Essential Issues FAQ

 

This FAQ addresses the most essential questions regarding the adjunct faculty experience at The Chicago School. Most of this information can be found in other parts of the Adjunct Faculty Portal website.

 


What should I do if I have to cancel class or if I'm running late?

Class Cancellation/Delay Procedures:
Please contact the Facilities department at 312.410.8962 or at reception@thechicagoschool.edu with all class cancellations. You will need to give the following information to the receptionist: Course name, number and time, the location of the class and if you need the students to be cancelled.

In addition, contact:

  1. Your Department Manager
  2. Emailing your students (to TCS email from your TCS email) as early as possible


Inclement Weather:
In the event the school closes due to weather related conditions there are four ways for you to access the information:

  1. Visit our campus advisory website at http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Emergency_Information/Emergency_Evacuation for the latest campus updates or call 312.467.2100.
  2. Call our main number at 800-750-5579 for the latest closing or class cancellation information.
  3. Either listen to the radio or watch TV. Announcements will be made on the following radio and TV stations: WGN Radio 720 AM, WBBM Radio 780 AM, CBS
  4. Ch. 2, NBC Ch. 5, ABC Ch. 7, WGN Ch. 9, WFLD Fox, CLTV cable
  5. Check the Emergency Closing Center website at www.emergencyclosings.com

To get automatically notified of closings for any reason, add your personal e-mail address or cell phone to the emergency notification system.  Your school e-mail address is already setup to receive these notifications.

When do I get paid?

Adjunct faculty are paid once a month.  Enrolling in direct deposit is highly recommended and the form can be found at this link: Downloadable Forms


What are my administrative requirements during the teaching term?

Of primary importance are submitting attendance for the first two class meetings and submitting final grades through the ePortal system. Instructions for both can be found in this ePortal guide.  Please note that attendance must be submitted within 24 hours after your class ends.
Submitting mid-term grades is not required, but it is recommended that you keep students apprised of their progress throughout the semester. One way is to utilize the Gradebook function in the eCollege system.


What if I can't log into my email or ePortal account?

With so many systems in our lives, it is pretty easy to forget a password. In order to have your password reset, please call or email the Central Help Desk at (312) 467-8600 or helpdesk@thechicagoschool.edu.  Please also contact Stephen Mack if you do not receive assistance in a reasonable amount of time.


Am I required to keep office hours?

You are not required to keep office hours. However, it is highly recommended that you provide students a regular time slot during which they can contact you. If possible, one hour before or after class works well. You may provide your cell phone number if you wish, but that is not required. In addition, be sure to communicate your turnaround time clearly. For example, if you are not available on weekends, mention this on the syllabus. If you can return emails within 24 hours, please specify that as well.


How do I use the classroom technology?

All of our classrooms are "smart" and come equipped with projectors, computers, DVD players, and other media. Here is a guide to using classroom technology.


How do I get more involved in the Chicago School community?

There are a number of ways to involve yourself at TCS. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) workshops for faculty development and improving pedagogical practices are held throughout the year. The Cultural Impact Conference is a great opportunity for adjunct faculty to get involved in important conversations at The Chicago School regarding multicultural issues. In addition, there are other speakers, colloquia, and symposia held throughout the year on-campus. If you wish to present, contact Stephen Mack, Adjunct Faculty Coordinator.

If there are other courses you wish to teach, speak with your course lead.