Visiting Assistant Professor, Political Science

Job Description

Job Description

This position is fully in-person (not remote or hybrid).

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science is expected to be a high-quality teacher and advisor with excellent communication, and interpersonal skills; have an understanding of the curriculum; be engaged in scholarship, publications, and research in the discipline. Responsibilities include but are not limited to teaching introduction to American government, policy analysis, state and local politics, Constitutional Law, Black political thought, civil rights and civil liberties, research methods, senior investigative paper, criminal law, and courts. Must be ABD or hold a Ph.D. in Political Science or public policy. Experience or strong interest in shaping a growing pre-law program preferred. The Faculty member reports to their Department Chair. This position is tenure-track.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Faculty are responsible for teaching twelve credit hours of course work each semester specified by their credentials and the Department Chair; meet regularly all classes during their assigned meeting times and for their fully scheduled class period, canceling class only according to University guidelines, and hold 10 hours of office hours per week, with five hours being regularly scheduled and the remaining five held by appointments. All faculty are expected to teach major and non-majors courses.

Serve on University committees or offices, as allowed by tenure status, i.e. non-tenure track, tenure-track, tenured.

Attend regularly, all program, department, college, and faculty meetings.

Maintain accurate records of class attendance and performance in all courses as necessary, and report non-attendance to registrar as requested per the Senior Vice President for Academic affairs.

Support proper assessment of all associated programs, including major degree programs and Liberal Studies.

Assign course grades in keeping with University guidelines and provide mid-term and final grades on the date and time assigned.

Attend University functions, e.g. Founder’s Day Exercises, Commencement, and any other University convocations.

Participate in University-Sponsored faculty development programs, such as workshops, conferences, and technology professional development workshops.

Follow all classroom procedures as described in the Faculty Handbook and provide proper and timely feedback to student assignments.

Conduct research as defined by University guidelines.

Participate in community activities as part of University service commitment. Participate in professional organizations as part of faculty development.

Seek to support University curricula and programs through grant writing.

Maintain University guidelines of professional conduct in the classroom and on other occasions with students and other members of the University community.

Participate in student and faculty evaluation procedures.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Earned PhD or EdD in Political Science or public policy. Applicants who are ABD and a defense date by May 2025 will be considered. All degrees must be from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Official transcripts will have to be provided upon hire. Previous experience in teaching excellence with undergraduate students. Successful applicants must be able to teach introductory and upper-division courses, in all areas of political science. We will consider an individual's record working with students and colleagues with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We will also consider the applicant's experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to academic success as well as commitment to service learning and community engagement.

Record of scholarly publication or show promise to be able to produce scholarly publications.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of current teaching and learning strategies to facilitate and promote student-centered learning.

Demonstrated experience of successful interaction with academically and culturally diverse student populations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience serving as an advisor to student-based organizations.

Effective experience in grant proposal writing, with successful track-record in securing grant funding.

Active engagement in a professional organization related to the discipline.

Experience in effectively supervising undergraduate research and record of student publication and/or presentations at professional conferences.

Experience with professional presentations at scholarly or practitioner state, regional, and/or national conferences.

Documented experience with experiential learning strategies and curricula.

The statements here are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Supplemental Information:

Finalists for this position are subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

Files to be submitted are 1) Letter of Application; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Statement of Teaching Philosophy; 4) Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official transcripts will be required of all finalists); 5) Three signed Letters of Recommendation on letterhead from individuals familiar with the candidate's teaching abilities are also required.