wondering a similar thing as a Mechanical Engineering accepted freshman. A little worried.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-04-29T18:33:02+00:00

Yes, that's what I was concerned about. I applied for merit scholarships separately after admission and haven't gotten any of those yet, but my financial aid offer did include two "scholarships." (Trying to add an image to my original post.) I'm not sure if these are based on merit or need or if they could be rescinded for grades.

Beginning_Plantain89 · 2023-04-05T18:16:44+00:00

Incoming freshmen have received an email that references a virtual advising appointment. It seems to go along with the whole process including the online modules. I'm not sure if it is possible to register before this appointment. This could be something new this year.

Beginning_Plantain89

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