Abstract
Through professional reflection and contextualisation, this author recounts the relational circumstances and rationale for her reflection piece for the Teaching Excellence Programme (TEP): the inauguration of The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences Onboarding & Mentorship Programme at Humber. The piece recalls the silent tumult one college professor encounters when her professional distinction shifts from contractual to full-time college faculty member. The initial news of the promotion produces joy and relief. However, once she begins TEP, those initial sentiments are eclipsed by a private, unexpected ambivalence. Ultimately, her experience as contract faculty provides the basis for the reflection piece, this unconventional reflection on the reflection piece, increased insight and unexpected awareness of the programme’s relevance to her role at Humber.
Note:
This article is part of a series derived from Humber Polytechnic's Teaching Excellence Program (TEP). Recent graduates of the program were invited to select and submit work from their time in the program to JIPE. These reflective works offer an engaging glimpse into faculty perspectives, their approaches to teaching and learning, and their experiences as educators.
References
Bauer, T.N. (2010). Onboarding new employees: Maximizing success. Alexandria, VA: Society for Human Resource Management.
Lumpkin, A. (2011). A model for mentoring university faculty. The Educational Forum, 75(4), 357–368. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131725.2011.602466
Humber Polytechnic – Innovative Learning. (2023). Faculty handbook 2023–2024. Humber Polytechnic. https://humber.ca/innovativelearning/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/23.24_Faculty_Handbook_Humber_vf1-compressed.pdf
OPSEU Local 350. (2025, October 2). Non-full-time faculty. https://local350.ca/non-full-time-faculty/

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