Adjunct Instructor - Communications, Spring 2026 (Open Call)

Location: Main Campus – Orem. Division: VP Academic Affairs. Job type: Adjunct/Overload Teaching. Job number: FY2604932. Closing: Continuous.

About the role

Utah Valley University is seeking dedicated Communications Adjunct Instructors to join its dynamic faculty and help prepare students for success in a wide range of professional fields. The role involves teaching courses in communication, mentoring students, and contributing to curriculum development and program support.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and teach communication courses (e.g., public speaking, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, media studies) using lectures, discussions, and activities.
• Develop syllabi, lesson plans, assignments, exams, grading rubrics, and instructional materials aligned with department standards and learning objectives.
• Instruct, mentor, and advise students individually and in groups; hold office hours (in person or virtual) to support student success.
• Evaluate student performance through tests, assignments, and presentations; provide timely, constructive feedback and recommend advancement or graduation.
• Maintain and submit accurate records related to attendance, performance, and accountability in accordance with institutional requirements.
• Assist faculty, department chairs, program coordinators, and staff in maintaining effective programs; contribute to curriculum alignment, accreditation standards, and special projects.
• Maintain safe, effective, and inclusive learning environments in classrooms and labs.
• Adhere to academic freedom and professional responsibility standards; engage in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Speech, Rhetoric, Media Studies, or a closely related field, AND at least 2 years of professional experience in communication‑related fields (public relations, journalism, media, corporate communication); OR a master’s degree in one of the listed fields.
• Preferred: Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Communication, Rhetoric, Media Studies, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: College‑level teaching experience, especially in courses such as Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, or Mass Media.
• Preferred: Demonstrated success engaging diverse student populations, including first‑generation, non‑traditional, and underrepresented students.
• Preferred: Experience with curriculum design, assessment, and innovative teaching methods.
• Preferred: Strong record of professional experience in communication‑related fields and evidence of ongoing professional development or scholarship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of communication theory, principles, and practices (public speaking, interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, media studies).
• Ability to develop curriculum and effective instructional strategies at the college level.
• Proficiency in methods for assessing learning outcomes and providing meaningful feedback.
• Awareness of current trends, issues, and technologies in the communication field.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to model effective communication for students.
• Classroom management and instructional skills, including engaging diverse learners.
• Experience with curriculum design, lesson planning, and adapting teaching strategies to different learning styles.
• Ability to evaluate and grade with fairness, consistency, and timeliness.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS) and classroom technology.
• Ability to teach complex concepts in an accessible, student‑centered way and establish rapport with students.
• Capability to adapt to departmental guidelines while bringing creativity to course delivery.
• Effective time management while balancing multiple classes and responsibilities.
• Collaboration skills to work with faculty, staff, and administrators to support program goals.