Adjunct/FHSU Online Faculty FAQ
Prospective Adjuncts and FHSU Online Faculty
What is the history and mission of FHSU?
What is the governance model at FHSU?
What is the college/department structure at FHSU?
Who makes hiring decisions regarding adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
What are the qualifications for adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
Do I need teaching experience?
Do I need to come to campus?
What is expected of adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
What Learning Management System (LMS) does FHSU use?
What if I've never taught online before?
Are online classes easier to teach?
Are all online classes taught by adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
How will my department make me feel connected?
When and how are adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty paid?
Does FHSU offer tech support for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
How many classes do adjunct and FHSU Online faculty typically teach each semester?
What do I do after being hired as an adjunct or FHSU Online faculty?
How do I apply to be an adjunct or FHSU Online faculty at FHSU?
What is the difference between adjunct faculty and FHSU Online faculty?
Policies
Is there a checklist of tasks to complete for new adjunct and FHSU Online faculty hires?
Do I need to offer office hours?
What is the process for textbook adoptions and changes?
Will I receive a complimentary copy of the textbook for my course(s)?
Will I be reimbursed for photocopies, phone calls, postage, miscellaneous supplies, etc.?
What should adjuncts know about copyright laws?
Where can I locate FHSU official policies?
Does FHSU have control and ownership over intellectual property?
How do I learn about most recent decisions by university administration? Does the university adhere to a strategic plan?
What agency accredits FHSU?
What is FERPA?
What is the Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee?
What is FHSU's policy on the use of social media by adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
What is FHSU's policy on communication with the public regarding university relations?
Are there other obligations or benefits not covered in my contract?
Does FHSU support academic freedom for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
What is the tuition and fees at FHSU?
How do I locate other university employee contact information?
Resources
Does FHSU offer training for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
Is there a syllabus template?
Where do I get a faculty ID card (Tiger Card)?
Do I need a faculty ID card (Tiger Card)?
What services does Forsyth Library provide to adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
What technology support can I receive from FHSU?
Does FHSU provide technical training for technology?
What is TigerNetID?
What is Duo Security and is it required?
How do I access my FHSU email?
Can I automatically forward my FHSU email to another account?
Does FHSU provide free software for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
How do I access shared files on the FHSU server?
How do I set up my technology services after I am hired?
Does FHSU provide funding for adjuncts to participate in conferences or other development opportunities?
Does FHSU provide counseling services for FHSU students?
What is the adjunct's role in educating students with disabilities?
Where can I find the most recent news specific to adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
Do adjuncts receive Google Suite access?
Where can I find dates for the semester?
Teaching
Will I be evaluated by students?
Where can I access student evaluations on my course?
How many students are enrolled in my course?
Where can I find my course roster?
How are course levels identified in the course catalog?
What is the procedure for a student to add a course?
What is the procedure for a student to withdraw from a course?
What is Last Date of Attendance and Participation (LDAP)?
How do I report LDAP?
What is the university's policy for academic integrity?
What tools are available to adjuncts to promote academic integrity?
How do I report grades?
Does FHSU use letter grades for grade reports?
When do I report grades?
What is Workday?
What teaching tasks will be completed via Workday?
How do I report incompletes?
How do I change a grade?
What if a student appeals a grade?
What technologies are available for use in my courses?
Can adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty develop courses for FHSU?
What learning management system (LMS) does FHSU use?
Where can I get support for Blackboard if I'm having issues?
What is the recommended browser for Blackboard?
Can a previous course be copied for the current semester?
Where can I learn more about the tools within Blackboard?
How can I make my course materials accessible for all students?
What is OER?
Does FHSU use anti-plagiarism software within the LMS?
What resources can I recommend to students for help in courses?
How should I address netiquette in online courses and activities?
Current Adjuncts and FHSU Online Faculty
How do I use my faculty email?
Why do I have two email accounts?
Can I add my faculty email to a phone or tablet?
Where do I go for Blackboard help?
Why do I have to enter a Last Date of Attendance when a student drops?
When will I be paid?
What benefits are available for adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
How does the Tiger Fitness Center benefit work?
What type of support should I expect from my department?
Prospective Adjuncts and FHSU Online Faculty FAQ
What is the history and mission of FHSU?
View FHSU's mission statement here.
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What is the governance model at FHSU?
FHSU's governance model is outlined here.
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What is the college/department structure at FHSU?
The college & department structures can be found here.
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Who makes hiring decisions regarding adjunct faculty?
Department chairs and content area experts within the appropriate department recruit and select adjunct and FHSU Online faculty.
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What are the qualifications for adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
A doctorate is preferred. A master's degree is required. Please pay attention to any other required qualifications listed in the position for which you are applying.
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Do I need teaching experience?
While teaching experience is preferred, it is not necessarily required.
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Do I need to come to campus?
Not typically. FHSU is proud to employ faculty from all over the world. With a rich Internet environment and a dedicated faculty support team, FHSU can support you, regardless of where you live.
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What is expected of adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
While particular expectations vary by department, all adjunct and FHSU Online faculty are expected to respond to university communications (whether from students or campus personnel) within 48 hours, complete all grading in a timely manner, maintain their Blackboard Gradebooks and utilize the Early Alert. Also, faculty members are expected to provide their academic departments with complete contact information.
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What Learning Management System (LMS) does FHSU use?
FHSU uses Blackboard and Blackboard Ultra. Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) offers trainings in Blackboard throughout the year. In addition, there are tutorials available for faculty at any time via FHSU's Atomic Learning account. Click here for Blackboard support.
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What if I've never taught online before?
FHSU offers in-house training classes for new adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty. These classes will give you some of the basics of teaching online, as well as cover the technologies that FHSU uses most. Departments are supportive of adjunct faculty, with experienced mentors to guide you. The university's focus on quality means that we support our faculty so that they may succeed in the classroom, whether that classroom is on-campus or online.
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Are online classes easier to teach?
Most faculty who have taught online actually feel teaching online is more challenging. While the online environment provides a great deal of flexibility, instructors must be very clear in all communications, quick to respond to student concerns and questions, and proficient at discussing content in an online environment.
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Are all online classes taught by adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
No. A number of virtual classes are taught by full-time, on-campus faculty.
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How will my department make me feel connected?
Each department has specific provisions for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty. Some maintain a Blackboard course site as a repository of resources; others utilize social media as a platform for interaction and support. Some department chairs Zoom their adjuncts on a regular basis.
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When and how are adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty paid?
Pay for adjunct faculty varies depending on years of service. Adjunct and FHSU Online faculty pay schedules vary based on registration and course delivery method. For more details on payroll, contact the Human Resource Office.
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Does FHSU offer tech support for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
Support for Blackboard and various teaching technologies is provided through Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT). Support for faculty email issues is provided through TigerTech.
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How many classes do adjunct and FHSU Online faculty typically teach each semester?
Adjunct and FHSU Online teaching assignments are based on need and availability within the departments. There are adjuncts who teach only one course each fall or spring, and others who teach several courses each semester.
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What do I do after being hired as an adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
Human Resources follow a hiring and onboarding process which is followed by Technology Services activating the access to the technology platforms you'll need to teach. After that, there's a checklist to make sure you get oriented as a new adjunct or FHSU Online faculty of FHSU.
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What is the Tiger Pact?
By coming to Fort Hays State University, you become a Tiger. By upholding the Tiger Pact, you become a member of the Tiger Family.
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How do I apply to be an adjunct or FHSU Online faculty at FHSU?
Submit an adjunct application.
What is the difference between adjunct faculty and FHSU Online faculty?
In the January 2022 Human Resources Newsletter, they define two types of non-benefits eligible faculty.
- Adjunct Faculty - An employee that teaches on-campus courses. Period Activity Pay (PAP) is initiated by their department within Workday, which generates a contract step for that semester. The appointment form is done outside of Workday and is mailed or emailed to the faculty member by the HR Office.
- FHSU Online Faculty - An employee that teaches online courses. Appointment forms are generated by the HR Office after receiving a SharePoint Workflow request assigning that instructor to a course. The compensation for these courses is uploaded after the 20th day enrollment count, due to proration based on enrollments
Policies
Is there a checklist of tasks to complete for new adjunct and FHSU Online faculty hires?
Yes, view the checklist of recommendations for new adjunct hires.
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Do I need to offer office hours?
In the Faculty Handbook see page 32: Faculty Hours.
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What is the process for textbook adoptions and changes?
In the Faculty Handbook see page 48: Change or Adoption of Textbooks and pages 34-35: Faculty-Authored Textbooks.
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Will I receive a complimentary copy of the textbook for my course(s)?
In the Faculty Handbook see page 109: Complimentary Copies.
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Will I be reimbursed for photocopies, phone calls, postage, miscellaneous supplies, etc.?
Expenses incurred by adjunct faculty teaching courses are reimbursed through the academic department for which the faculty member is teaching. All required expenses should be approved through the department chair before proceeding with any purchases.
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What should adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty know about copyright laws?
Forsyth Library offers a guide to copyright for both instructors and students.
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Where can I locate FHSU policies?
FHSU policies can be found here.
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Does FHSU have control and ownership over intellectual property?
Find information on intellectual property policies here.
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How do I learn about most recent decisions by university administration?
Information can be found in the Presentation section of the Office of the President website.
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Does the university adhere to a strategic plan?
Find FHSU's Strategic Plan here.
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What agency accredits FHSU?
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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What is FERPA?
FERPA stands for Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. More information can be found here.
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What is the Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee?
The Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee exists with the goal to improve the university's understanding of the needs and nature of its adjunct faculty and body. More information can be found here.
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What is FHSU's policy on the use of social media by adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
Kansas Board of Regents outlines their social media policy here.
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What is FHSU's policy on communication with the public regarding university relations?
Information on university relations can be found here. Additionally, see Chapter 8: Public Affairs.
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Are there other obligations or benefits not covered in my contract?
Information on benefits and obligations can be found here
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Does FHSU support academic freedom for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
The University supports the principles of academic freedom as expressed in the standards of the American Association of University Professors. More information can be found here.
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What is the tuition and fees at FHSU?
Information on tuition can be found on FHSU's Admissions page.
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Resources
Does FHSU offer training for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
FHSU offers a wealth of training for all faculty, adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty included. Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies (TILT) offers training and support in Blackboard (FHSU's learning management system) and other education technologies. Visit FHSU EdTech Tools Support for more information on the technologies and support offered. In addition, TILT provides training in pedagogical skills through adjunct training courses and other professional development opportunities. Visit the TigerLearn blog for upcoming events to learn more.
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Is there a syllabus template?
Yes, you can find a syllabus template on TigerLearn.
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Where do I get a faculty ID card (Tiger Card)?
Find information about getting a Tiger Card here.
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Do I need a faculty ID card (Tiger Card)?
In the Faculty Handbook, see page 120: Identification Cards.
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What services does Forsyth Library provide to adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
Forsyth Library's services can be found on page 30-32 of the Faculty Handbook or on the Faculty Services page of the library website.
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What technology support can I receive from FHSU?
Learn about technology support here.
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Does FHSU provide technical training for technology?
You can find FHSU technical training here.
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What is TigerNetID?
Find information about TigerNetID from TigerTech.
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What is Duo Security and is it Required?
Duo Security is FHSU's two-factor authentication service that ensures secure access to our services. Duo is required. Learn more about Duo here.
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How do I access my FHSU email?
Once you have activated your TigerNetID, you can access your Outlook email. Click here for more information.
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Can I forward my FHSU email to another account?
FHSU's email policies are outlined here.
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Does FHSU offer free software for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
Fort Hays State University students, faculty, and staff can take advantage of a variety of options to get FREE and/or discounted software for use on their personal devices. Find out about software here.
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How do I access shared files on the FHSU server?
Find FHSU server information here.
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How do I set up my technology services after I am hired?
View our Technology Services Guide here.
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Does FHSU provide funding for adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty to participate in conferences or other development opportunities?
FHSU offers a Faculty Development Fund for all types of faculty.
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Does FHSU provide counseling services for FHSU students?
FHSU offers counseling services through Health and Wellness Services.
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What is the adjunct's role in educating students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities must be afforded equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from all FHSU programs. For information on accessibility visit the Health and Wellness Services page.
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Where can I find the most recent news specific to FHSU adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty?
An adjunct page on the TigerLearn blog provides up-to-date announcements, important dates, and other information that pertains to adjunct and FHSU Online faculty. The rest of the TigerLearn blog provides other information including recordings of trainings and professional development about Blackboard, educational technology tools, and other faculty development.
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Do adjuncts receive Google Suite access?
FHSU offers Google Suite to adjuncts. Learn about available software here.
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Where can I find dates for the semester?
Semester dates can be found on the academic calendar.
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How do I locate other university employee contact information?
Employee contact information can be found on Workday.
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Teaching
Will I be evaluated by students?
In the Faculty Handbook, see page 157-158: Evaluations of Faculty.
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Where can I access student evaluations on my course?
Evaluations can be found on Bluera.
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How many students are enrolled in my courses?
In the Faculty Handbook, see page 91: SALARIES, FHSU Online.
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How are course levels identified in the course catalog?
Course levels are outlined here.
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What is the procedure for a student to add a course?
View the registrar Academic Information, Policies, and Procedures. Additionally, more information can be found in the Faculty Handbook on page 155-156 under Change to Office Enrollment (Add-Withdraw).
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What is the procedure for a student to withdraw from a course?
View the registrar Academic Information, Policies, and Procedures. Additionally, more information can be found in the Faculty Handbook on page 155-156 under Change to Office Enrollment (Add/Withdraw).
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What is Last Date of Attendance and Participation (LDAP)?
Learn about LDAP here.
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How do I report LDAP?
Learn how to report LDAP here.
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What is the University's policy for academic integrity?
Information regarding FHSU's academic integrity policies can be found by visiting Academic Misconduct.
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What tools are available to adjuncts to promote academic integrity?
FHSU offers multiple tools to support academic integrity. Visit our Academic Integrity webpage fro more information regarding these tools.
How do I report grades?
Find Workday Curriculum Management resources and learn to report grades here.
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Does FHSU use letter grades for grade reports?
FHSU uses letter grades in evaluation. Find more information here.
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When do I report grades?
To know when to report grades, view the academic calendar.
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What is Workday?
Workday is FHSU's student web portal. Find out more about Workday here.
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What teaching tasks will be completed via Workday?
View a list of curriculum management resources for Workday here.
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How do I report incompletes?
View page 50 of the Faculty Handbook.
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How do I change a grade?
Student records resources for Workday can be found here.
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What if a student appeals a grade?
For information on the appeal process for undergraduate students, view Grade Appeals, Policies, and Procedures - Undergraduate pages 158-162 of the Faculty Handbook. For information on the appeals process for graduate students, view Graduate School Appeals Policy page 162 of the Faculty Handbook.
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What technologies are available for use in my courses?
Learn about available technologies with TILT. You can also find information about EdTech tool at Tiger Learn.
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Can adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty develop courses for FHSU?
Adjunct instructors may participate in course development collaboratively with a full-time faculty member and receive a stipend based on the type of course and extent of participation. All faculty members who develop courses with TILT sign a separate “work for hire” contract that spells out their responsibilities and rights. FHSU retains copyright for courses developed. For more information view page 29 in the Faculty Handbook, and visit TILT's Course Development page.
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What learning management system (LMS) does FHSU use?
FHSU uses Blackboard. Visit TILT for more information.
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Where can I get support for Blackboard if I'm having issues?
Information about Blackboard and Blackboard support can be found here.
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What is the recommended browser for Blackboard?
Find suggested browsers for your device here.
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Can a previous course be copied for the current semester?
Course copy information can be found here.
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Where can I learn more about the tools within Blackboard?
You can learn more about Blackboard tools from TILT.
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How can I make my course materials accessible for all students?
TILT offers an Accessibility Checklist to aid in making courses accessible.
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What is OER?
OER stands for Open Educational Resource. You can find information on OERs here.
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Does FHSU use anti-plagiarism software within the LMS?
FHSU uses SafeAssignment for checking plagiarism.
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What resources can I recommend to students for help in courses?
Online Tutoring and the Writing Center both offer student support. Forsyth Library provides Ask A Librarian research help to help students find, evaluate, use, and cite information resources - they can contact a librarian using live chat, email, phone, text, schedule a research appointment or walk-in.
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How should I address netiquette in online courses and activities?
Faculty are encouraged to post information about netiquette and their own netiquette policies in their course syllabi.
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Current Adjuncts FAQ
How do I use my faculty email?
In order to obtain access to FHSU email, new faculty must complete the appropriate Technology Services Procedures.
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Why do I have two email accounts?
All faculty and staff receive an Outlook email account (fhsu.edu). This is the official communication tool used by FHSU to distribute information to FHSU faculty and staff.
FHSU Technology Services also provides a Google mail account (mail.fhsu.edu) for everyone associated with FHSU. For students, this is the standard email address. For faculty and staff, this is an "extra" account. Many faculty use this account to access Google Apps, and then use these Apps within their classes. Of course, some faculty do not use their Google FHSU email account, and that is fine too. This account is, more or less, for faculty to do with as they please.
For more information about faculty email, contact TigerTech.
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Can I add my faculty email to a phone or tablet?
An option many faculty use to simplify their access, is to add Outlook email account to their phones/tablets.
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Where do I go for Blackboard help?
Email FHSU Blackboard support or you can consult a number of brief tutorials at the Blackboard On Demand Learning Center or through your Atomic Learning account. Your Atomic Learning account can be accessed from your menu bar within Blackboard.
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Why do I have to enter a Last Date of Attendance when a student drops?
Federal financial aid is based partly on days of attendance. Depending on when a student drops, s/he may be held responsible for a portion of tuition and fees. Holding students accountable helps prevent financial aid fraud, protecting FHSU's financial integrity. For more information on last date of attendance concerns, contact May Schumacher in student fiscal services.
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When will I be paid?
Adjunct pay schedules vary based on registration and course delivery method. For more details on payroll, contact the Human Resource Office.
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What benefits are available for adjunct and FHSU Online faculty?
There are several benefits to working at Fort Hays State University. Refer to the Benefits for Adjunct Faculty PDF for information about the benefits are available from anywhere and the benefits that are available in Hays, KS.
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How does the Tiger Fitness Center benefit work?
Access to the Tiger Fitness Center in Cunningham Hall is available to all FHSU faculty free to charge (including adjuncts and FHSU Online faculty). You just need your Tiger ID Card to enter the Tiger Fitness Center. If you are interested in a family membership for the Wellness Center, you will need to visit the Intramural Office in Cunningham Hall 111 to pay for adding family members to the benefit.
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Where can I find my course roster?
Find your course roster on Workday.
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What type of support should I expect from my department?
Each department has received information and multiple communications from the Adjunct Faculty Advisory Committee to encourage them to implement the Best Practices for Supporting Adjunct Faculty, which has ideas for including, communicating and supporting adjuncts.
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