University Studies Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Applicant Pool)

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26070

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Tara Sewell-Lasater

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Classification Title Instructor

Working Title University Studies Non-Tenure Track Faculty (Applicant Pool)

Brief Position Overview

The University Studies program seeks instructors to teach the following class depending on need and available funding:

US101US First-Year Seminar

Faculty Tenure Track No

Faculty Rank Non-Tenure Track

Position Number 4A6460

Department University Studies

Division University College

Appointment Type Non-Tenure Track (Pooled)

Contract Term Semester

Semester Fall

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation Contact HR for Determination

FTE 0.20 - 0.60

Benefits Eligible Depends on FTE (please contact Human Resources - View phone number on click.appcast.io)

Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana State University seeks qualified individuals to provide non-tenurable level instruction and/or related functions. Instructors are needed to teach classes depending upon need and available funding.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis (unless otherwise indicated) and will be maintained in pool for two years. After two years, candidates will be notified to re-submit materials for continued consideration.

The department or program search committees or hiring authority will review and evaluate the submitted application materials. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the non-tenure track faculty hiring pool.

Appointments are on a part-time basis for one semester at a time, depending on the specific needs of the department/program. There is more need for instructors during fall semesters. There is limited to no need during spring semesters. Salary is dependent on number of courses taught and duration.

We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, possess effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of the students and the mission of Montana State University.

Duties and Responsibilities

US 101US instructors teach in a dynamic University community and demonstrate an ability to help students from diverse backgrounds succeed. Specific duties include:

• Teaching one or more on-campus sections.

• Evaluating student written work, oral presentations and class participation and providing timely feedback.

• Submitting student grades by the University’s deadlines

• Following the shared curriculum for the course.

• Advising and assisting students.

• Participating in mandatory pre-semester training and weekly faculty meetings.

• Collaborating with fellow faculty and the Program Directors to continuously improve the program and teaching effectiveness.

• Meeting regularly with, collaborating with, and evaluating a peer mentor, if one is assigned to your section.

• Contributing as required to institutional assessment as well as overall program assessment.

• Utilizing required technology, including the Canvas learning management system and the University’s grade submission system.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field or a related field

• Demonstrated experience working with and engaging a wide range of students and colleagues

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Academic/professional experience, particularly in first-year courses.

• Demonstrated experience teaching interdisciplinary courses.

• Demonstrated knowledge of college student development.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Relate to freshmen and develop classroom rapport with students.

• Mentor and support students from all backgrounds and a wide range of interests.

• Exhibit effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty and staff.

• Be committed to working with student peer mentors to promote Seminar goals.

• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Be skilled in pedagogy that actively engages students in the learning process.

• Take initiative and work well independently.

• Provide effective leadership within their classroom and assume responsibility for organization and program activities.

• Contribute positively to the intellectual discourse within the department.

• Be skilled at facilitating discussions that engage multiple perspectives respectfully and productively.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

The position for which you have applied MAY BE a Union position. Union affiliation is determined by job duties and the collective bargaining unit.

• Non-Tenure Track Faculty – Any position that is .5 FTE or more is represented by the Associated Faculty of Montana State University ( AFMSU ). Faculty covered by AFMSU may choose to pay membership dues. This is a condition of employment. Additional information can be found at AFMSU ( or by emailing AFSMU (View email address on click.appcast.io) .

• Any position less than .5 FTE is not represented by the Union and is not required to pay dues.

• If the FTE changes during employment, the representational status of this position could be impacted.

• Exceptions: Anyone having successfully completed a PEI exam or any faculty working in Extension are exempt from the Union.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The Program

US 101US is an interdisciplinary, academic first-year experience course, taught seminar style, that builds communication and critical thinking skills while facilitating students’ transition to college. The course examines questions of place, identity, and important societal issues. US 101US fulfills the University Seminar (US) requirement of the Core curriculum. US core courses provide a venue where students engage in rigorous academic discussions that promote critical thinking, learning, and understanding in a supportive and collegiate environment.

Through completion of the US core, students will: 1) demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving abilities; 2) hone communication skills through varied writing assignments and oral presentations; and 3) investigate what it means to be a local and global citizen.

The Department

University Studies is the academic home for exploring students, those who want to explore the degrees and majors offered at MSU prior to declaring. University Studies also works with continuing students who are transitioning between majors. In University Studies, we offer complete academic advising for our students, as well as Pre-Med students, Pre-Law students, the Leadership Certificate, and students in transition. We teach approximately 45 sections of US101US each academic year, along with sections of COMX 111US, HLD 121US, and several additional 1-credit exploratory and success courses.

One of the objectives of University Studies is to contribute to a successful first year for MSU undergraduates. Through personalized academic advising and engaging seminar instruction, we empower students to explore their interests, clarify their goals, and develop the intellectual skills needed to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of college life.

The College

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies Multiple Positions

Desired Start Date Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants will be notified if their application is being retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Applications will be accepted and screened for the duration of this pool.

Special Instructions

Review of applications for fall teaching appointments will begin in late March/early April. Screening, interviews, and hiring for fall teaching will continue as needed throughout the summer. Review of applications will be on a continual basis and will continue until the position(s) are filled. Applicants are retained in the hiring pool for up to two years.

Please provide a statement of teaching philosophy that addresses your interest and experience working with college students, particularly first-year students, your understanding of college student development, and how your approach to teaching aligns with interdisciplinary thinking.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.