Academic Affairs helps create relevant and engaging learning and teaching environments for University of Denver students and faculty. Our unit prepares students for public good discovery by providing high-impact, integrative learning experiences that are foundational to the 4D experience. These experiences realize the potential of the liberal arts at DU by challenging students to become critical, creative thinkers. When students work with faculty mentors and academic advisors to curate meaningful experiences across the curriculum and co-curriculum, they are not only successful in academic pursuits but also in their personal thriving and well-being.
Position Summary
The First-Year Seminar and Advanced Seminar programs were proposed in 2005 to advance undergraduate students’ ability to reflect and integrate learning. Since their inception, the FSEM and ASEM programs have operated independently of each other. This new faculty director position will build greater coherence between these two vital programs that bookend the undergraduate student experience within the common curriculum. We know that part of why students choose DU is the close relationships they will forge with faculty. Many students mistakenly believe that these kinds of relationships occur only in their majors and do not happen until junior or even senior year. But FSEMs and ASEMs are designed to connect students to one of DU’s expert faculty members, usually outside their major. Our DU faculty are deeply committed to building a relationship rich experience, but more than that, they are highly qualified academic thought-leaders who emphasize college-level scholarship and academic rigor and serve as a guide so adjustment to the pace and level of college coursework is successful.
FSEM was created to strengthen a culture of close intellectual contact between DU faculty and students in the transition to university life. The first year of college is a time of profound transition. During this period of adjustment and initiation, first-year seminars provide a welcoming environment in which students may interact with other first-year students, engage with faculty members in small settings, and be introduced to the privileges and responsibilities of an academic community. Faculty have also found the dynamics of a first-year-only seminar uniquely fulfilling; and many have found that participating in the FSEM faculty learning community to be professionally rewarding.
ASEMs were designed for students to take after they have completed all other common curriculum requirements. ASEM classes are intended to support students in connecting their academic experiences in the common curriculum and in major courses, primarily through diverse writing assignments. Studying in this setting, students demonstrate their ability to integrate different perspectives and synthesize diverse ideas through intensive writing on that topic.
Both ASEM and FSEM classes are small, discussion-oriented courses that (re)-introduce students to what it means to think deeply, to talk, read and write critically about ideas outside their intended major. Both types of seminars are designed around thought-provoking topics that will serve as a springboard for honing critical thinking and communication skills and lead toward signature work. The FSEM/ASEM Director has a unique opportunity to strengthen the vision and strategy for both components of the university’s general education experience. Integrating these two academic programs can reinforce our institutional values and build community among students, as when our most vulnerable students thrive, all students benefit. Further, these programs can provide opportunities for faculty professional growth to inspire high-quality learning experiences. This position reports to Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.
This is a 12-month appointment (primary responsibilities during the academic year). The initial appointment for this position is 3 years, with a subsequent opportunity to renew. The position begins July 1, 2024.
Essential Functions
Strategic planning and program implementation that advance integrative learning across the bookended FSEM and ASEM learning experiences. For example:
- Develop vision/strategy to elevate the experiences in each of these two courses in a student’s general education experience.
- Increase faculty collaboration and participation in FSEM/ASEM teaching.
- Revitalize curricular connections between FSEM/ASEM
- Build mentoring pathways (with relevant campus stakeholders) that connect student learning from FSEM to ASEM
Program oversight and operations management in coordination with UAP staff:
- Coordinate requests for proposals.
- Chair proposal review committees.
- Work with Director of Assessment and General Education faculty director to design, administer and evaluate program assessments.
- Serve on the DU general education Central Committee
- Collaborate with other campus partners (for example, Office of Student Success, New Student and Family Programs/Discoveries Orientation, OTL)
Develop and implement professional development to amplify faculty collaboration and high-quality learning experiences through mentoring and relationship building.
- Plan and implement faculty program orientations that emphasize high impact practices and integrative learning in the context of the liberal arts.
- Provide support and development for FSEM faculty in advance of Discoveries Orientation
- Professional development on writing for ASEM faculty
- Energize program innovation opportunities for ASEM and FSEM
- Coordinate faculty development opportunities with other relevant campus stakeholders.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with peers, divisions and senior leadership.
- Ability to collaborate and be comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
- Ability to create effective partnerships.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple projects, pay attention to detail, and work effectively in a fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to think strategically and creatively.
- Ability to handle time-sensitive/confidential information appropriately.
Required Qualifications
- Be appointed as a faculty member in any series at DU with responsibility for regularly teaching undergraduate students.
- Experience teaching FSEM or ASEM
- Experience applying diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in leadership and/or collaboration.
- Demonstrate experience with faculty professional development.
- Possess broad managerial skills and experience, including a proven record of strategic planning.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching FSEM and ASEM
- Administrative experience at DU, including roles that require faculty mentoring and faculty professional. development.
*Research shows that people belonging to structurally marginalized groups often only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of qualifications. We encourage all interested candidates to apply if you feel that most of the above qualifications reflect your experience and expertise.
Working Environment
- Standard office environment.
- Unexpected interruptions occur often, and stress level is moderate to high.
- The noise level is quiet to moderate.
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period.
Work Schedule
While the University's administrative offices are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, faculty schedules vary from term to term and are based on courses taught, service commitments, and research agendas. The University's academic calendars are posted on the registrar's website (the law school is on a semester system and has a different academic calendar).
Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) May 10, 2024.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Karas (Jennifer.karas@du.edu)
Salary Range:
This is a 12-month appointment (primary responsibilities during the academic year) with a $10,500 stipend and 2-course buyout at PROF rate.
The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.
Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.
Please include the following documents with your application:
1. CV
2. Cover letter outlining vision for aligning FSEM and ASEM as key features of the DU Common Curriculum, experience in faculty development, and teaching philosophy for teaching general education courses
3. Letter of support from your department chair or director (this can also be sent as an email to Jennifer.karas@du.edu-- it can be as simple as, “I support this application”).
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.