Date of Award
Spring 5-22-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Dr. Caitlin Black
Second Advisor
Dr. Dimitris C. Papadopoulos
Third Advisor
Dr. Elizabeth Maynard
Abstract
This thesis investigates the challenge part-time faculty in art and design higher education face and the institutional support they receive through a case study conducted at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Through an extensive, anonymous and voluntary part-time faculty survey across different departments at RISD, it examines: 1) current perceptions of available institutional & departmental teaching support, 2) teaching approach & practice, and 3) student-faculty engagement. The research aimed to gather data on challenges that are unique to part-time faculty in art and design fields, especially in relation to faculty-student engagement to understand areas where they can be better supported. This was supported by a comprehensive literature review in higher education and part-time faculty challenges, where a gap in data and literature emerged specific to art and design part-time faculty in higher education. The findings of the study revealed the complexity and tension between faculty’s dedication to supporting and teaching their students and their need to balance the commitment and compensation they receive as part-time faculty. Opportunities to foster community and belonging are presented as methods of care and support for part-time faculty.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Katherine Ye Jin, "Part-Time Faculty in Art and Design Higher Education: Support & Challenges" (2026). Masters Theses. 1631.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1631
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Art Education Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Graphic Design Commons, Higher Education Administration Commons, Higher Education and Teaching Commons, Industrial and Product Design Commons, Instructional Media Design Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons, University Extension Commons