The Chair’s Perspective on Part-Time Faculty in Departments of Pharmacy Practice: Benefits and Consequences

• In Event: Measuring and Improving the Teaching Skills of Health Professions Faculty

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe benefits and consequences of part-time faculty in departments of pharmacy practice from the Chair’s perspective. A stratified purposive sample of 12 chairs was selected from the total population. Eleven telephone interviews were conducted.
Two investigators independently read interview notes, categorized and enumerated responses to determine major themes using content analysis methods. The investigators jointly reviewed the data and came to consensus on major themes. Benefits include faculty retention and individual faculty work/life balance. Consequences include managing individual and departmental workload, marginalizing part-time faculty, and promotion and tenure issues. All the requests to switch to part-time status were faculty driven and most were approved. Clear expectations need to be established for optimal success.

Authors

• Nancy F. Fjortoft, Midwestern University

• Susan R. Winkler, Midwestern University

• Thy Mai, Midwestern University