Teaching and Learning

Three female instructors sitting at a table talking at Part-Time Instructor Orientation

Professional Instructors (part-time instructors)

The Office of Faculty Development (OFD) and the Teaching and Learning team are here to support all instructors at WMU, and that means you as a professional instructor. Use this page to explore the most commonly requested resources, and don't hesitate to reach out to the Office of Faculty Development or your faculty fellow with any questions.

Contacts and Hiring Information

Professional instructors are hired through academic departments and units. Your first point of contact for questions is typically the department chair or the administrative assistant for the unit. When you are hired as a PIO professional instructor you will go through an onboarding process with the WMU Human Resources department and they offer a new employee orientation to which you and all new WMU employees are invited. The orientation they offer can answer any questions you have about your contract, paycheck, and the logistics of obtaining an ID and parking permit. You can also visit their website for employee group (PIO) specific information.

Your hiring department may have an onboarding process for new professional instructors, but if it doesn’t, you can set up a meeting with the chair or supervisor to learn more information about the department and the course(s) that you will be teaching.

Orientation for Professional Instructors

In the fall, the Office of Faculty Development (OFD) co-hosts a general orientation specific to professional instructors with leaders of the Professional Instructors Organization (PIO). This orientation covers the basics of your employment at the university, as well as teaching and learning resources available to you from the OFD.

Learn more about the Fall 2025 Professional Instructor Orientation offered in both in-person and virtual formats. The orientation includes information about your position, the PIO contract, WMU resources, and the opportunity to meet with PIO, Teaching and Learning staff, as well as other professional instructors, and provides ample time for questions.

Additionally, colleges, departments, or programs may provide individualized training or orientations.

Teaching & Learning Resources, Events and Programs

It is the Office of Faculty Development’s goal to foster community-based teaching and learning for all faculty at WMU. With this in mind, the Teaching & Learning Team hosts several events each year that include workshops, professional development opportunities, and chances to engage with your colleagues across the university. Working together, Instructional Design & Development, Instructional Technology, and the Office of Faculty Development collaborate with departments, programs, and individuals across campus to identify the pedagogical and technological needs of those involved in creating learning experiences. We offer a multitude of ways for all WMU instructors to get the help they need from our teams—including time-saving resources, informative events, learning communities, customized one-on-one support, and much more.

Teaching & Learning Events
Teaching & Learning Resources for Instructors
- Wondering how to get started with your class? Check out the Semester To-do List.
- Explore great ideas for instruction, including articles, activities, and more.
Instructional Technology support, including support with E-learning, Accessibility, and Media Services to support your teaching

Instructional Development Grants for PIO

Western agrees to provide a minimum of six thousand dollars ($6,000) each year of the WMU-PIO AFT/AFL-CIO Agreement to be used to support teaching and learning proposals from bargaining unit members. Proposals are also encouraged from groups of professional instructors, departments, and interdepartmental consortia of professional instructors. Topics of proposals may include, but are not limited to: program development, continuing self-education, and international education. Proposals will be reviewed through a process developed by the Office of Faculty Development and approved by the Office of the Provost.

Learn More

Professional Instructors Organization

For Professional Instructors who are eligible to be a part of the PIO, your rights are governed by Professional Instructors Organization’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. The PIO, the local union that negotiates this agreement, works collaboratively with the Office of Faculty Development to offer assistance to any professional instructor who may need it, or has general questions regarding their position or their contract. If you’d like to know more about the PIO, how to get involved, or have any general questions, visit: https://piowmu.com/.

Additional information related to the PIO:

WMU Professional Instructors Organization Agreements

Professional Instructor Annual Performance Reviews