Letter to the Editor

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Dear Editor,

I am writing in reference to an article published in the February 13 volume, “Addressing the elephant in the college”.

First, the story subtitle implied tension between administration and adjunct faculty. I would never have characterized that there was “hostile interplay” precisely between these two groups. Let me share why.

•A survey was done in October, 2012 on our adjunct faculty; 628 to be precise.

•We had 350 respondents and we found that 91% of adjunct faculty indicated they were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” teaching at JCCC.

While I have heard some heart-wrenching stories from some adjuncts, our data show that only 9% of adjuncts were less than satisfied with their positions at JCCC. This should not diminish the fact that “some” adjuncts have not had very positive experiences. As adjunct professors, we continue to try to build a more collaborative workplace

Second, as an adjunct advocate, I have always tried to build relationships across campus with individuals in administrative roles, but not at the expense of building relationships with my fellow faculty (adjuncts and FT alike). I think relationship building was overshadowed by the author’s misperception that interactions among part-time faculty and administration is hostile.

Finally, I want to share that there are many, many supportive faculty and staff here at JCCC. Yes, I am an adjunct advocate and there are issues to consider but people have looked out for me, and my children, which is a debt I can never repay.

Irene Schmidt, M.A., Adjunct Professor of Spanish, Faculty Senate Secretary

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