faculty appointments
active adjunct faculty members
average number of students in SPCS classes
Effective teaching is at the heart of the School, part of the fabric of the Richmond experience. The resources provided below offer tips and tools for faculty training and improvement, along with links to forms and resources needed to teach and administer classes effectively.
The Innovations in Teaching framework defines teaching innovations along 14 dimensions. SPCS gives an annual Innovations in Teaching Award to an adjunct faculty member who demonstrates innovative teaching practices. Nominations for the annual award are generally due in early December.
Our Online Resources for Teaching & Learning have been collected by a committee of adjunct and full-time faculty, spearheaded by Bob Spires and John Zinn. This collection is updated as new tools and resources become known and available.
The University has collected tips, resources and techniques for ensuring that students are able to continue making progress toward their degrees regardless of circumstances. Recent experience with the coronavirus pandemic reveals the importance of making a plan to continue instruction. The following summarizes primary recommendations:
In the case of an active shooter: Avoid. Deny. Defend. University of Richmond Police recommend watching this video illustrating the value and effectiveness of this response to an active shooter on campus.
All campus emergency alerts are posted to alert.richmond.edu and sent by email to your Richmond account. Log in to BannerWeb to opt into emergency communication by phone and text to ensure speedy receipt of emergency communications.
Prepare yourself for emergencies on campus by reviewing what you should do in case of natural disasters and other hazards when on campus.
Faculty meetings are held early in the spring and fall semesters. SPCS Night and Commencement are held early in May.
You may wish to participate in Affirming Space Training to support members of Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.
If you are interested in additional employment opportunities at Richmond, visit SPCS job postings or the HR online jobs site.
Free and discounted professional development opportunities are available for all faculty; review the list on the Adjunct Resources page.
The Dean’s Impact Fund provides annual, unrestricted financial support to advance the mission of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS). The fund is intended to strengthen student success and outcomes by supporting initiatives, programs, and individuals that contribute directly to the academic and co-curricular experience. The fund especially seeks to address barriers that impede student achievement or limit program effectiveness.
SPCS faculty and staff may apply for funds. The Fund operates on an annual cycle with the following deadlines:
Applications are reviewed individually and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For further information or questions, contact Joe Torrence, Director of Community Engagement and External Relations, at joe.torrence@richmond.edu.
Laura Fitrer, GC’16, has been named to Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR)’s flagship program, Leadership Quest, as a member of the class of 2026. Each year, LMR welcomes a diverse group of community leaders into Leadership Quest. This ten-month experience equips participants with the tools to drive lasting change in the greater Richmond region.
Tom Shields, chair of graduate education and associate professor of education and leadership studies, moderated a rare meeting of the Richmond Public Schools Board and the Richmond City Council, including Superintendent Jason Kamras and Mayor Danny Avula. This was the first meeting of the two leadership groups since 2022.
Dr. Tom Shields, chair of the SPCS graduate education program and associate professor of education and leadership studies, received the Distinguished Faculty Service Award for the School of Professional and Continuing Studies during University of Richmond Colloquy on Wednesday, August 20.
Bob Spires, associate professor of education, has been recognized for leading a workshop for educators at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The recognition is posted in an institutional news brief and Facebook post.
