Part-Time Lecturer Support
Presidential Award for Excellence
Congratulations to Wahab Ashraf and Lance C. Thurner, recipients of the inaugural Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Part-Time Lecturer.
The award honors Part-Time Lecturers (PTLs) or adjunct faculty from any discipline who have demonstrated excellence in classroom instruction. Important attributes for consideration include exceptional creativity and/or curricular, pedagogical, or experiential innovations; a deep commitment to excellence in classroom instruction; and demonstrable contributions to student learning and advancement. This award especially recognizes the longer-term institutional impacts that exceptional PTLs may have on strengthening the academic fabric and vitality of programs through their successive teaching at the university over multiple years.
Wahab Ashraf, Part-Time Lecturer II, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, School of Arts and Sciences–Newark, Rutgers University–Newark
Lance C. Thurner, Part-Time Lecturer, Department of History, School of Arts and Sciences–Newark, Rutgers University–Newark
Advancement Opportunities
In 2019, Rutgers University implemented a promotion process for PTLs. Eligible part-time faculty may apply for advancement to the rank of PTL II and PTL III. Successful applicants receive a 9 percent salary increase at each rank, plus other benefits. Applications for advancement are accepted each fall and spring.
Teaching Portfolios are key to the advancement process, and PTLs are encouraged to attend Teaching Portfolio workshops early in their careers. To assist PTLs in developing a dynamic Teaching Portfolio, the university’s Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research hosts interactive workshops each semester. These sessions combine practical tips with portfolio critiques, offering clarity on the process and an outline of materials needed.
Professional Development Fund
Funds for PTLs are available for research, conference expenses, workshops, and specific classroom materials. Applications are accepted each fall, and awards are announced each spring.
In 2022, nearly 80 PTLs received Professional Development Fund awards, and funding totaled more than $100,635. Awards are funded by the Office of the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Details for this annual award program are announced each fall.
