Katherine Ye Jin Lee

Part-Time Faculty in Art and Design Higher Education: Support & Challenges

This thesis investigates the challenge part-time faculty in art and design higher education face and the institutional support they receive through a case study conducted at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Through an extensive, anonymous and voluntary part-time faculty survey across different departments at RISD, it examines: 1) current perceptions of available institutional & departmental teaching support, 2) teaching approach & practice, and 3) student-faculty engagement. The research aimed to gather data on challenges that are unique to part-time faculty in art and design fields, especially in relation to faculty-student engagement to understand areas where they can be better supported. This was supported by a comprehensive literature review in higher education and part-time faculty challenges, where a gap in data and literature emerged specific to art and design part-time faculty in higher education. The findings of the study revealed the complexity and tension between faculty’s dedication to supporting and teaching their students and their need to balance the commitment and compensation they receive as part-time faculty. Opportunities to foster community and belonging are presented as methods of care and support for part-time faculty.