I have returned from the NASPA conference, and strangely, I have money in my bank account. I guess that’s what a steady diet of peanut butter and a shared hotel room will do for ya (wink).
In all seriousness, I had a wonderful time. I made a couple of contacts, met some wonderful scholars and participated in some great discussions. I came back with great ideas to bring back to my bosses, which they always appreciate. However, when I returned to work on our little online project, I found that the list of instructions I left my webmaster were not completed. Thus, the lack of glorious blog to announce the official launch.
It’s coming…I promise.
I also noticed a lack of response to the homework I assigned you all in my last entry. So let me ask again,
I’m looking to compile a list of resources that will be helpful to adjunct faculty in terms professional development opportunities- grant dollars, conference call for papers, publication opportunities, etc. It is my hope that we can begin to build a directory of options for all adjuncts to begin building their resumes. So once again, I employ you, share these resources. Let’s work together to help each other out. That’s what The New Adjunct is all about.
Another idea that I’ve been running through my head comes from a fabulous comment from a reader of my previous entry. I hope this reader doesn’t mind me sharing their comments. In response to my essay on the plight of the adjunct at a national conference, a reader wrote,
I have been an adjunct online teacher for over 12 years and have wanted to attend conferences yet have not been able to do so for many of the same reasons you stated. I believe a low cost self-created conference for the adjunct would be a great experience providing opportunites to share and compare, as well as a learning environment. These could be locally driven and sponsored by a small conference cost.
What an incredible idea! To you, my faithful reader, I have started inquiring about a way to make this a reality. Here’s my idea, let me know what you think:
A conference specific to adjunct faculty issues that would take place in the next 12-18 months. The conference would put out a call for original research and analyses, as well as developing some learning caucuses. It wouldn’t be much, but certainly worth considering. Oh, I should also mention that the conference would be relatively cost effective- a modest registration fee; thus leaving you with only the cost of travel, lodging and food.
Here’s your additional homework assignment: tell me your thoughts on this potentiality. Is it something you would seek out? Would an adjunct faculty conference be worthwhile to you, and is it something you would pass along to your adjunct faculty colleagues? Your opinions matter exponentially.
First Lady Michelle Obama once remarked, “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. it’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.” As our pursuit of impact and influence on minds, young and old continue, we must continue to help each other take steps to make our marks professionally. I promise you all, The New Adjunct will be here soon, and will do its part to make a mark also. Continue to follow us, and please, do whatever you can to make this great project all it can be.
