Adjunct Faculty Development Program

Adjunct faculty are essential to the teaching mission of Virginia Tech, bringing real-world expertise and diverse professional backgrounds into the classroom. We recognize, however, that adjunct instructors often face unique challenges in accessing teaching-related professional development—whether due to variable schedules, remote locations, or other commitments.

To help meet these needs, CETL offers a range of flexible, accessible professional development opportunities designed specifically with adjunct faculty in mind. These resources aim to support effective teaching, foster connection, and build long-term, sustainable support for our adjunct community. In addition to the below adjunct focused opportunities, all CETL designed and offered professional development opportunities are open to adjunct faculty. Please see our programs and services websites for more information or email teaching@vt.edu with any questions.

Adjunct New Faculty Welcome

Virginia Tech’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning invites adjunct faculty to participate in our Asynchronous New Faculty Welcome—a flexible, self-paced video designed to introduce you to key strategies for getting your class off to a great start, teaching resources, and support services. Whether you're teaching in person or online, near or far from campus, this opportunity provides you the opportunity to learn on your own schedule. Registration will gain access to the Adjunct Community of Practice Canvas course where the New Faculty Welcome resources are located and previous community of practice (CoP) meetings videos and resources.

Adjunct Faculty Community of Practice

Adjunct faculty play a major role in the success of colleges and universities in the United States, bringing a plethora of professional experience from business and industry into the classroom. Many adjunct faculty experience challenges with accessing professional development opportunities associated with teaching responsibilities secondary to unique schedules and/or geographical locations in relation to the university. This community of practice (CoP) is designed to provide a platform to connect with other Virginia Tech faculty members who share similar experiences. 

Attend any, or all, of the meetings based on your schedule. All meetings will be held on Fridays via Zoom. Sign up for the Adjunct/Contingent Faculty CoP by completing the registration form below and you will receive the Zoom link for the first meeting. The potential for recording of each session be dependent upon live participants’ agreement.  

• September 5, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Canvas Tips and Tricks with Danielle Thacker, Senior Learning Technologies Specialist
• October 3, 12:00–1:00 p.m. UDL Principles for Assessment and Assignment Design with Pearl Xie, Director of Universal Design for Learning and Accessibility Services
• November 7, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Prepping for the End of the Semester: Grading Tips, Last Day of Class Plans, and Reflection