This webinar explores innovative practices and lessons learned from institutional change initiatives aimed at the equitable recognition and support of VITAL (Visiting, Instructors, Temporary, Adjuncts and Lecturers) faculty. Campus leaders from Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, recipients of the 2024 Delphi Award, discussed the policies, practices, and programs their institutions have implemented to advance the recognition, status, and participation of VITAL faculty. The presenters addressed core principles that guide their collective work, implementation challenges, and the transferable lessons that can help support VITAL faculty as essential educators on any campus.
Presenters
KC Culver
Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration, University of Alabama; Associate Director, the Delphi Project on the Changing Faculty and Student Success
Sonja Fritzsche
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Administration and Professor of German Studies for the College of Arts & Letters, Michigan State University
Kate Birdsall
Director for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs, Michigan State University
Christiane Healey
Student Success Leadership Fellow, UG Student Success Center & Senior Lecturer II in the Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Michelle Budig
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Eve Weinbaum
Professor of Sociology & Labor Studies in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Moderator
Adrianna Kezar
Wilbur Kieffer Endowed Professor and Dean's Professor of Leadership, University of Southern California; Director, USC Pullias Center for Higher Education; Director, Delphi Project on the Changing Faculty and Student Success
Host
Ashley Finley
Vice President for Research and Senior Advisor to the PresidentAAC&U
About the Delphi Award
The annual Delphi Award, presented by the University of Southern California’s Pullias Center for Higher Education and AAC&U, gives a $15,000 cash award to two universities annually that support VITAL (also known as contingent) faculty in pursuing strategic priorities such as student learning and community engagement. The Delphi Award is generously funded by the TIAA Institute.