Assistant Professor of Design Foundations; Graphic Design

The Art and Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is seeking a designer-educator who is enthusiastic about teaching first-year students and design foundations in an undergraduate, student-centered educational environment. The Foundations curriculum in Art and Design introduces critical thinking, experimentation, and creative literacy to undergraduate students in Graphic Design, Photo/Video, and Studio Art.

The position, a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor, will begin August 17, 2026.

We are seeking a practicing designer and educator with a robust creative practice and a commitment to equity-driven pedagogy, who is dedicated to the creative growth of first-year students. The ideal candidate will demonstrate fluency in analog and digital design tools, as well as emerging technology—including, but not limited to, areas such as artificial intelligence, creative coding, extended reality (XR), motion, experiential design, and speculative design.

These areas of technical expertise should be informed by and grounded in inclusive design and a global perspective.

The successful candidate will teach two to three undergraduate studio-based courses per semester. Instructional duties include design foundations (2D Design, Design Thinking and Methods), core classes in graphic design, and general education design courses (Fundamentals of Digital Media Art)—with a focus on developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creative practice, industry-standard software, and cultural competence.

The candidate will be an active participant in our department’s evolving curriculum, which foregrounds inclusive pedagogy, sustainable design, and diverse cultural perspectives in design thinking and practice. We welcome applicants whose practice integrates research, social impact, and technology and who can prepare students for careers at the forefront of graphic design practice.

Salary:
Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 – $98,244/year, $7,523 – $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units per semester, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new faculty establish an active program of research and professional development.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters ohered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities.

Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the

Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and…