Adjunct Instructor - Geography (Part-time, Temporary)
About the role
The Social and Behavioral Sciences Department in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education seeks applicants to provide instruction for a variety of face-to-face and online Geography courses on the Big Rapids, MI campus. Needs vary from semester to semester and may include introductory courses in World Regional Geography, Cultural Geography, Weather and Climate, Physical Geography, and GIS as well as upper-level courses as determined by instructor qualification and departmental needs.
Responsibilities
- Teach a variety of Geography courses which may include: Introductory courses in GIS, Weather and Climate, Physical Geography, World Regional Geography, or Cultural Geography; some higher level courses in Michigan Geography, Geography of U.S. and Canada, Medical Geography, or others as determined by instructor specialty and department needs.
- Provide up-to-date coursework and course-related materials.
- Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment.
- Keep office hours at times convenient for students.
- Meet with classes at their scheduled times.
- Effective teaching by way of good communication, assessment of student learning, and adaptation to various levels of student preparation.
- Carry out teaching and professional development responsibilities under the supervision of the Social Sciences Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (or their designee).
- Operate a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities.
- Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
- Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Geography; GIS, Physical Geography, or Human Geography specialties within the Master's Degree may apply for some courses.
- Higher education teaching experience.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Geography with relevant specialty as determined by course needs.
- At least two years of higher education teaching experience and some on-line teaching experience.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to travel to teaching assignments and events during both day and evening hours.
- Ability to provide structured learning experiences utilizing official course learning outcomes.
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Pay
Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FSU and FNTFO/AFT Agreement. Salary is $1,458 per credit hour.
Schedule
This is a part-time, temporary position. Anticipated start dates for these positions are August 2026 or January 2027, depending on departmental needs.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Pay
Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FSU and FNTFO/AFT Agreement. Salary is $1,458 per credit hour.
Union Group
Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT)
Term of Position
As Needed
At Will/Just Cause
Just Cause
EEO Statement
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.