Adjunct Instructor - Journalism and Mass Communication

Adjunct Instructors for Journalism and Mass Communication

The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for adjunct instructors to teach undergraduate courses in journalism, mass communication and related professional fields. Courses may be taught face-to-face, online or in a hybrid format, depending on departmental needs.

Adjunct instructors provide high-quality instruction grounded in current academic knowledge, professional practices and ethical standards. The instructor will help students develop the knowledge, critical-thinking abilities and practical communication skills necessary for academic success and professional work in journalism, media and communication-related industries.

Teaching assignments may include introductory or specialized courses in areas such as journalism, reporting and writing, media law and ethics, digital media, multimedia production, broadcast journalism, sports media, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, social media, visual communication, film and video production or other areas consistent with the instructor's academic preparation and professional experience.

Appointments are made on a course-by-course and semester-by-semester basis according to enrollment, curricular needs and the qualifications of the applicant. An adjunct appointment does not guarantee continued employment or a particular teaching assignment in future semesters.

The adjunct instructor will:

• Teach assigned undergraduate courses in accordance with approved course descriptions, learning outcomes, departmental expectations and university policies.
• Develop or adapt syllabi, course schedules, assignments, instructional materials and assessments appropriate to the assigned course.
• Prepare and deliver organized, engaging and academically rigorous instruction in face-to-face, online or hybrid learning environments.
• Incorporate relevant professional practices, technologies, ethical principles and contemporary issues into course instruction.
• Clearly communicate course requirements, grading standards, deadlines and expectations to students.
• Evaluate student performance through assignments, examinations, projects, presentations, portfolios or other appropriate forms of assessment.
• Provide students with substantive, constructive and timely feedback.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades and student performance.
• Submit grades, attendance reports and other required documentation by established university deadlines.
• Maintain regular communication with students and respond to student questions within a reasonable period.
• Establish and communicate appropriate office hours or other opportunities for student consultation.
• Create an inclusive, respectful and academically responsible learning environment.
• Identify and refer students to appropriate university resources when academic or personal concerns affect their performance.
• Use the university's learning management system and other required instructional technologies.
• Protect student privacy and comply with applicable university policies and legal requirements, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Communicate regularly with the department chair, program director or designated course coordinator regarding course progress, student concerns and instructional needs.
• Participate in orientation, training, assessment or departmental meetings when required.
• Support departmental and university efforts related to student learning, program assessment, academic integrity and continuous improvement.
• Perform other instructional duties reasonably associated with the assigned course.

Applicants must possess:

• A master's degree in journalism, mass communication, communication, media studies or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution; or
• A master's degree in another field with at least 18 graduate credit hours in the teaching discipline; or
• A combination of academic preparation and substantial professional experience that the university determines to be appropriate for the assigned course.
• Demonstrated knowledge or professional expertise in the subject area to be taught.
• Effective written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ability to organize course content, meet deadlines and maintain accurate academic records.
• The ability to work effectively with undergraduate students from varied backgrounds and levels of preparation.
• The ability and willingness to use instructional technology and the university's learning management system.

Preference may be given to applicants who possess one or more of the following:

• A terminal degree in journalism, mass communication, communication or a related field (Ph.D. or M.F.A.)
• Previous college-level teaching experience.
• Professional experience in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, film and video production, advertising, public relations, strategic communication, social media, sports media or a…