Adjunct- Instructor for First Year Programs

Job Details

Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.

Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position Description

Eastern University seeks dedicated adjunct instructors to guide first-year students through their transition to college. Instructors will play a pivotal role in mentoring students, facilitating their academic and personal development, and connecting them to campus resources. This is an on-ground adjunct position at the Eastern University’s Saint David’s Campus and includes the instruction of one on-ground course and academic advising responsibilities. Instructors receive an additional stipend in the fall and spring semesters for advising on top of their base adjunct pay during the Fall semester.

Position Responsibilities

1. Completion of INST-149 and FDC 100 Trainings: Before the semester begins, all instructors must complete INST-149, an asynchronous training module covering best practices in advising, campus resources, foundation in Eastern’s mission, and first-year experience strategies, as well as FDC 100 to familiarize themselves with D2L Brightspace.
2. Instruct a 3-credit section of INST-150, Eastern’s first-year experience (FYE) course, delivering pre-built course content focused on critical thinking, faith, justice, reason, career readiness, and campus connections.
3. Meet with students during conference weeks in the fall and before registration in the spring (via in-person or Zoom meetings).
4. Assist students with add/drop, withdrawal, course and major planning, and major declaration while providing general guidance through their first year.
5. Direct students to appropriate campus resources, such as the Center for Career Development, Academic Resource Center (ARC), and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
6. Communicate with assigned INST-150 Teaching Assistants (TAs) regarding student well-being or accommodations.
7. Submit an advising check-in form each semester to the First-Year Team, ensuring timely intervention for struggling students (submission of this form is required for additional advising stipend compensation).
8. Serve as an advocate and mentor, helping students navigate academic and social-emotional challenges.
9. Participate in key First-Year Programming events, such as Faculty Firesides and Service Learning Kick-off.
10. Customize course syllabi while maintaining core curriculum standards.
11. Respond to student emails within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends/holidays.
12. Seek guidance from the First-Year Team when student questions extend beyond the instructor’s knowledge.

Qualifications

1. Masters degree.
2. Experience in teaching, academic advising, mentoring, or student support at the college level preferred.
3. Strong commitment to student success and familiarity with first-year student challenges, especially in a community of diverse and first-generation learners.
4. Willingness to engage with students both in and outside the classroom, fostering a sense of community and support.
5. Adept at fostering respectful, open dialogue on topics related to social justice, faith experiences, and inclusive community.
6. Preference will also be given to those who apply who have an existing EU connection (such as alumni and former/current faculty and staff) who understand Eastern’s core mission and ecumenical culture.
7. Must sign and affirm Eastern University’s doctrinal statement; must submit a statement of faith as per University faculty requirements.

Supplemental Information

Timeline & Commitment: INST-150 Professors mentor students throughout their entire first year (August–May), including potential advising support during move-in periods (e.g., early January). Students transition to their program-specific academic advisor following the completion of their first year.

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.