Attaining the rank of faculty in higher education is much like being inducted into a secret society. Institutional and professional knowledge are shared like secret passwords and handshakes…to new tenure-track faculty. Those on the tenure track receive orientation and participate in mentoring and professional development programs during their first year of employment. These practices provide acclimatization to their new job and integration into the campus community. Such programs are not typically available for part-time faculty at four-year institutions. How, then, do contingent faculty -- especially part-time -- discover the secrets of success? What do seasoned adjunct veterans believe are the essential details that should be passed to new hires? This study examines how part-time faculty obtain the information they need and from whom to succeed in their positions. Data on the relationships between part-time faculty and their sources of information were analyzed and reported utilizing a social network analysis framework. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]