Adjunct Faculty - Graphic Design

Summary of Position:

Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) in Grand Rapids, MI, prepares artists and designers to have impact through practice. Responsibilities for a KCAD adjunct faculty member include syllabus and class preparation, instruction during scheduled course time, providing reasonable availability to students for consultation and assistance with respect to assigned course(s), evaluation of student performance, submission of final grades on the FSU Banner system, and archiving of both course material and student work as requested by the program chair and/or the Dean of the College. The mission of the Graphic Design program of Ferris State University's Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) is to graduate problem-solving, critical-thinking design innovators and creative communicators who are skilled in the latest technology, able to work collaboratively in a studio environment, and are passionate about art, design, and contemporary culture. Teaching assignments within the BFA Graphic Design Program include a series of introductory to intermediate design-related content and software/technology-based courses, for example, introductory and immediate typography, publication design and production management, and contemporary media (web and application design). This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired as needed to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis.  Courses are to be taught in person on KCAD’s campus in Grand Rapids, MI. Online course delivery may be an option. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment. The anticipated start date of this position is August 2025 at the earliest and January 2026 at the latest. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.

Required Education:

Master's degree in a related field to content being taught or: Master’s degree in unrelated field and additional minimum of 18 graduate credits in a field related to the content being taught. or: A bachelor’s degree in a related field to content being taught, a minimum of six (6) years of experience working in the field of industry of the content area being taught, and a combination of: Evidence of recognized accomplishment in area being taught, including awards, bibliography of publication referencing design or art work or scholarship or; Evidence of scholarly/creative accomplishment in terms of completed design work, patents, exhibitions, presentations, publication, and juried recognition at the regional, national and international level or; Evidence of service to the field in terms of memberships on committees or boards of professional organizations and other contributions to the field.

Required Work Experience:

Minimum of five (5) years of professional-level practice in graphic design. Experience with the design process and workflow, including but not limited to critical thinking, creative review, industry-standard software, concepting, art direction, production processes and management, typography, and web and application design.

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

Prior teaching experience (adjunct or full-time). Knowledge of design history, contemporary industry/technological trends, digital photography, and package design.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Prepare and distribute syllabi and class materials according to college standards. Teach appropriate courses as assigned. Assess and evaluate student learning and provide formative feedback throughout the duration of the course. Keep regular posted office hours. Evaluate student performance. Submit midterm and final grades. Display and archive course material and student work as requested by program chair and/or the Dean of the College. Contribute to the college’s continuous improvement. Maintain effective communication with students and colleagues. Work collaboratively with faculty, students, and staff throughout the college. Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives. Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Skills and Abilities:

Adobe CC, specifically Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Typography and typesetting. Ability to direct multiple student projects, engage in project-based assessment. Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Portfolio 1

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial Transcript 1 (Required): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcripts of degree as described in the Required Education section. Transcripts must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript. Portfolio 1 (Required): Portfolio should include no less than 20 examples of professional or personal work, demonstrating particular skills as they pertain to the position posting. Examples of student work, if applicable.