The first role that pops to mind is obviously that of teacher. That is the primary role of faculty at USC and an important role for faculty everywhere. But many of these duties might be accomplished just as effectively by adjunct faculty. In my program, adjunct faculty are carefully selected from a pool of capable and qualified workplace professionals. They help bring an increased sense of realism to the theoretical-based material presented to the students.
Guest speakers can serve the same purpose.
The obvious response is that teaching must not be the only important role that faculty perform in higher education today. Those other crucial faculty roles are what I would like to briefly discuss here. Program viability and vitality Full-time faculty are responsible to insure that state approved programs are current, challenging and meet the standards of external entities including accrediting agencies, employers, state regulators and others. They must also insure that the program reflects the institution s mission and purpose and meets the needs of the state and of course, the students. This is a continual process.