Category: Adjunct Faculty FAQ

Employment Matters

February 20, 2009 – 10:04 am
Where and when can I teach?
Boise State offers classes on the Boise campus, as well as at Gowen Field, Mountain Home, and Twin Falls. The university also offers technologically mediated distance education classes (via the Knowledge Network interactive television, cable and public television, the Internet, and educational technology). Classes are taught during daytime, evening, and weekend hours. You are eligible to teach at any of these sites, at any time if you meet teaching criteria and are approved by your department chair. Contact your department chair or the Division of Extended Studies, (208) 426-1709, for more information.
How do I get hired?
Contact the department in which you are qualified to teach. They will request a vita and ask you to fill out an application. These will be reviewed when an opening occurs and you may be contacted. You may also contact Extended Studies for information about teaching at other campuses, on weekends and through distance education, and they can work with your department when an opening occurs.
How much would I get paid and when?
The university has moved to a two-step adjunct faculty pay system. Adjunct faculty who (a) have taught three or more semesters for the University within the last three years, (b) have at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience), and (c) have received satisfactory student and departmental evaluations are entitled to Step 2. New adjunct faculty and those not meeting the criteria for Step 2 will be paid at Step 1. Contact your department or Extended Studies for current pay rates.
Payday occurs every other Friday, and you can expect your first pay the second payday after the start of classes, unless otherwise notified. Your total pay will be divided equally among the 8 or 9 pay periods for the semester.
Direct deposit is required for all employees. Paper checks will only be issued as a normal part (the first check) of the pre-notification process of direct deposit. There are three options for direct deposit:
1) Direct Deposit to your regular bank. If you already have a checking or savings account, complete the Authorization for Direct Deposit and return it to Human Resource Services.
2) Open a No Fee Account. If you don’t already have an account, open a no fee account with Capital Educators Federal Credit Union. Then complete and return the Authorization for Direct Deposit to Human Resource Services.
3) US Bank AccelaPay Visa Card. If you chose to do neither of the other options, then Boise State will deposit your payroll each payday into a U.S. Bank payroll account (a debit account) and U.S. Bank will send a Visa debit card and pin number to your home address. This card can be used at an ATM, at U.S. Bank, or at other Point of Sale locations, which accept Visa debit cards. Contact Human Resource Services, 426-1616, if you have questions.
To sign up for Direct Deposit, please fill out the Direct Deposit form (pdf) and submit it to Human Resource Services (Administration Building, Room 218) or send via campus mail to mailstop 1265.
You can now sign up for Direct Deposit yourself on BroncoWeb! Download complete instructions and follow the steps.
What is the nature of my contract? How long is it?
The length of the instructional session.
When will I get my contract?
It depends upon date of hire, but usually two weeks before classes begin. In a few cases, you may receive your written contract as late as the 10th day of classes.
Who do I call if I do not receive my check when expected?
If it appears on BroncoWeb that a check was not issued, contact Payroll or the administrative assistant in the office of the department in which you teach or Extended Studies if you are teaching through them.
What is an I-9? Why and how often do I have to fill one out and where do I do it?
An I-9 is an Employment Eligibility Verification form. It provides proof that an individual is authorized to work in the United States. An I-9 form must be completed before you can begin work at Boise State University. I-9’s are kept on file in Human Resource Services and need to be updated every 3 years regardless of uninterrupted service. Contact Human Resource Services in the Administration Building Room 218 prior to your first day of teaching to fill out the I-9 form. Contact Human Resource Services, (208) 426-1616, for further information.
Is there any chance I’ll be eligible for a full-time adjunct position?
While there are very few full-time instructor positions available in the university, contact your department to see if any exist.
Is there any chance I’ll be eligible for a tenure-track position?
Applicants for tenure-track positions must have their Ph.D. and apply the same as other applicants.
As an adjunct, am I eligible for benefits?
Part-time adjuncts are not eligible for benefits.
How many courses can I teach?
Adjunct faculty are not eligible to teach full-time (twelve or more total credit hours taught across all departments) in both the Fall and Spring semesters of the same academic year. Therefore, if you teach twelve or more credits in one semester, then you cannot teach more than 9 credits in the other semester.
When and how will I be notified that I’ve been given classes to teach?
In most departments, the department chair or program director (e.g., the Writing Director in the English department) makes assignments based on class availability, evaluations, longevity, and, where relevant, recommendations of Extended Studies. Instructors are notified by the chair, an administrative assistant, or an Extended Studies representative. However, because of last minute changes and enrollment demands, there are times when instructors may not be hired until just days prior to the beginning of the semester.
Who is my supervisor?
The department chair is your supervisor. However, if your course is offered through Extended Studies, the Extended Studies program director is a joint supervisor with the department chair.
By admin | Comments Off

Using BroncoWeb

February 20, 2009 – 10:01 am
What is BroncoWeb?
Now that you have been hired, you have access to BroncoWeb, the repository and access point for university information for students, faculty and staff. The BroncoWeb Self-Service help page is at: http://registrar.boisestate.edu/Guide-to-BroncoWeb.htm
How do I access BroncoWeb?
BroncoWeb is accessed from the Boise State home page, www.boisestate.edu. Select the BroncoWeb link. Go to “Set My New Password” and follow the instructions. If you are not successful, contact the Boise State Help Desk at 426-4357 for assistance with your username. Once you have successfully logged in, select the appropriate link for the task at hand. The direct link to BroncoWeb is at: http://broncoweb.boisestate.edu
Where is my paycheck information?
Once you have logged in to BroncoWeb, select “View Paycheck” under the “Employee” link.
How do I update my address and phone number?
After login, go to “Employee” and then to “Employee Data.” Correct the appropriate section.
How do I find my class roster?
After login, select “Faculty/Staff/Advisors” then choose “Faculty” and access class roster.
What about permission numbers?
Under “view and maintain your class permission numbers” select “View My Permission Numbers.”
Where can I find the University calendar?
A link to the academic calendar is on the first page of BroncoWeb, in addition to links to a number of informative Boise State sites.
How do I submit grades?
After log-in, select “Facutly/Staff/Advisors,” then choose “Faculty” and “Grade my Classes.”
By admin | Comments Off

Instructor/Course Evaluation

February 20, 2009 – 9:59 am
How am I evaluated?
This varies by department, but in most departments you will be evaluated by students at least once a year; in some cases you will be evaluated every semester. This evaluation process will be initiated either by the department or by Extended Studies, if you are teaching for them. In some departments you will also be evaluated by other faculty. For example, in the English Department adjunct faculty are evaluated approximately every two years, either by a team of one adjunct and one tenured professor or by the Writing Director.
How will I find out what the results were?
Results of student and any faculty evaluations will be made available to you by your department chair or by Extended Studies.
Do I have to do a self-evaluation of my teaching?
In some departments, for example in the composition classes within the English Department, yes. These evaluations are done at the end of each semester by the teacher on each class she/he teaches that semester.
By admin | Comments Off

Expectations/Obligations

February 20, 2009 – 9:57 am
Am I expected to hold office hours for students?
Yes, you should make yourself available to students during scheduled hours, in your office, if you have one, before or after class, and/or by phone. If you have an office, post your office hours on your door. In all cases, this information should be provided to students on your course syllabus. Some instructors have created class web pages for consultations. If you are teaching at another campus site, you can also make arrangements with the site coordinator to use a room to meet with a student.
Am I expected to attend and/or may I attend department faculty meetings?
You are not required to attend these meetings, but in most cases you are encouraged and are welcome to attend. Contact your department chair for more information.
What professional development opportunities exist on campus for adjunct faculty?
There are numerous university-wide faculty/staff development opportunities in which you are eligible to participate:
Other university-wide professional development opportunities occasionally become available during the year. In addition, some departments provide professional development opportunities for their own faculty and, in a few cases, adjunct faculty may apply for professional development funds. Contact your department chair for more information.
Do I have any obligations to the department aside from my teaching assignments?
Not in most departments; contact your department chair.
By admin | Comments Off

Schedule/Curriculum

February 20, 2009 – 9:57 am
Where do I locate the University’s academic calendar?
The academic calendar—which lists all important dates, e.g., beginning and end of instruction, fee refund dates, add and drop dates, holidays, etc.—is available in the university catalog, semester class schedules and on the Boise State website: http://broncoweb.boisestate.edu/
How much direction will I receive on the course curriculum and how much freedom will I have to design my own curriculum?
This varies according to department. In some departments a specified course text is required; in others you are free to choose your own. In some departments the syllabus is defined. In most departments, however, you will be required to develop your own syllabus. If this is the case in your department, you can ask the department chair for assistance and/or for examples of syllabi for comparable courses. In the English Department, for example, instructors of composition classes are expected to meet the minimum requirements stated in the mission statement for their class and are strongly encouraged to use peer response groups, portfolio assessment and conferencing; however, they can choose their own texts, write their own syllabi, and design their own curriculum.
What should go into my syllabus?
Course name and section number, current semester, your name, campus phone number, email address, office location, home or other phone number if that is where students are to contact you, office hours, required texts, expected learning outcomes, means by which those learning outcomes will be assessed, explanation of grading criteria, attendance policy, course requirements, important dates, perhaps a daily class calendar. It is also a good idea to add the final drop date of the semester, as a reminder to students. Syllabi can be put on the web for students to access.
If you are teaching a technology-delivered distance education class, you may also need to include broadcast times and days, test dates and sites, and other information relevant to distance education. Contact the Distance Education director in Extended Studies (426-1689) for detailed information.
What is academic freedom?
The right of teachers to freely conduct and publish research, as well as the freedom to conduct classroom discussions that may introduce relevant controversy. Teachers are also free to speak and write as citizens without fearing censorship from their institutions or disciplines.
By admin | Comments Off

Teaching Privileges

February 20, 2009 – 9:55 am
Will I have library privileges?
Adjuncts have the same library privileges as tenured faculty, i.e., 100 item checkout allowance; end of semester due dates (exception: current periodicals may be checked out for two days and bound periodicals for one week); no late fees. Library tours are available for classes.
To request a library tour, fill in the library’s web form.
Will I be entitled to any other privileges?
You are entitled to free use of the city bus and shuttle bus, discount tickets to movies and selected events, and use of recreational & physical fitness facilities (for a fee). To use the free city bus service, get a bus sticker to affix to your Boise State photo ID card from the Parking & Transportation Services office or the photo ID office in the student union.
How do I get an ID card to utilize these privileges?
After you receive a contract, you can go to Human Resource Services and pick up a form which you then take to the photo ID office in the student union.
Where do I park?
Parking permits for Boise campus parking may be purchased in the Parking and Transportation Services office. Reserved permits are available for specified lots, e.g., Liberal Arts. Please note that limited numbers of spots are available in these reserved lots; they are sold at the beginning of the academic year on a first-come first-served basis. General permits are also available for faculty. See the Parking & Transportation Services web site http://www.boisestate.edu/parking/ for current parking rates. You can also park in one of the visitor lots, but you will have to pay on an hourly basis. For other campus sites, contact the site coordinator.
Can I expect to have an office, a phone, and a computer?
In many cases, adjunct faculty who are teaching on the Boise campus will be provided with a shared office, phone, and computer. However, this varies from department to department and is not the case in every department or at all sites. Contact the department for more information. For other campus sites, contact the site coordinator.
By admin | Comments Off

Teaching Support

February 20, 2009 – 9:52 am
How do I photocopy material for my class?
All departments have photocopy machines which adjuncts are allowed to use. In some departments, there may be a limit on the number of copies available to each instructor. In many cases, it may be easier and less expensive to make copies through Central Copying. Contact your department administrative assistance for information. If you are teaching through Extended Studies, you may be able use the photocopy machine at the campus where you are teaching or at the Extended Studies office. Contact Extended Studies or your site coordinator for more information. For distance education classes, you will need to make arrangements two weeks in advance.
Is it OK to photocopy published articles for my students?
Questions about current interpretation of copyright law may be referred to the Reference Desk in the Albertsons Library at Boise State, 426-3301. For questions about reserve and electronic reserve contact the Reserve Desk, 426-1141. Questions about copyright issues related to distance education can be referred to Academic Technologies, 426-1879. They can serve as a resource to help you research copyright issues.
Is there someone to provide typing assistance?
Generally, adjunct faculty are expected to do their own typing. In some departments the faculty support secretary will type for the faculty. Contact your department secretary for more information.
By admin | Comments Off

Student Needs, Issues

February 20, 2009 – 9:50 am
How can I get help for students with special needs?
These special needs might include physical disabilities, learning problems and others. Ask the student to contact Wendy Turner, Disability Services Specialist in the office of Disability Service (ODS), 426-1583, located in the Administration Building, room 114. The disability specialist will interview the student and approve or disapprove the request. If approved, the specialist will send the instructor a letter requesting the necessary accommodations for the student and will advise the student about other services offered on campus. If the instructor needs help creating special physical arrangements in the classroom, she/he should contact the department administrative assistant or the site coordinators at other campus locations.
How do I determine what student behaviors the university considers to be acceptable and unacceptable?
Refer to the Student Conduct Program on the web at http://www.boisestate.edu/vpsa/.
What do I do with problem students?
Procedures for handling problem students are discussed in detail in the Student Conduct Program area of the web site http://www2.boisestate.edu/vpsa/. If you encounter any difficult situations with students, in or out of the classroom, review the web site and also feel free to contact your department chair and/or the appropriate Extended Studies program director or campus coordinator. If you encounter a situation that is threatening to you or other students, please seek assistance and/or guidance from the above persons.
How do I assist students in distress?

Faculty may be one of the first representatives of the university to recognize symptoms of student distress.

You can have a profound effect on students when you acknowledge that you are aware of their distress, are sincerely concerned about their welfare, and are willing to help them explore options.

The following are guidelines from the Boise State Counseling Center for intervening when you believe a student can benefit from making a connection with campus resources designed to help:

  • Request to see the student in private. This should help minimize embarrassment and defensiveness. Show respect for the student. It is especially important to maintain confidentiality in times of crisis.
  • Briefly share your observations and perceptions of the student’s situation. Express your concerns directly and honestly.
  • Listen carefully. Try to see the issues from the student’s point of view without agreeing or disagreeing.
  • Attempt to identify the problem. Is the student connected with any ongoing resources? You can help by exploring options to deal with the concern.
  • Acknowledge inappropriate or strange behavior. Comment on what you observe without sounding judgmental. Flexibility in administering established procedures may allow an alienated student to respond more effectively to your concerns.
  • Involve yourself only as far as you are comfortable, then refer the student to the appropriate resources. As you attempt to reach a troubled student, do not become more involved than time or skill permits.

The Counseling Center staff is available to faculty to consult with you about sorting out the relevant issues and exploring alternative approaches.

Licensed professional psychologists and counselors and supervised third year graduate counseling students staff the Center, and peer counselors lead workshops as part of the outreach program. Services are free and available to all students regardless of the number of credits for which they are enrolled.

The Center is located on the north side of the sixth floor in the Education Building, Room 601, and is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The phone number is 426-1661. See also their Web site at http://counseling.boisestate.edu.

By admin | Comments Off

Class Logistics

February 20, 2009 – 9:41 am
How and when do I receive a class roster?
You may access your class roster by logging into BroncoWeb and selecting the “Faculty/Staff/Advisors” option.
What if my roster and students don’t match?
The class roster accurately reflects student actions. If your roster doesn’t match your students, tell the student(s) in question to log in to BroncoWeb to drop or add the class.
Is it all right to start class late or end class early?
Each class meets according to a required number of contact hours. Thus, it is important that you teach your class according to the published dates, days, and times.
Can I move the furniture in my classroom?
Yes, as long as you return it to its original position at the end of the class period. If teaching at another campus, contact your site coordinator.
What if I want to take a field trip?
If the students are driving their own cars, the university is not at risk and the instructor need only notify his department’s main office and, if the course is taught through Extended Studies, the appropriate Extended Studies director. If students are to be transported by a university van, contact the Risk Management Office, 426-1482, or the Extended Studies director, if teaching at another campus, for more information.
By admin | Comments Off

Enrollment-Related Policies

February 20, 2009 – 9:40 am
How do I handle adds and drops?
The instructor’s permission (via a permission number) is required for adds/registrations in accordance with the session deadline dates listed in the “Academic Calendar Deadlines By Session” chart contained in the university “Schedule of Classes” each semester. Your permission numbers are available on BroncoWeb. Check with your department regarding the policy and practices for the classes you are teaching.
If you are teaching at a site other than the main campus or on Knowledge Network, please check with the Extended Studies site or distance education coordinator regarding room capacities before overriding.
Students who are dropping may do so in accordance with the session deadline dates listed in the “Academic Calendar Deadlines By Session” chart in the university “Schedule of Classes” (online at the Registrar’s site). Some students simply stop coming without withdrawing and end up receiving an “F” in the class. It is important for students to know that they must officially drop their class through BroncoWeb. You can view your class list on BroncoWeb to check official registrations.
When students wish to drop after session deadlines, they must first seek permission to drop from the dean or associate dean of the college in which the course is offered. Generally, students are not permitted to drop unless they were passing at the drop deadline and some emergency occurred after the drop deadline. If the dean permits the student to initiate a late drop procedure, the student will then approach the instructor with a drop form seeking the instructor’s permission to drop the course.
How do I handle prerequisite overrides that students are requesting?
Students register on BroncoWeb for courses that have prerequisites without having taken the prerequisite. However, by the fee payment deadline, students must get instructor permission and a permission number to override the required prerequisite. If they do not obtain the number and enter it into BroncoWeb by this time, they will automatically be dropped from the course. Please check with your department regarding the policy and practice for the course you are teaching.
Can I make faculty-initiated withdrawals?
Instructors may withdraw a student through the first 5 days of class for the following reasons:
  • The student fails to attend one of the first two meetings of a class that meets more than once each week.
  • The student fails to attend the first meeting of a class that meets once each week.
  • The student has not satisfied the entrance requirements for the class.
  • The student fails to contact the instructor via phone or email.
For faculty-initiated withdrawal form, go to http://registrar.boisestate.edu/forms/facdrop.pdf.
Students withdrawn from a course for failing to attend these specified class meetings may re-enroll in the course with the instructor’s permission through the 10th day of the semester, if space is available. For more add/drop and withdrawal information, see “Frequently Asked Questions” on the Registrar’s web site at http://registrar.boisestate.edu
What do I do about incompletes?
Instructors can enter a grade of I (for incomplete) if both ofthe following conditions are present:
  • The student’s work has been satisfactory up to the last three weeks of the semester.
  • Extenuating circumstances make it impossible for the student to complete the course before the end of the semester.
To give a student a grade of Incomplete, you must record an ‘I’ on the grade roster and enter the contract information on the Incomplete Contract Page. The Incomplete Contract Page will automatically pop up if you assign a student a grade of incomplete. The student will receive an e-mail that they have a Registrar’s To Do Item on BroncoWeb and the student will have access to the Incomplete Contract terms.
By admin | Comments Off