In a university statement released Tuesday by SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno, he announced a proposed pilot project that would have qualified alumni serve as temporary volunteers to deliver individual lectures, seminar discussions, mentor students and add different perspectives on thesis committees.

“This is a proposed pilot project developed in collaboration with the SIU Alumni Association to connect qualified alumni with our students as mentors to enhance – not replace – the work of our faculty,” Montemagno said through a statement.

Having alumni volunteers provide their expertise will benefit current faculty, students and alumni, according to the statement.

“This exploratory project simply fosters the ability of academic programs to identify and connect with potential adjunct faculty already invested in the university,” according to the statement.

The goal of the project is to create a selection of potential adjuncts with advanced degrees to volunteer for up to three years, according to the statement.

According to the statement, the proposed project will engage alumni who want to give back to their university. The adjunct volunteers can serve as mentors, role models and future professional contacts for the graduate school, the statement said.

Many departments welcome occasional adjunct faculty bringing expertise that adds to the student experience and the overall skill of the faculty, the statement said.

“This approach is in compliance with university policy,” Montemagno said through the statement. “The use of adjuncts is not unusual on our campus and in higher education generally.”

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