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September 2024 | Issue 2

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Monthly News from CETL

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IN THIS ISSUE

~ Back to the Nest Archive

~ Adjunct Spotlight: Patricia Johnson

~ Reynolds Adjunct Faculty Benefits

~ What's Up With All This 'TILT' stuff?

~ Missed a FLO? We Got You Covered!

Back to the Nest Archive

Back to the Nest logo - red

In late August CETL held their inaugural Back to the Nest (BTTN) event—a three-day celebration packed with professional development opportunities, school meetings, and dedicated time for faculty to prepare for their classes. If you missed a session (or want to rewatch one you attended) please check out our BTTN website for all our session recordings, slides, handouts, and all other resources.

Visit the BTTN Website

Adjunct Spotlight: Patricia Johnson

Patricia Johnson headshot

Patricia Johnson

Adjunct Faculty

School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

I am a retired math instructor from Richmond Public Schools. I have always tried to stay up to date with the changes that are occurring in the college classroom and to include technology into the lesson plans. I've been teaching at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College for several years. Since Reynolds was forced to go online because of the Pandemic in 2020, I have taught all the different types of class structures: asynchronous, hybrid, and hyflex, as well as ZOOM lecture sessions.


I use the modules on CANVAS to present the course objectives and concepts. The students are encouraged to stay on task by following the “Pacing Chart” posted in the Syllabus icon on CANVAS. To keep the students engaged in the class, announcements are posted and sent in an email to the students.


In my lecture classes I encourage the students to participate in the class by going to the board, and they are put in groups to complete some assignments. This gives the students the opportunity to explain the work to each other. For the ZOOM lecture classes I use the Breakout rooms to put the students in groups to complete group assignments.


To help the students be successful in the class, videos and notes are posted on CANVAS to cover the objectives and concepts for the course.


I encouraged my students to ask questions and stay after class if they need help.

I have a deep appreciation for the dedication and care Ms. Patricia Johnson brings to her work with our students in the math department. Mathematics can be a source of anxiety for many, yet it is such a crucial foundation for success in STEM fields. Her ability to make this subject approachable and engaging for our students is truly invaluable.


As an adjunct faculty member, her commitment often goes above and beyond, and her impact does not go unnoticed. She plays a vital role in ensuring our students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed, not only in mathematics but in their future academic and professional endeavors.


I am grateful for her hard work and her passion for teaching. Ms. Johnson's efforts to make learning inclusive and supportive for every student truly reflect the heart of our mission. Thank you for all that you do.


Kendra W. Brinkley, Ph.D.

Dean of The School of STEM

Reynolds Community College

Reynolds Adjunct Faculty Benefits

As a part-time employee at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, you are entitled to several benefits designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Here are some highlights of the benefits available to adjunct faculty:

  • Employer contribution for Social Security.
  • Workers' Compensation covering medical benefits for job-related injuries or illnesses.
  • Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) for eligible employees who have met certain work hour requirements.
  • Access to compete for posted job vacancies within the college on the same basis as full-time employees.
  • Participation in financial and insurance programs, such as 403(b) retirement savings, short- and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance, through Fringe Benefits Management Companies (FBMC).
  • Participation in college-sponsored Professional Development Opportunities (PDOs). Work with your supervisor to identify suitable training opportunities.

For more information about these benefits, please reach out to Reynolds Office of Human Resources.

What's Up With All This 'TILT' stuff?

Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) focuses on enhancing clarity and transparency in the design and delivery of assignments and activities in order to improve student engagement and success. Greater transparency can benefit all students, but it shows particular promise for promoting equity for underserved student populations and students in introductory, gateway courses who are adapting to college-level coursework, which connects with the Reynolds Flight Path goals.


Learn more about TILT with the following resources below, including a recent CETL Faculty Learning Opportunity (FLO) by our own Jennifer Hitchcock, here at Reynolds Community College.

Transparency and Problem-centered Learning video thumbnail.

"Transparency and Problem-centered Learning"

Mary-Ann Winkelmes


Overview and results of 2014-2016 Association of American Colleges & Universities study, funded by TG Philanthropy.

High Impact Practices webinar thumbnail

"TILTing Assignments Part 1"

Jennifer Hitchcock


Participants learned how to use transparent design strategies to TILT assignments in order to demystify the purpose, task, and criteria of an assignment to help decrease student anxiety and improve student learning and retention.

Missed a FLO? We Got You Covered!


CETL understands that many adjunct faculty juggle teaching with other commitments and may not always have the flexibility to attend our Faculty Learning Opportunities (FLOs) during regular working hours. That's why we make every effort to record as many FLOs as possible, allowing you to access valuable professional development on your own time. Be sure to check out our library of recorded sessions to stay engaged and enhance your teaching skills when it fits your schedule!

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Visit our FLO Recordings Library

Adjunct Avenue Past Issues Archive

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