Adjunct Instructor 3 - Forensics/Debate & Communication (3 year appointment)

Summary of Position:

The Humanities Department seeks applications for a Level 3 adjunct instructor in Forensics/Debate & Communication. This is a 3-year (9-month) appointment. This position may carry a dual responsibility of teaching and up to a 50% coaching load. The primary duties are to serve as the Coach of the Forensics/Debate Team and to teach two foundational undergraduate communication courses. Forensics/Debate Team Coach (up to 50%) The Coach will lead a dynamic and comprehensive forensics program, which may include individual events, various debate formats, and other relevant competitive activities. Responsibilities include: Overseeing team operations, including planning and organizing travel, budgeting, and student recruitment and retention. Collaborating closely with departmental leadership and the Communication Area Coordinator. Advising the university’s chapter of Pi Kappa Delta (chartered in 1960), with opportunities to engage with the national alumni chapter. The program benefits from over 65 years of strong institutional support and a tradition of excellence grounded in the values of Pi Kappa Delta. Teaching Responsibilities The selected candidate will teach two or more core undergraduate courses in Communication. These may include, but are not limited to Public Speaking, Small Group Decision Making and Interpersonal Communication. Depending on departmental needs and the candidate’s qualifications, there may be opportunities to teach upper-level courses in the Communication curriculum. Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site. The start date for this position is August 2025.

Position Type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing

Required Education: Masters degree in Communication or related field.

Required Work Experience: Experience in Forensics and Debate Experience teaching undergraduate courses in Public Speaking.

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Bending
• Carrying
• Moving
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Driving
• Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Ph.D. in Communication or related field preferred. Experience teaching undergraduate courses in Interpersonal Communication and/or Small Group Communication.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: The Forensics/Debate Team Coach responsibilities include coordinating a comprehensive forensics program. This may include but is not limited to: individual events and debate and/or other appropriate activities. The Forensics/Debate Team Coach will work with Department leadership on budget, team travel, and recruitment and retention; and with the Communication Area Coordinator in a mutually supportive fashion. The Forensics/Debate Team Coach will have the opportunity to serve as Advisor of the Pi Kappa Delta chapter on campus, The primary duties of this position are 1): to serve as the Forensics/Debate Team Coach (up to 50% load), which includes coaching and traveling in person with the University’s Forensics/Debate Team; and 2) to teach two or more basic undergraduate Communication courses, such as Public Speaking, Small Group Decision Making, and/or Interpersonal Communication. Depending on the needs of the Department and the qualifications of the candidate, additional opportunities may be available to teach other upper-level communication courses. Faculty members also have professional responsibilities that may include continuing professional development; participation in curriculum development and university committees; orientation, recruitment, and registration of students; keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (i.e. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment. Teach undergraduate courses in Public Speaking Operates university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities. 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. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Skills and Abilities: Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to be able to work effectively with a diverse array of students and colleagues. Ability to provide structured learning experiences with clear learning outcomes. Ability to drive to teaching assignments and Forensics/Debate tournaments during both day and night hours. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript 1
• Teaching Philosophy

Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of a Masters degree in Communication or related field. Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Attach a copy of unofficial transcript of a Ph.D. in Communication or related field (if applicable as described in the Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered section). Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.