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Using a qualitative survey, this study explores the perceptions of university culture and community held by graduate-level online adjunct instructors in two different schools of education. The intention of the research was to determine how the online adjuncts perceived their position within the university community and to solicit recommendations for improving the professional relationship between the schools themselves and their online adjuncts. The findings of this educational research add to the growing body of knowledge highlighting the importance and relevance of enhancing collegiality, communication, and collaboration with and among online adjunct instructors and the possible connection of adjuncts' flourishing to student retention and persistence. Survey results suggested that communication, collaboration, respect, recognition, and systems of support were critical aspects that impacted the perceived climate and culture of adjuncts in an online teaching modality. This research demonstrates one avenue for engaging online adjunct faculty in building a framework for their support based on their own suggestions and recommendations. Universities, departments, or programs that offer multiple opportunities to collaborate may improve course content, collegiality, and connections with online adjunct instructors and the students they serve.
Hofman et al. (Fri,) studied this question.