Expectations of Faculty

At the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS), faculty contribute greatly to the school's reputation of excellence. Our faculty possess the highest of academic credentials. Those teaching in our business and professional programs are also experts in today's most vital professions. The faculty lead an array of educational experiences that promote academic scholarship, analytical thinking, and workplace relevance.  

The expectations of faculty hired through SCPS are aligned with those of faculty-wage (adjunct) employment at the University of Virginia as described in Faculty Wage Employment Policies. Salaried faculty adhere to the expectations of employment of Academic General Faculty (Tenure-Ineligible).   

Email is the School's official means of communication with all SCPS faculty and students. All faculty are required to establish and use a UVA eservices email account following these directions. Please follow every step in the instructions, paying particular attention to all parts of Step 3. This will ensure you have a “deliverable” UVA email address. Please ensure that your email account is active in the UVA system. If you experience difficulties in setting up your email account, please contact the UVA IT Helpdesk.

Your SCPS contract will be sent to your UVA eservices email only via DocuSign. Please do not forward your UVA email address to another email address; doing so will prevent you from receiving your SCPS contract for instruction or professional services. Without your signed SCPS contract, payment may be delayed or cancelled. 

Because of the unique requirements associated with teaching adult students, SCPS has delineated specific expectations that describe how its faculty will be successful using all delivery modes of instruction. These expectations are supported by “best practices” in teaching adult students; tying current research in the discipline or area of study to expertise in practice; and engaging with colleagues and students in person, by phone, online, or through emerging media.

An orientation is required of all new and returning faculty, which includes the review of the Faculty Teaching Guide. The Guide provides important information for faculty to prepare for their teaching responsibilities. Program directors will also reach out to new faculty to serve as a resource for questions following review of the Guide.  All faculty will be asked to review the Guide at the beginning of each academic year to keep current on important updates with SCPS expectations.

An instructional design workshop is required of all new faculty (full-time, part-time or adjunct), which is available both in-person and online in a multi-session format. The online group sessions and activities provide useful information to help faculty prepare for their courses, and include pertinent information that guides them through the facilitation of their courses.

Throughout the Academic Year, faculty are invited to attend opportunities not only for peer collaboration, networking, and mentoring, but also for enhanced understanding of teaching adult learners.  These opportunities will be posted in the SCPS Faculty Community Canvas site which serves to:

  • Build a community and foster a sense of belonging
  • Facilitate communication and information sharing
  • Complement SCPS HR’s onboarding/orientation for new faculty
  • Enhance teaching excellence

In addition to specific contractual obligations, faculty are expected to fulfill some common expectations. Expectations, particularly those in the professional development and service areas, will vary depending on faculty status.  Adjunct faculty, for example, do not have the same level of “Engagement With and Service Expectations at SCPS”.

 

AREAS OF EMPHASIS

EXPECTATIONS OF FACULTY

   

Academic Responsibilities

1. Provide instruction, classroom management, and a vibrant, challenging, and engaging academic experience for students

   

 

2. Utilize the principles of adult learning in order to include and benefit from the experiences and backgrounds of the students

   

 

3. Provide effective academic advising for students; mentor students' research projects; hold student workshops, etc., as clarified in specific responsibilities

   

 

4. Participate in advising on and implementing curricular improvements through the program review process, new course proposals, etc., as requested by program director

   

Academic & Professional
Development

5. Remain current in one's academic specialty. This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways such as garnering professional recognition in the specialty as evidenced by conference attendance, presentations, awards, grants, peer-reviewed publications or consulting related to areas of academic expertise

   

 

6. Explore, learn, and utilize new instructional techniques, including electronic tools and online instruction

   

Engagement With & Service
to SCPS

7. Contribute through effective collegiality, service, and engagement activities including, but not limited to, faculty orientations, student orientations, information sessions, committee and work group meetings, curriculum development, etc., as appropriate. Offer support and peer mentoring to SCPS faculty colleagues

   

 

8. Serve as an effective partner to advance the programs and services of the School with personnel in programs, administration, marketing, outreach, and student services

   

 

9. Adhere to all requirements applicable to instructors and professionals as described by the SCPS Employment Contract; apply and comply with University and SCPS policies and processes

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