Adjunct Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to submit a new online application although I applied last year?
Yes. Effective Monday, September 25, 2006, individuals that want to be considered for an adjunct faculty position must have a current application in our new online employment system, the STAR System. The application process is designed so that interested applicants can create update, and manage their own application day or night - right from a personal computer. Once an applicant has applied online, the application will be good for one year, considering there is no change.
What are the advantages to the applicant?
The new online employment process, the Star System, offers applicants many advantages, including:
- Viewing of advertised positions online 24 hours per day/7 days per week
- Opportunity to apply for any open position 24/7
- Better communication to applicants in regard to receipt of applications
- Access to monitor the status of your application through an individually assigned, password-protected user account
- Complete basic application information one time and the ability to update/edit, as needed, when applying for other positions
- Answer job-related questions from the hiring supervisor to see who best qualifies for the position
- Transcripts are not a required attachment; however, if the transcript is attached it must be scanned in PDF format. Attachments have a 2MB limit.
- Ability to print the application for your records
How do I submit my transcripts?
Transcripts are not a required attachment; however, if the transcript is attached it must be scanned in PDF format. Attachments have a 2MB limit.
Faxed copies will not be accepted.
Can I submit a paper application instead of an online application?
No. Beginning September 24, 2006, all applicants are required to use the new online application process, the STAR System.
How can I find out about the status of my application?
The new online process, the STAR System, allows applicants the ability to monitor to their application status.
What is the definition of an Adjunct Faculty Instructor?
Adjuncts shall refer to persons who receive a limited appointment to teach a single for-credit course and are assigned no more than half the normal teaching load. Appointment to an adjunct position is subject to overall class enrollments.
What are the credentials an applicant must submit in order to be hired as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor?
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Higher Education Coordinating Board establish standards to which the District adheres to regarding the minimum academic credentials for all members of the faculty.
- Most academic adjuncts must have earned and document a master’s degree with at least 18 graduate hours in the teaching specialty.
- Some adjunct positions in developmental studies (reading, writing and math) and English as a second language require documentation of a bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in the teaching field. Applicants should confirm the educational requirements for a position when applying online.
- Qualifications for teaching occupational/technical courses require at least three years of related work experience and an associate’s degree in the teaching field.
What types of foreign transcripts are accepted by Lone Star College System?
It is the applicant’s responsibility to have the foreign transcripts evaluated prior to applying for the position. Please view
http://www.naces.org/members.htm for the list of acceptable evaluation companies recognized by Lone Star College System.
How much will I get paid as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor?
The Adjunct pay rate for most of the disciplines is $36.00/contact hour. The pay rate multiplied by the course contact hours (varies from 48 hours to 128 hours) gives you the amount you will be paid per semester per course. This amount is then divided by the number of payroll periods (varies from 1 to 7) to give you the amount of gross pay per pay period.
What is the pay schedule for 2006?
The number of paychecks in a semester varies and is determined by the District Payroll Department. Pay dates are on the last day and the 15th of the month. The first paycheck is usually disbursed about 4 weeks after the beginning of the semester.
Do I get my paycheck by Mail or by Direct Deposit?
All part-time and full-time employees of the Lone Star College System have been required to use direct deposit since September, 2004. The only other option that can be selected is the use of a debit card. Because the banks hosting debit card accounts charge fees for the service, this option is the least-favored by employees.
If this is the first time that you will teach for the district and your direct deposit is not set up in time for the first pay period, you will receive the first paycheck by mail.
Why do I have to enroll in TIAA-CREF Retirement Plan if I am a part-time employee?
The Lone Star College System does not participate in the Social Security system so, per federal mandate, we have to provide an alternative retirement plan. TIAA-CREF is for part-time employees who are not currently on the TRS plan (i.e., those who are not currently working full-time at another Texas college district or public school).
How much will I be paid if I was hired as a substitute teacher?
The current pay rate for a substitute teacher for most disciplines is $21.00/hour. The pay rate multiplied by the actual hours substituted in a class determines the gross amount that you will be paid.
Are there any other benefits available to Adjunct (part-time) Instructors?
You are eligible for a Tax-Deferred Annuity benefit and a Sick Leave benefit when you become a part-time instructor for Lone Star College System. Each adjunct faculty member is allowed to take 1/16 of the contact hour load per semester. No carry-over is allowed from one semester to the next.
How do I get in contact with the students outside of the classroom?
Each Adjunct Faculty will be assigned a Web E-mail account with Lone Star College System, a voicemail number and a mailbox located on the campus where you teach. You are strongly encouraged to use the Lone Star College System e-mail rather than your personal e-mail and your personal phone number.
Can a current Lone Star College System non-faculty, non-exempt employee teach as an adjunct?
A current non-faculty, non-exempt employee can teach as an adjunct as long as the adjunct pay is higher than what the employee would make earning time and a half at their regular non-exempt position.
- The non-exempt employee will need to meet the Submission of Credentials for adjunct hiring.
- The supervisor must approve extra Jobs in advance.
What should I do if I move and my address is different than the one I put on my application?
You must notify your Department Chair or Division Coordinator of the change. A new form will be provided for you to sign and return to the respective Division Office in order to process the change in the system. This is a very important matter, since all of your correspondence (tax forms, etc.) will be sent from the District to the address we have in the system.
Can I use my Student Transcript as an Official Transcript?
No. The Official Transcript should be in a sealed envelope (never opened), preferably sent directly from your institution to the department chair or dean.
Am I able to choose the textbook for my class?
Probably not. The textbook is decided by the respective Chair for most of the disciplines. You will be given a desk copy to use from the Division Office or from you respective Department Chair.
What does Lone Star College-North Harris expect from an adjunct faculty member?
Be an exceptional teacher – that’s essential. You are also required to fulfill some administrative functions such as: attend the Adjunct Faculty In-Service meeting each Fall and Spring, turn in your syllabus, hiring paperwork, Official Day Roll and Memorandum of Assignment. In addition, routinely check Lone Star College System e-mail, be accessible to students and staff, enter grades into the system and turn in hard copies
on time.
Whom to Contact for What
The first point of contact is your immediate supervisor. For adjunct faculty, this supervisor will be your respective Department Chair or Program Director.