Part-Time Faculty Observation Process

Classroom observation of adjunct instructors is essential to ensure instructional quality, provide constructive feedback, and support professional development. These observations also inform decisions about future teaching assignments.

The evaluator should remain impartial keeping fairness in mind. The observation should be used to enhance the student’s learning experience by identifying the instructor’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Observations should be conducted by the adjunct’s immediate supervisor. If the discipline has a program coordinator, the coordinator should carry out the observations. If not, the academic dean is responsible for conducting the observation.

Adjunct faculty will be observed once during their first two semesters of teaching. If the instructor is meeting expectations following these initial observations, subsequent observations will occur once every three years. All observations should be reviewed with the adjunct faculty member within one week of the observation.

Student evaluations will be completed for each course, each semester, that the adjunct faculty member instructs. These evaluations will be provided to the instructor after final grades have been submitted and will also be reviewed by the academic dean. Any noteworthy comments, trends, or results will be discussed with the instructor to support ongoing professional growth and instructional effectiveness.

Process

1. Schedule the Observation
   1. Coordinate with the adjunct instructor to choose a mutually agreeable date and time.
   2. Observe a class that represents typical instruction (not a review or test day).
2. Review Course Materials
   1. Instructor provides course syllabus and lesson plan for the observation day.
3. Review Observation Criteria and Rubric
4. Conduct the observation and Complete the Rubric
   1. Arrive 5-10 early to minimize disruption
   2. Sit quietly in the back of the room to avoid interfering with class activities.
   3. Stay for the entirety of the class (50- and 75-minute classes only). 
   4. For evening and lab courses, stay long enough to establish a good basis for review.
   5. Be objective and focus on observable behaviors and instructional practices.
   6. Complete the rubric promptly and include both performance indicators and written comments.
   7. Balance strengths with areas for improvement and provide specific examples 
5. Follow-up meeting
   1. Share the completed observation and discuss observations and comments.
   2. Allow the instructor to add comments of their own.
   3. Both the adjunct instructor and the observer should sign the observation.
   4. Allow the instructor to reflect on the class session.
   5. Offer guidance and resources for improvement if needed.
   6. If concerns are identified, schedule a second observation and provide additional support.
   7. Document any follow-up actions or progress for future reference.
6. Submit Documentation
   1. All observation rubrics should be shared with the adjunct instructor, retained in division records, and sent to Human Resources and Academic Affairs.