"Adjunct Instructor Of First Year Seminar And Undergraduate Studies"

POSITION SUMMARY: POOLED ADJUNCTS: By applying to this pool, you are not applying for a specific position. You are submitting your application to be considered for adjunct appointments that may become available at Southern Oregon University during the posted triennium. Adjuncts are for specific temporary, part-time, limited-duration teaching positions. Positions can be one term (thirteen weeks) or multiple terms as needed. Your application will be kept on file and you will be contacted if a position becomes available that matches your educational background and experience. You can withdraw your application from the pool at any time. This pool will be refreshed triennially and you will be notified by hrs@sou.edu of the requirement to re-apply for continued consideration.

Each applicant is encouraged to provide (preferably as attachments to the online application) the following supplemental documents: (1) a letter providing some detail of the applicant's qualifications and interest in the position; (2) a current resume/CV; and (3) an unofficial copy of all post-secondary transcripts. Optional supplemental documents may include teaching philosophy, teaching evaluations, and/or letters of recommendation.

For inquiries and additional information, please contact Human Resource Services via email at hrs@sou.edu or call 541-552-8553.

Division: School of Undergraduate Studies and University Library
Job Family Group: Faculty
FLSA Status: Exempt
Appointment Basis: Temporary
Time Type: Part-time
Benefits Eligible: No
This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check: Yes
Remote Work Type: As determined by the position
Visa Sponsorship: This employer will not sponsor applicants for visas.

Rate of Pay: The anticipated rate is $650/ELU for non-terminally prepared adjunct instructors (term-by-term) and $750/ELU for terminally prepared adjunct instructors (term-by-term). Graduate-level courses may be paid at a higher rate. A typical 4-credit course is loaded at 4 ELU.

Full-Time-Equivalency: Typically, less than 7.5 ELU, but up to 15 ELU per term or 45 ELU per year for 1.0 full-time equivalence.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Individuals appointed from this pool will have the primary responsibility for teaching and advising within the area of Undergraduate Studies including: -First-year Writing Seminar sequence courses -Writing Workshops (foundational skills) -Other courses within Writing and UGS as needed -Advising students in the writing courses. Undergraduate Studies is home to the SOU General Education program. Students take classes to develop their capacity for Purposeful Learning, Communication & Expression, Creativity & Innovation, Inquiry & Analysis, Numerical Literacy, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Practical skill building and relevant knowledge deemed applicable to many areas of study. As a fully accredited four-year university guided by innovation, a degree earned at SOU holds strong value because it is built on applied learning and essential skills.

General Education Purposeful Learning Capacity: Students complete their Purposeful Learning Capacity in Seminar Writing (WR) 121z, 122z, and 123. By connecting students to their education through ownership and individually defining self-reflection goals, students connect with others and adapt cross-disciplinary skills to transfer to an ever-changing world. Seminar consists of three segments, WR 121z Composition I, WR 122z Composition II, and WR 123 Composition III. SOU General Education learning outcomes are infused with state common course numbering for maximum transferability and to ensure student success. Seminar Writing courses focus on transitioning to college, student success, and strengthening academic skills for any major, minor, or certificate. Much of the instruction in Undergraduate Studies centers on teaching in theme-focused, skill-based seminars. While each seminar sequence offers subtle variations in content and delivery, all courses prioritize the common course assignments meeting the requirements for state and Purposeful Learning Capacity learning goals. The first two sections of Seminar Writing, WR 121z and WR 122z, are common course state-numbered and reflect the state-prescribed course descriptions and learning outcomes. Also applied to each section are the SOU general education learning outcomes for Purposeful Learning.

Interesting Topics and Content Areas: Faculty members tailor courses around different focused themes and/or content topics. Whether the themes and/or basic content is linked to the humanities, the social sciences, or the sciences (and, for example, many seminars and other courses are highly interdisciplinary), all courses share the common goal of building solid communication, critical thinking, and research and writing skills that students will use throughout their time at SOU and beyond. Typically, Adjunct Instructors assume an ongoing topic and/or course syllabus that has already been developed and work closely with a faculty mentor.

Innovative Teaching: Seminars and other courses offer an innovative teaching and collaborative learning environment. Courses are designed to be challenging, engaging, interactive, and participatory. All seminars offer practice with writing, thinking, reading, and dialogue. Faculty and student peers work closely with learners producing clear and timely responses to learners' coursework. The teaching is responsive and dialogic.

Caring Advisors: Within the seminar cohorts, SOU offers a personalized, supportive, integrated and holistic learning experience where specific skills develop as learners explore their interests and acclimate to university study. Seminar instructors, in particular, also serve as academic advisors and mentors to students enrolled in their own seminars, helping learners better navigate the many learning paths available at SOU. Even when not officially advising in a seminar cohort, those who teach in the School of Undergraduate Studies & the University Library are expected to be available for consultations as needed and committed to the growth and well-being of SOU students.

Specific Courses within the School of Undergraduate Studies and the University Library: Undergraduate Studies is responsible for overseeing the following programs and courses, and Instructors may be called on to teach the learning goals within different programs via these courses, depending largely on the instructor's experience and areas of expertise: Seminar Courses: Seminar (WR 121z, WR 122z, and WR 123), Seminar Support Courses (UGS 185, UGS 187, and UGS 199). Transition to College Courses: Bridge Program Courses.

Necessary Attributes, Experience and Skills: Adjunct Instructors, Undergraduate Studies: Those who would like to be considered for positions as Adjunct Instructors in Undergraduate Studies should have the following skills, attributes, and experience to qualify for consideration: Demonstrated ability to teach process writing skills, including pre-draft, draft, revision, and final product, including being able to teach the various prose forms and the research essay. Experience working with first-year students or first-generation students. Experience teaching undergraduate seminar courses, and/or writing-intensive courses. Experience with student advising, particularly in relation to helping students transition to university culture and university-level learning. Demonstrated teaching ability working with a diverse population of undergraduates, including those with mixed academic achievement who enter the university from various economic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion are key values at SOU, and Instructors must be comfortable and familiar with a diverse student population. Experience with the technology needed to teach a course that relies on electronic classroom platforms, particularly platforms like Moodle, Canvas, or Blackboard (not, however, focused on teaching via completely online delivery) and using library databases. Please note: with few exceptions, the courses in Undergraduate Studies are designed to be delivered as face-to-face instruction, not online instruction. Commitment to student learning, retention, support, and assessment is critical.

Minimum Qualifications: Most positions are anticipated to be hired at the adjunct instructor level. Adjunct Instructor (term-by-term): Initial appointment at the rank of Instructor requires a Master's or terminal degree in the discipline taught or a related field; OR a Bachelor's degree in the discipline taught, or a related field, plus equivalency of Master's degree in years of professional experience in the field. Demonstrated teaching potential. Familiarity with the appropriate equipment as required for the discipline. Adjunct Assistant Professor: Initial appointment at the rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor requires a terminal degree in the discipline taught or a related field; OR a Master's degree in the discipline taught, or a related field, and is in the process of completing the appropriate terminal degree. Demonstrated teaching potential. Familiarity with the appropriate equipment as required for the discipline.

Preferred Qualifications: Adjunct Instructor (term-by-term): Master's degree in the discipline taught, or a related field. Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and active participation in the life of the institution. Commitment to student learning, retention, support, and assessment are critical. Adjunct Assistant Professor: Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, development of a record of scholarship, and active participation in the life of the institution and profession. Work experience that equates to one-academic year of full-time college teaching, or one-academic year of the combination of part-time teaching experience while a graduate student. Professional experience in the field related to teaching assignment, particularly if working with more advanced students.

Duties (100%): The primary responsibility of a faculty member is teaching. Teaching encompasses normal instructional activities beyond the teaching of assigned courses such as academic advising, working with students outside of class, posting and maintaining appropriate office hours, course and curriculum planning, etc. Efforts associated with teaching may include, but are not limited to: preparation; direct instruction; assessment; student contact outside of class (office hours, appointments, email); presenting complex concepts to a group of diverse learners; listening; understanding and responding to student questions in real-time/in a classroom environment; and applying critical judgment to student work, both written and verbal delivery of information. Efforts associated with lab/workshop may include: providing students with practical experience using instrumentation and equipment in a way that enables student learning and ensures safety; simultaneously monitoring and managing multiple students individually and in groups; demonstrating and executing complex procedures; and using complex instrumentation and hazardous materials. Incumbents appointed to multiple terms of teaching may require professional development and service. Professional Development includes maintaining currency in the discipline taught. Service includes program and institutional administrative, committee, and student support and retention activities. In addition to teaching and service, the primary responsibilities at the professorial level include participation in scholarly and/or creative activities, including mentoring student research projects, often related to the successful candidate's research program.

Physical Characteristics: Activities may involve standing, sitting, working at a computer, and lecturing.

Special Conditions: Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development. Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check. Under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), this position classification is defined as exempt and is not subject to overtime regulations. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the Oregon Revised Statutes and is required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Oregon Department of Human Services. This position is intended not to be benefits eligible. Should employment conditions warrant eligibility, the incumbent will be notified by the HR Benefits Officer. For additional information, please visit https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/benefits.html or call (541) 552-8553. Conditions of Employment: Workload expectations are outlined in the APSOU CBA, Article 19. Teaching assignments may include First Year Seminar, online and/or hybrid courses, Medford and Ashland campus classes, and day, evening, and weekend courses. Compensation: Any formally approved and authorized salary change shall automatically amend this contract.