Adjunct Instructor - Geography

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 Human 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, Geography of US and Canada, and Geography of Michigan as well as other upper-level courses as determined by instructor qualification and departmental needs.

This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired as needed to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis.

For in-person or hybrid teaching positions:
Courses are to be taught in person on Ferris State University's Big Rapids Campus. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.

For 100% online teaching positions:
Courses are to be taught online. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan*, Illinois (excluding Chicago), Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin after acceptance of employment. Please note, if you relocate after being hired to a state not listed above, your employment at Ferris will not continue. (
* If you reside in Michigan, the position will be part of the Ferris Non-Tenure Track Faculty Organization - FNTFO, except for DCCL and clinical adjuncts in the College of Health Professions, Pharmacy, and the Michigan College of Optometry).

The anticipated start date of these positions is January 2026 or August 2026, based on the department needs. Position Type:
Faculty - Temporary & Continuing Required

Education:

Master's degree in Geography Required

Work Experience:

Higher education teaching experience. Required Licenses and

Certifications:

Physical Demands:

* Office Environment

* Bending

* Carrying

* Moving

* Reaching

* Sitting

* Driving

* Repetitive movement

* Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Ph.D. in Geography with relevant specialty as determined by course needs.

At least two years of higher education teaching experience and some online teaching experience. Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Teaching a variety of Geography courses which may include:
Introductory courses in 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).

Responsibilities include maintaining the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable laws, policies and procedures.

Faculty members also have professional responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students) and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (i.e. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.

Operate university motor or personal vehicles safely while carrying out job responsibilities.

Cultivates 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.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification area. Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

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.

Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Effective interpersonal skills.

Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Required Documents:

* Cover Letter

* Curriculum Vitae

* Unofficial Transcript 1

* Teaching Philosophy

Optional Documents:
Unofficial Transcript 2 Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED):
Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of Master's degree in Geography. Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an…