Adjunct Instructor - Journalism and Mass Communication

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

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Position Summary

• 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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

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 related field.

• Experience teaching online or hybrid courses.

• Familiarity with contemporary media technologies, professional software and digital publishing platforms.

• Evidence of effective teaching, such as student evaluations, peer observations, course materials or teaching awards.

• Experience mentoring students or supervising professional, creative or experiential-learning projects.

• A record of professional, creative or scholarly accomplishment relevant to the teaching assignment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of current developments, professional expectations and ethical issues within journalism and mass communication.

• The ability to translate professional or scholarly expertise into effective undergraduate instruction.

• The ability to explain complex concepts clearly and connect theory with professional practice.

• Skill in evaluating student work fairly and consistently.

• The ability to provide constructive feedback that supports student development.

• Professional judgment, dependability and attention to detail.

• The ability to work collegially with faculty, staff and administrators.

• A commitment to academic integrity, student learning and professional ethical standards.

• The ability to adapt instruction to different course formats and student needs.

Online Teaching Responsibilities

Adjunct instructors assigned to online courses must also:

• Maintain an organized and accessible online course site.

• Provide regular instructor presence through announcements, discussions, feedback, recorded materials or other forms of interaction.

• Communicate clearly regarding weekly expectations, assignments and deadlines.

• Respond to student communications within the timeframe established by the department or university.

• Follow university standards for online course design, accessibility and student engagement.

• Complete any required online-teaching orientation or certification.

Physical and Technical Requirements

The position may require the ability to:

• Use a computer and standard instructional, communication and learning-management technologies.

• Communicate effectively in classroom and online settings.

• Remain stationary or move within a classroom or instructional facility for reasonable periods.

• Operate or supervise the use of media-production equipment when required by the assigned course.

• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Appointment and Work Schedule

Adjunct instructors are part-time employees appointed to teach one or more courses during a designated academic term. Course assignments, delivery formats and schedules are determined by departmental needs and may include daytime, evening or online instruction. Compensation is based on the number of courses or credit hours taught and applicable university policies.

Continued appointment is contingent upon satisfactory performance, student enrollment, funding, departmental need and compliance with university policies and procedures.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.