When departments support adjunct faculty and help them quickly become acclimated to our University, student success will also grow. The resources on this page are part of OFE’s 360 Degree Support for Adjuncts initiative.
Chairs’ Guide to Supporting Adjuncts
Initially drafted by Catherine Keohane, Associate Director of the Office for Faculty Excellence, and Ellie Esposito, Assistant Dean of the Feliciano School of Business, and based on the results of an adjunct faculty survey, OFE’s Department Chairs’ Guide to Supporting Adjuncts highlights key areas of information and support for chairs to provide adjuncts, helping them to feel like the essential members of the Montclair State University community that they are.
Department Guides for Adjuncts
OFE encourages all chairs to create their own guides with information tailored to adjuncts teaching in their departments. If you don’t have such a handbook already, please use our Department Guide for Adjuncts template. Make a copy of the document, edit it, and share with your adjunct faculty.
Welcome Email
In addition to sharing your department’s guide for adjuncts, send a welcome email at the beginning of each term with information similar to the example below. Download a copy of the welcome email template and adapt it for your department.
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to Fall Semester 2025! We are excited that you will be teaching for us this semester.
Whether you are new to our department or a veteran, here are some key pieces of information for the semester:
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- Important departmental contacts: [Add chair contact information along with that of other department contacts by roles or responsibilities]
- Fall 2025 Academic calendar highlights:
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14-Week Session
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- Session A: Friday, 8/29/2025 – Wednesday, 12/17/2025
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7-Week Sessions
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- Session B: Friday, 8/29/2025 – Friday, 10/17/2025
- Session C: Monday, 10/27/2025 – Wednesday, 12/17/2025
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Calendar Details
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- August 28: Opening Day (No Classes)
- August 29:
- First Day of Session A – Classes meet on a Monday schedule
- First Day of Session B – Classes meet on a Monday schedule
- September 1: Labor Day (No Classes)
- October 17: Last Day of Session B
- October 18 – 26: Fall Break (No Classes)
- October 27: First Day of Session C
- November 26 – 30: Thanksgiving Break (No Classes)
- December 15: Classes meet on a Thursday schedule
- December 16: Classes meet on a Friday schedule
- December 17:
- Last day of Session A
- Last day of Session C
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Final Grades: See the Registrar’s website for due dates and detailed instructions. Grades must be entered via Banner Self-Service on NEST.
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- Office space is available for adjuncts in [____________] ; contact [___________]_ for access information.
- Printing and copying: [add your department’s information/policy here]
- Office supplies: [indicate whether and where these are available to adjuncts]
- Loaner laptops: Information for faculty and staff; information for students.
- Classroom technology support: Problems with classroom technology? Call 973-655-7971, and choose option 4, Audio-Visual Classroom Emergencies.
- Canvas and instructional technology support: Contact ITDS (itds@montclair.edu) or schedule a consultation.
- Faculty development resources: The Office for Faculty Excellence (OFE) provides year-round, confidential faculty development support, including workshops and consultations.
- Visit OFE’s Practical Details for Instructors and Adjunct Essentials for other key links.
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Department meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at ________________. Adjuncts are welcome, but not required, to attend. [Add information about meetings, if relevant]
Please take a moment to complete or update your faculty profile page.
Further information is included in our department’s Guide for Adjuncts [Add link to / attach your department’s guide]. If you have questions, please reach out to me [or appropriate contact person(s) in the department].
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 1:00 pm
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