Guest Faculty

Authors: Dena Plemmons and Michael Kalichman, 2008

Almost any form of research ethics discussion can be significantly enhanced by including representation of diverse perspectives of other senior researchers or faculty. While this could be accomplished by inviting the guest faculty to take full responsibility for a specific lecture or topic, it will often be more useful to simply invite them to bring their perspectives and experience to the discussion. The key is that the purpose of their presence is to bring real world experience to the table, rather than to provide the framework per se for discussion or presentation of the particular topic.

Some possible roles for such faculty guests could include:

  • Participate as a facilitator or resource to small group discussions.
  • Respond to ongoing lecture or discussions on an ad hoc basis.
  • Serve as a respondent to selected questions or presentations by the course instructor or students.
  • Participate as part of a panel of guest faculty to reflect on personal experiences.