Teaching some 40% of the courses at Concordia, the part-time faculty’s value to the university’s educational richness is unmistakable, according to Maria Peluso.
“Part-time faculty bring an applied knowledge but also a pedagogical one to thousands of students,” says Peluso, part-time Political Science Lecturer and President of the Concordia University Part-time Faculty Association (CUPFA).
“This unique view can only improve students’ perspective of their education and their future careers. I think Concordia’s reputation is only enhanced by having such faculty in our classrooms.”
To underscore their importance to the overall quality of Concordia teaching and research, the first part-time faculty showcase will be held Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The exhibition in the LB Atrium will feature recent publications, ongoing research and creative works from part-time lecturers currently teaching across all Faculties. The lecturers will be available at their individual tables to discuss their work.
“I’m really moved the Office of the Provost is providing the leadership to acknowledge the research contributions of part-time faculty,” says Peluso.
Following a short introductory ceremony, there will be separate performances from Craig Morrison of the Department of Music, and from Kate Bligh and Harry Standjofski of the Department of Theatre.
Peluso hopes the showcase will lead to increased research funding for parttime faculty members interested in advancing their research and creative endeavours. The showcase will come on the heels of Campus Equity Week, an annual event organized by faculty associations and organizations on campuses throughout North America.
Campus Equity Week serves to bring together members of diverse groups on campuses to provide information about their services, to share labour concerns about working conditions or to advance fair employment practices. This year’s theme is Diversity of the University Community.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day from Oct. 26 to 28, a number of tables will be set up in the LB Atrium. Among those offices represented at Equity Week will be CUPFA, the Ombudsperson, the Code of Rights and Responsibility, the Dean of Students Office, the Teaching and Research Assistants at Concordia union, Sustainable Concordia and People’s Potato.
“It’s a chance to reach out to students and bring us closer together,” says Peluso. “CUPFA thinks it’s important during Equity Week to underscore what we have in common and to share what our community is all about.”
Related links:
• CUPFA
• Campus Equity Week
